Washing and caring for alpaca wool
Alpaca fibers have a special characteristic that clearly distinguishes them from sheep's wool. Knowing this makes caring for your items easier and reduces the chance of making mistakes. As manufacturers, we explain what really matters.
Washing and Caring for Alpaca Wool - How to Keep it Soft
Alpaca wool should be washed as infrequently and gently as possible, as the fiber naturally has good self-protection. This washing instruction for alpaca wool applies to all forms, from fine scarves to blankets and loose raw wool. At Ritter Decken, we have been processing high-quality natural hair in Germany for eight generations since 1766 and know the peculiarities of alpaca precisely. We will show you at what temperature, with which detergent, and with what drying method your items will remain soft and in shape.
What Makes Alpaca Wool So Special
Why Alpaca Does Not Contain Lanolin
Sheep's wool has a natural fat content, the wool grease lanolin. Alpaca does not possess this wool grease, which significantly changes its care. Therefore, you do not need a detergent with lanolin additive. Unlike sheep's wool, alpaca does have a slight natural sebum content, but no lanolin that could be lost during washing.
The fiber itself provides dirt protection for alpaca. Its smooth surface prevents dust and odors from clinging easily, which is why the wool largely stays fresh on its own. Odors, in particular, dissipate very well when aired out because the fiber absorbs moisture and then releases it into the air. Our alpaca blankets benefit precisely from this property and rarely need to be washed.
Baby Alpaca and the Especially Fine Fiber
Alpaca hair is hollow inside, making it very light and yet warming. The fine hairs feel soft and hardly scratch, which makes alpaca so comfortable on the skin. The term Baby Alpaca does not refer to young animals, but to the finest sorting of the fiber.
The hollow structure stores air and balances temperatures, so alpaca feels warm in winter and not too hot in the transitional seasons. In addition, there is a wide range of natural colors from light beige to deep brown, which is why high-quality alpaca wool usually does not need to be dyed or bleached.
The finer the quality, the more sensitively it reacts to rough treatment. A delicate Baby Alpaca plaid therefore requires a little more care than sturdier items.
Basic Rules for Washing Alpaca Wool
The Right Temperature and Why Cool is Crucial
Washing alpaca wool correctly primarily means washing it cool. Stay with cold water and never exceed 30 degrees Celsius, as alpaca reacts even more sensitively to heat than sheep's wool. Even lukewarm water can be enough to felt the fiber. The reason lies in the fine scales on each hair, which stand up and interlock when exposed to heat.
| Temperature | Effect on Alpaca Wool |
|---|---|
| Cold below 30 degrees | Optimal, lowest felting risk |
| 30 degrees | Upper limit, only on wool program |
| 40 degrees | Fiber felts and can shrink |
| 60 degrees | Unsuitable, item shrinks and hardens |
The table clearly shows that you should stay in the cool range. Adhering to this limit preserves the soft, flowing feel of the fiber for many years.
The Right Detergent Without Fabric Softener
A mild wool or delicate detergent is the right choice, or alternatively a common conditioner from the main wash cycle. Absolutely avoid heavy-duty detergents and fabric softeners, as their enzymes and additives attack the fine fiber.
Since alpaca does not contain lanolin, the detergent does not need to replace any. A small squirt is completely sufficient; larger amounts are difficult to rinse out anyway.
Always dissolve the detergent completely in the water first before adding the item, so that it does not settle selectively in the fiber. Also, do not let alpaca soak for hours, as short baths are much gentler on the fiber than prolonged soaking.
Washing Raw Alpaca Wool
Those who want to wash raw alpaca wool, such as a freshly shorn fleece before spinning, have a different goal than with a finished item. Here, the primary goal is to remove dust, sand, and plant residues. Extensive degreasing, as with sheep's wool rich in lanolin, is not necessary because alpaca does not contain lanolin.
Before the first wash, manually remove coarse plant parts and impurities from the fleece. Then plan several water baths and ensure that each new water has the same temperature as the previous one, as even a sudden temperature change can cause the loose fibers to felt.
