When buying alpaca fiber clothing, you might make a Google search on “how to care for alpaca products” and rightfully so because alpaca fibers are extremely delicate and require the same delicacy when being cleaned. 

As a general rule of thumb, products that are not clothing, like alpaca wool throw blankets and cushions, would be easier to clean than clothing items. However, both would require the same amount of care when being cleaned.

How do you Clean Alpaca Wool?

Cleaning your alpaca products may seem like a different task, it is best to dry clean your alpaca products, but you can also do it from your sink and the steps are quite simple! They include:

Step 1: Lukewarm Versus Cold Water

People have a difference in opinion when it comes to the type of water to use when washing alpaca wool. However, when in doubt, it is best to use the instructions provided by the manufacturer. 

Both cold and lukewarm water is perfectly fine to use for washing alpaca wool, as long as the temperature of the water does not reach any extremes as this can run the risk of irreparably ruining your garment.

For the easiest way to wash your garment, fill your sink or a tub with water.

Step 2: Mild Soap or Shampoo

Using mild soap and/or shampoo is another essential part of washing your alpaca clothing. Stronger soaps and shampoos may contain chemicals that can have an adverse and irreversible effect on your alpaca wool. 

Sometimes, the wool can shrink, and other times, the texture may become rougher than its original texture. Thus, use a mild soap or shampoo that has a minimal scent so that it will not leave as extreme of scent.

For the best results, add and dilute your soap or shampoo to the water before putting your garment in.

Step 3: Wringing, Twisting or Patting?

Alpaca wool is so delicate that wringing and twisting it once it has been rinsed in clean water can potentially ruin the shape and texture of your garment. It is best to take the garment out of the water and pat it dry on a fresh, dry towel. Patting it dry may seem like it would take a long time, but the wool fibers do not absorb as much water as you think.

Step 4: Soaking up the Excess

You can then lay the garment between two more dry towels if you think your garment is still a bit wet to reach the drying stage. Again, pat the excess water and be sure to remain careful throughout. 

Any pressure you put on the garment can potentially end up making it misshapen or covered in wrinkles. You can even gently roll it up in between these two towels and then leave it to partially dry for a bit.

Step 5: Laying it out to Dry

Once you have soaked up any excess water, it is time to lay your garment out to dry. This should be done on a flat surface and preferably over another dry towel. Do not hang your garment to dry because that mistake will compromise the structure of your garment. 

If you are cleaning a blanket or throw, then find a larger flat surface that you can lay your blanket or throw on to dry. Allow the alpaca wool to air dry, which can take anywhere between an hour to a day depending on the size and thickness of your garment. Make sure no direct sunlight hits your garment.

Step 6: Anti-Wrinkle Solution

Have you found wrinkling on your alpaca clothing? No worries!

If you find wrinkles on your alpaca wool clothing, immediately take out your steam iron. Set your steam iron on the lowest setting and carefully steam the wool back into its original shape. The steam is the easiest and least harmful way to maintain your alpaca wool clothing’s original shape.

Step 7: Folding or Hanging

People often want to hang their alpaca clothing as a showpiece for their closets. However, manufacturers advise against this because hanging something as delicate as alpaca wool can create wrinkles or even misshapen the garment itself. The structure may sag and this will be noticeable the next time you decide to wear your alpaca wool clothing.

Instead, you should carefully and gently fold your alpaca wool clothing. Make sure that you do not crease it and lay it flat in a drawer or your closet shelf. You should also make sure that nothing is placed on top of it.

How to Spot Clean Alpaca Wool

If you have an alpaca wool item that is either too big for you to wash by hand or you put a stain on your clothing but do not want to wash the entire garment, then you should turn to spot cleaning. Spot cleaning your alpaca wool will allow you to have greater control of the situation.

First, you should wet the stain’s area. Next, rub a little bit of mild soap or shampoo on that area. Finally, take a damp cloth and clean off the soap or shampoo. This will also allow ease in drying!

Conclusion

Now you know some useful tips to care for alpaca products. Remember, if you follow these steps, you will also extend the life of your alpaca blankets, cushions, among others. We hope this information has been helpful to you!

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.