Washing powder for wool: washing features and the best products

– I usually buy washing powder and use it to wash everything – cotton, silk, woolen fabrics and synthetics. I heard that this is not always correct, that each fabric needs something different. Now I want to wash all my woolen items and put them in storage. Tell us what is the best way to do this? What should I use - powder, gel, shampoo or soap?

Anna Titova

Dry cleaning technologist

Wool fibers are made up of many cells. Each hair contains about 90% protein, which reacts negatively to any chemicals - acids, alkalis, solvents, etc. Any increase in their concentration helps to reduce the positive qualities of wool:

stopping the release of lanolin and increasing wettability;
increased electrification due to cuticle destruction;
shrinkage and felting to the state of felt due to loss of elasticity;
increased rigidity and coarseness due to keratinization of the hair core.

To avoid this, the following products are recommended for washing wool:

Washing powder . The most optimal would be a powder based on natural soap. To prevent shrinkage, agents that dissolve at 30 °C are used. You cannot use powders with enzymes - enzymes that destroy protein contaminants. Chlorine bleaches are prohibited - strong oxidizing agents that destroy the color of fabric and its fibers.
Gel . Its features are solubility in cold water, effective operation at low temperatures, and quick rinsing. Products containing lanolin, an animal wax emulsified with water, which restores the structure of the fibers and reduces the wettability of the fabric, will be effective.
Shampoo . The most effective for woolen fabrics will be shampoos that contain amphoteric surfactants (cocamidopropyl betaine or decyl glucoside). Shampoos with surfactants based on sodium or ammonium phosphates (lauryls) are not recommended.
Soap with lanolin . Used to remove local contaminants or for general washing in the form of shavings. Dissolves at 30 °C. When washing by hand, the fabric is soaked for 2-4 hours, followed by rinsing. When machine washing, the delicate cycle is activated.

Below you can find instructions on how to remove various stains, as well as reviews of laundry products and fabric care equipment.

— Anna Titova Dry cleaning technologist

Features of products for delicate fabrics

Usually there are much fewer natural wool products than items made from other fabrics. Therefore, it is better to select household chemicals for specific clothes. To do this, carefully read the information on the labels and manufacturers' recommendations. Depending on the dyes used and the exact fiber composition, the recommended washing temperature and required powder composition may vary.

The use of alkali is prohibited for cleaning any wool products. She treats the material aggressively and quickly renders it unusable.

In addition to surfactants, a good fabric washing product must contain caring components: conditioner and rinse aid. They make the fibers airy and give them a structure that is pleasant to the touch. Without them, the material becomes rigid and loses its appearance.

Despite the presence of special delicate cleaning modes in automatic machines, it is only possible to truly carefully deal with dirt through hand washing. In this case, you have the opportunity to properly prepare the working solution and reduce the intensity of the mechanical impact.

Instructions

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What to use for washing wool: gels or powders

Women have different attitudes towards powdered and liquid household chemicals. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. But when it comes to the need to wash woolen items in an automatic machine, the gel has undeniable advantages:

Dissolves quickly. Contact of aggressive components of the powder with fibers can lead to their damage. The faster the composition dissolves in water, the longer, and therefore more effectively, it removes contaminants from the fibers during the washing cycle.
Works at low temperatures. The gel does an excellent job of removing stains even in cold water. Due to this, it is more careful with clothing fibers. This is especially true for colored items, where it is important to maintain the saturation and brightness of the shades.
Rinses out quickly. The delicate cycle involves a short rinse. Not all powdery compounds are washed out of the fabric during this time. Due to the presence of aggressive components on the surface, allergic reactions or irritations on sensitive skin may occur.

At the same time, washing powder is excellent for hand washing. It is enough to prepare a solution of the required concentration in advance and wash woolen items in it until the dirt is completely washed out.

Special powders

If for some reason you don’t like gels, you can look for a good product among special powders for wool. Thanks to their special composition, dry granules completely dissolve in thirty-degree water, quickly remove dirt, and maintain the elasticity of wool fibers.

It is better to abandon conventional washing powders - their granules do not dissolve well in cool water and are not completely washed out of fabrics.

We'll tell you which products can be distinguished among the variety of special powders for wool.

