Woolen items can be found in every family's closet, because these items keep us warm in frosty weather. And to those for whom we worry the most - our children, the elderly, our loved ones - we try to give as many of these things as possible. This is how we take care of them so that they don’t feel cold and remember us with warmth even in severe frosts. This is all, of course, good and romantic, but... the time comes to wash woolen items. And if washed incorrectly, the material rolls up, shrinks, and stretches. To prevent this from happening, let's use some rules and advice from experts.
Preparation
Before starting washing, it is necessary to carry out a certain set of measures. Let’s say right away that you should wash such things by hand unless there is a particular need for it, no more than 2 times a year. And all because dirt, dust and unpleasant odors disappear from wool very quickly. Before washing, we check the item with our hands to see if there are any significant stains on it. If the stains are visible to the naked eye, they should be treated.After the stain, if any, has been treated, turn the item inside out so that the clothing does not become deformed in the process. If there is such an opportunity, then the accessories that can be removed are removed, because during the washing process they can oxidize and leave an unsightly mark on the clothes.
The loops are sewn up. Dyed items are washed separately from natural ones so that the former do not fade and spoil the latter. By the way, a new thing must be tested to see whether it sheds or not. And lastly, it is better to comb the item, this helps get rid of excess dirt and helps untangle tangled threads.
Removing stains
To remove stains from wool fabric, you do not need to use heavy chemicals; folk remedies can easily cope with this. In addition, chemical stain removers can harm the material. Hydrogen peroxide or table vinegar (which also softens the wool) or citric acid can completely remove stubborn stains. We rub the liquid substances into the stain, sprinkle the dirty area with citric acid, moisten it with water and leave it for 40 minutes. Then we wash it in an acceptable way. But there is another way: you need to dry the stain and then carefully get rid of it with a soft brush.
Important! Wool absorbs odors very strongly, so it is not recommended to dry it in the kitchen.
Soaking, washing
Of course, hand washing is more optimal in this case than machine washing. Although, almost every washing machine has a special program for washing woolen items. It must be remembered that the water should not be higher than 35 degrees. Moreover, when rinsing, you cannot change the temperature regime, otherwise, due to temperature changes, the product may “shrink” or, conversely, stretch.When washing, do not rub the material under any circumstances! It is rinsed slowly. It is strictly forbidden to squeeze, twist, or twist a wet item. The item is laid out on a towel and thus rolled up. The next step is to unfold it and then dry it in a horizontal position. Regarding soaking, it is not recommended for wool products to remain in water for a long time.
Important! To avoid a situation with a shrunken item, you need to lay it out on a large piece and trace the edges. After each wash, dry the clothes a little and pin them along the outline.
Facilities
When machine washing, it is best to use liquid detergents (washing gels); they are best at low temperatures. And when washing by hand, it is best to use soap shavings (preferably high quality) or foam. Woolen clothes can be softened with any suitable conditioners. Sometimes, as an option, you can pour vinegar or glycerin into the water - 0.5 tbsp. for 5 liters of water.