Alpaca fiber is gaining more and more attention these days because it outperforms other fibers like wool and synthetics. As a result, you can find many beautiful items like baby alpaca throws or blankets. However, what many people do not know is that alpaca requires proper care and cleaning.
Although alpaca can last for years, many people ruin their garments or simply won’t even buy such clothing because they do not know how to care for alpaca wool. However, with the proper guidance, you can keep your alpaca pieces in the best possible shape and look.
Since the alpaca is a different natural fiber, it is stronger, softer, lighter, and warmer than merino wool, cashmere, and other fibers. It is a natural choice for winter clothing and accessories. It is resistant to pilling and will not shrink if it is properly cared for.
The longevity of the garment depends on the proper care it gets, which means that the alpaca does require special care. Here is how to properly clean your alpaca garments:
Fill a clean sink or tub with cold water. Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. It can be a baby shampoo or a fine fibers formula. Using hot water, or even two different temperatures of water, will “shock” the fibers, making them mat together and start turning into felt. It is important not to use chlorine bleach or even gentle Woolite because these are harsh cleaners that might cause damage.
Soak the alpaca wool garment for 3 to 5 minutes. Gently squeeze the suds through the garment. Try to avoid twisting, wringing, scrubbing, or otherwise agitating it, because it might cause felting. Dyed garments will have some chance of bleeding, but since alpaca fiber takes dyeing better than most other fibers, this shouldn’t be a problem after the first wash.
Now is the time to rinse the garment. Do it twice in clean, cold water, and gently squeeze out the excess. Try to be gentle in handling it because you want to avoid wrinkles and distortion.
When the garment is rinsed, lay it between two towels. Roll up the towels and set them aside for a few minutes.
Place the garment on a dry towel or sweater rack and reshape (do not hang to dry). Let it dry away from sunlight and direct heat.
If the garment is wrinkled after drying, you can steam it lightly. Do that with an iron, or simply hang it up in the bathroom, run the shower, and let the steam ease away the creases.
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As mentioned above, alpaca clothing can last for decades. However, what might ruin it are the moths and other pests that can cause damage during storage. It is a common way to store away your alpaca garments during the summertime, but they must be stored properly so that when you open them a few months later, you will find them in the same condition.
Any pests will be kept away by storing the garments in a chest of insect-repelling Spanish cedar, or by placing cedar chips in the storage area. To keep the moths away, use lavender bundles. Putting the garment in a shirt box, clean pillowcase, clean paper bag or cardboard box will keep the air circulating the garment.
It is suggested to never use plastic or dry cleaning bags to store your alpaca garments because it will cause moisture to build up. Just like any other knit garment, the alpaca clothing should be folded rather than hung, since it prevents stretching and distortion.
As you can see, the proper care, cleaning, and storage are crucial if you want your alpaca garment to last longer, and above all, keep the look and form. Another way to clean your alpaca garments is to take them to professional dry-cleaners.
Silkeborg, as a provider of the best and most unique alpaca wool garments, suggests and encourages following the care instructions that come within each garment. All the alpaca cushions, throws, and accessories must be properly cared for if you wish to keep their form. Neglecting to do so will result in items and clothes looking bad, and the alpaca fiber will be ruined forever.
In Silkeborg Uldspinderi we are here to help you. You will have at your disposal many high-quality products. If you want to buy any alpaca scarves, shawls, cushions, or throws, please don’t hesitate to contact us through our contact page.