Stork Cashmere. It not only effectively fights stains, but also softens things and prevents items from becoming deformed. Contains natural extracts of lavender and Indian soap nut, silk proteins. In addition to woolen clothes, the powder can be used to wash cotton fabrics and synthetics. Equally good for both colored and white linen. Contains bleaching agents. The cost of a pack weighing 400 grams is approximately 70 rubles.
Luxus Professional is a concentrated powder suitable for caring for woolen items. Cleans thoroughly, leaves no streaks, and preserves the structure of the fibers. Ideal for all types of machines, as well as for hand washing. Does not contain chlorine or other harsh chemicals, maintains color brightness. The average price of a kilogram package is 630 rubles. Due to its economical consumption, such a pack will last for several months.
Lint is a powder for delicate fabrics, including wool. Prevents the appearance of pilling, gives things a special softness, helps maintain the shape of the product, and does not disrupt the structure of fabric fibers. It dissolves equally well and acts at both 30°C and 60°C. Suitable for all types of machines. Contains enzymes - natural enzymes that remove the most difficult stains. The composition also contains whitening components. The cost of a pack is low - about 75 rubles.

You can wash wool only in cold water; ordinary powders are not fully effective at this temperature, so it is better to buy special formulations.

Washing woolen products should be gentle. Therefore, it is important to use special detergents that will prevent deformation of things, maintain the elasticity of fibers, have a disinfecting effect, and prevent the formation of pellets. When using this or that composition, you should carefully study the information on the packaging in order to select the correct dosage of the gel or powder.

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Rating of the best washing powders for wool

We list the products that can quickly cope with cleaning woolen clothes. At the same time, they preserve their original appearance: without damage or other negative effects.

LUXUS Professional

The concentrate is intended for cleaning wool and silk fabrics. It is aggressive towards stains, but retains the original structure of the tissues. Conditioner particles maintain softness, and color-holding agents prevent dyes from washing out. The active formula does not contain chlorine or other aggressive components. Therefore, the product is gentle on delicate skin, which allows it to be used not only in automatic machines, but also in manual mode.

Faberlic “For wool”

The formula of Faberlic washing powder is based on the active action of plant components. Surfactants do their job well even at low temperatures. The concentrated formula reduces consumption by half compared to similar products. And the biodegradable base allows you to wash without harming the environment.

LV Color

The concentrate formula has a hypoallergenic effect. It perfectly removes dirt without causing irritation to the skin. The action is approved by the Finnish Association of Dermatologists. Caring components eliminate extraneous odors, give things freshness and a structure pleasant to the touch.

"Vorsinka"

The washing powder formula washes out various types of dirt well. At the same time, it preserves the structure of the fibers: it holds its shape perfectly, prevents the appearance of pilling, protects colored fibers from washing out dyes and gives softness to clothes. Thanks to its neutral pH value, the product is gentle on the skin.

"Cashmere"

Helps maintain its original appearance with frequent machine washing. Even if you wash often, things remain like new. The soap nut base perfectly removes dirt and refreshes the color. Silk extract has a caring effect.

Gel products

Today, the range of products for washing machines is huge; you can find compositions for light and colored laundry, synthetics and cotton, wool and silk, and membranes. It is better for the housewife to have several packages of powders and gels on hand, separately for children's clothing, down jackets, and woolen items. This will allow you to achieve maximum effect from the cleaning process.

Popular detergents for washing wool products have many positive reviews. We'll tell you which ones exactly.