Soak the wool in lukewarm water and let it float gently, without stirring or pressing. Any movement would immediately felt the loose fibers. Carefully change the water until it remains clear.
Then gently lift the fleece out and let it drain without wringing it. To dry, spread the raw wool flat on a rack or cloth so that air can circulate from all sides.
Washing Alpaca Wool Step by Step
Alpaca Scarf and Delicate Items by Hand
Small, delicate items are best cared for by hand. When washing an alpaca scarf, fill a basin with lukewarm water and dissolve the detergent completely before adding the item. Gently press the water through the fabric, without rubbing, wringing, or kneading.
Leave the scarf in the water for only a few minutes and work quickly. The shorter the contact with water, the lower the risk of the fine fibers swelling and snagging.
Then rinse with water of the same temperature. A sudden change from warm to cold harms the fiber, as do excessively high temperatures.
In the Washing Machine
When it comes to washing alpaca wool in a washing machine, there is a clear rule. For alpaca wool in a washing machine, this always means using the wool or hand wash program, and only one item in the drum. Reduce spinning to a maximum of 400 revolutions or turn it off completely, and never put the item in the dryer.
A laundry net additionally protects delicate items from friction in the drum. Again, use a mild wool or delicate detergent without fabric softener. A certain residual moisture after the program is even desirable, as it facilitates gentle drying.
Gentle Drying and Shaping
Spread the damp item on an absorbent cotton towel and roll both loosely together so that the towel absorbs most of the moisture. Always dry alpaca flat, as hanging it wet will cause the fiber to stretch under its own weight.
Choose an airy, shady spot away from heaters and direct sunlight. Turn the item occasionally during drying so that moisture evaporates evenly. Depending on thickness and room climate, an alpaca item may take one to two days to dry completely, and this patience pays off in terms of shape and feel. Gently pull the item back into its original shape and shake it lightly after drying to restore its volume.
Alpaca Wool Care in Everyday Life
The best alpaca wool care is regular airing. Hang your items outdoors overnight, preferably in a shady and slightly damp place, and they will refresh themselves. This will save you most washes entirely.
If a stain does appear, you don't necessarily have to wash the entire item. If you only want to clean a small spot of alpaca wool, cold water is usually sufficient, and you can gently dab the stain without rubbing.
Carefully remove small knots, known as pilling, with a wool comb or lint shaver. Brush smooth alpaca blankets occasionally with a soft brush in one direction to keep the pile loose. For off-season storage, an airy fabric bag is suitable, into which you can place some cedar wood to protect against moths.
Conclusion
Wash alpaca wool rarely, cool, and with as little movement as possible, and the fine fiber will remain soft and in shape for a long time. Air it regularly, treat stains locally, and dry each item flat. Because alpaca does not contain lanolin, you don't need a special product, just a mild detergent and a little care. In our range of natural hair blankets, you will find alpaca of specialist trade quality, manufactured in Germany and tested for harmful substances. If you have any questions about care or selection, please contact us; we will be happy to advise you personally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Alpaca Wool
How often should alpaca wool be washed?
As rarely as possible. Since the fiber hardly absorbs dirt and odors, regular airing in the fresh air is usually sufficient. A complete wash is often only necessary after long use or visible soiling.
Can alpaca wool be machine washed?
Yes, but only on the wool or hand wash program with cold water, individually, and with a maximum of 400 revolutions during spinning. For very delicate items like a scarf, hand washing remains the gentlest option.
Which detergent is suitable for alpaca wool?
A mild wool or delicate detergent, or alternatively a conditioner. Since alpaca does not contain lanolin, a detergent with lanolin additive is not necessary. You should completely avoid heavy-duty detergents and fabric softeners.
Does alpaca wool shrink when washed?
With cold water and little movement, it generally does not shrink. Shrinking and felting occur due to the combination of heat and friction, which is why low temperatures and a gentle program are so important.
