Washing Instructions

Note on Detergents: If you are using laundry detergent, DO NOT use one with bleaches, whiteners, softeners or any added ingredients. The least expensive, unscented ones are best. You may also use Shaklee Basic-H, Dawn dish soap, Louet Fiber Master, Kookaburra Wool scouring Formula, EcoScour ect. Kalaya Farms recommends Eco-scour. Different waters may require different detergents and water from a softener will always do a more thorough job than untreated hard water. If you have hard water, and no water softener, adding washing soda to the water at each step (before adding the fiber back into the container) will help ensure a better wash.

Top Loading Washing Machine Instructions

Fill with pure hot water. When full, turn off the machine and mix in detergent. Avoid making a lot of suds. The water will feel slightly slippery when you have added enough detergent. If you have hard water you may want to add washing soda to the water to help your water do a better job with less washings. 3 to 4 times the amount of detergent that you would use for a heavy load is a good guideline. Different breeds have differing amounts of dirt & lanolin naturally, so adjust accordingly.
You may want to enclose your fiber loosely in mesh laundry bags (no more than _ full to allow the fiber to move freely) or keep it loose as you prefer. The mesh bags will keep loose fiber out of your washer's drain pump.
Gently push the fiber down into the water. You may want to use a stick or waterproof gloves to protect your hands from the hot water. DO NOT STIR OR MOVE THE WOOL AROUND ANY MORE THAN NECESSARY or you will felt it. Handle the fiber as little as possible!
Close the lid and soak for 30 minutes. I often add heavy blankets on top of the machine to help insulate it and keep the water hot.
Set the machine to the "spin only" cycle and turn it back on to spin out the wash water. Do not wring your fiber out!
Feel the wet fiber, if it doesn't feel squeaky clean, put it through another wash. If your breed has a lot of wool grease, it will need a second wash. If so, repeat steps 1 to 5. Be sure to remove the fiber before refilling the tub each time. You don't want to EVER run water over your wool.
Remove the fiber and clean out the washing machine with an old rag. Refill with hot water, slightly cooler (but no more than 5-10 degrees) and add fiber to clear water. Let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
Spin to extract the water as before. Repeat one more rinse, again removing fiber before refilling. It is OK to use warn water to rinse as long as it is the same temperature as the fiber at this point. The rinse water should be clear. If not, spin the water out & refill the washer for one more rinse. Be sure to remove fiber before adding water.
Spread the fiber on mesh screens to dry in thin layers. Fluff the fiber now and again to aid in the drying.
Be sure your fiber is completely dry before preparing for shipping!

Bath Tub or Tub Instructions

Fill tub with hot water. Add detergent until the water feels slightly slippery. Avoid making suds.
Lower your fiber into the water. Do not overload, the fiber should be able to float and not be pushed up out of the water.
Cover and let sit as long as the water remains hot. If the water is allowed to cool, the grease will reattach to the fiber. Do not agitate!
Drain water. If you can suspend the fiber above the tub to drain as much of the water as you can from the fiber or you will need to rinse many times. You can use your washing machine to extract the after using instructions for washing machine above. Or roll up in a dry towel to blot out excess water.
Repeat washing if necessary.
Fill tub again with hot water and gently lower washed fiber. Cover and let soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
Drain water and gently squeeze rinse water from fiber. Repeat rinse one more time. Blot dry or use your washing machine.
Dry on mesh screens above the floor in thin layers. Fluffing it now & again will help it dry.
Make sure it is completely dry before storing or packaging for shipping.

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