Gel Laska, wool and silk. The special 3D formula takes care of fabrics in three ways at once: effectively removes stains, softens things, and prevents fiber deformation. Suitable not only for cleaning wool and silk products, but also for underwear and synthetics. Can be used for both machine and hand washing. Contains enzymes - enzymes that quickly break down various contaminants. The cost of a 1 liter bottle is approximately 220 rubles.
Burti Wolle & Seide liquid for wool. The composition includes natural ingredients that carefully care for delicate fabrics. Silk proteins help maintain the natural elasticity of wool fibers, and the keratin contained in the gel restores them from the inside. You can refuse the conditioner - things will be soft anyway. It rinses out of the material very well. A 0.75 liter bottle is enough for 26 machine washes. Average price – 275 rubles.
Help liquid for delicate and woolen fabrics. Suitable for any machines, including activator washers. The hypoallergenic product protects the fibers during frequent washing, helps maintain their elasticity, and prevents the pile from matting. The gel is very economical; it is convenient to calculate the correct dosage using the measuring cap. Can be used in water of any degree of hardness. The cost of a liter bottle is only 140 rubles.
HG gel for delicate fabrics, wool, down products. Can also be used for washing children's clothing, underwear, bed linen, and silk. Effectively copes with dirt, while caring for and maintaining the shape of fabric fibers, maintaining the brightness of the color. It is completely rinsed out of the material, leaving no streaks. It has an unobtrusive, pleasant aroma. The average price of a package is 520 rubles.
Balm Nordland for wool and silk products. It washes gently, does not require additional use of conditioner, and does not contain dyes. The detergent for the washing machine is hypoallergenic and biodegradable. Gives linen softness and cares for delicate fabrics. The water temperature when using the composition should be from 20°C to 40°C. Suitable for all types of washing. The approximate price of a one and a half liter bottle is 650 rubles.
Almawin is a German gel for cleaning wool items. The lavender scented concentrate easily removes stains without damaging the fabric. Suitable for regular care of wool products. The composition is absolutely safe, does not cause allergies or skin irritation, and can be used for washing children’s clothes. It dissolves perfectly even in cold water and is completely washed out of the fibers of the material. The cost of a bottle that is enough for 50 cycles is about 980 rubles.
Liquid Vorsinka is designed for cleaning wool, silk and other delicate fabrics. Suitable for all types of washing. Quickly removes dirt, has an antibacterial effect, maintains the elasticity of fibers, protects fabric, prevents pilling, and maintains the shape of things. Does not contain phosphates and does not leave streaks on clothes. Inexpensive product - a 750 ml bottle costs only 140 rubles.
Meine Liebe gel for wool and silk. Prevents deformation and shrinkage of things, effectively fights dirt, protects the structure of fabric fibers, and leaves a neutral aroma on clothes. Prevents fading and maintains bright colors. The concentrate is used very economically and works even in cold water. The approximate price of an 800 ml bottle is 320 rubles.

Choose the composition based on your own preferences. Special household chemicals for washing woolen products not only fight dirt, but also protect the fibers from damage and restore them from the inside, which helps things not lose shape. Therefore, you should not neglect them when caring for your favorite knitted clothes.

How to properly wash woolen items by hand

Here are a few recommendations that can effectively remove stains and maintain an attractive appearance:

Immediately before washing, turn all items inside out. We carefully inspect them for damage. If they exist, we eliminate them.
Prepare the solution - add the required amount of washing powder to water at a temperature of about 30 degrees, thoroughly dissolve it and beat it with your hands into a rich foam.
Soak things in the prepared mixture. It is important to use plenty of water.
Gently rub the material in the most contaminated areas until they are completely washed out. It is important not to allow the fibers to stretch.
After washing and rinsing, place each item in a terry towel and wring it well.
We dry our clothes by laying them out on the table or floor. If you hang things on a clothesline, the back of a chair or a radiator, the material will stretch a lot.

Now you know how to choose the right washing powder for wool and carefully remove dirt. This means you can independently maintain the attractive appearance of your clothes.

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How to wash a camel wool blanket

This operation can be carried out in three ways - machine, manual, dry. The simplest of them is cleaning in a washing machine. First, you need to thoroughly knock out and ventilate the blanket in the air - this way you will eliminate microscopic dirt and dust. It is then rolled into a snail shape and loaded into a drum. Select the lowest spin and delicate or manual mode. Water should not exceed 30 degrees. This applies to a “closed” blanket filled with camel hair.

Otherwise, hand wash is done. It is necessary to dissolve liquid detergent in water of the same temperature, then lower the blanket into it and leave for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse the product several times, constantly changing the water. Leave the blanket in the empty bathtub to allow as much liquid as possible to drain out of it. Squeeze - lightly, avoiding twisting. Dry only on a flat surface horizontally. Are camel hair pillows washable, ask? Yes, in the same way.

The most effective dry washing of an “open” product is a simple procedure. Alternatively, dry clean the “open” camel blanket. They do this in the same way as they clean carpets - they distribute the foam from the cleaning agent over the rolled product, and when it dries, they clean it with a brush.

How to wash a sheepskin blanket

It is best to wash such a product by hand, although the procedure seems labor-intensive. Fill the bath with water (30 degrees, no more), dissolve the detergent and whip up a rich foam. Many people prefer lanolin for washing wool - it avoids shrinkage. Dip the blanket into the foam and leave for 10 minutes. Then the product is thoroughly rinsed without squeezing, wait until the water drains, and dry in a horizontal position.

Will you machine wash it? Experts advise leaving the blanket in the duvet cover to prevent lint from getting into the filter. Washing occurs on a delicate cycle.