Most laundry sheets and detergents are made for a normal wash. That means they are often not suitable for delicate fabrics such as wool. Wool is a natural fiber and therefore needs a bit of extra care, because it can shrink or get damaged quite quickly if you use cleaning products that are too harsh. We will talk about how best to wash your wool sweater and give you some tips to keep your wool clothes looking good (such as using wool detergent).
Why is wool detergent better for wool and delicate fabrics?
Ordinary laundry sheets are designed to remove stubborn dirt and stains from commonly used fabrics such as cotton and synthetic materials. That means detergent is not always suitable for washing wool and other delicate fabrics. That is because of the specific ingredients in detergent.
Take for example Sodium Coco-Sulfate, a foaming cleaner that removes dirt well, but can also affect the natural oils of wool fibers. Those oils are important to keep wool soft and elastic. Without these oils the wool becomes dry and stiff.
Laundry sheets also contain enzymes such as Protease, which are meant to dissolve protein stains such as blood and sweat. Wool, however, is also a protein, namely keratin, similar to human hair. Protease can therefore break down the wool fibers, which leads to weakening and damage of the material.
Another enzyme, Cellulase that is meant to smooth cotton fibers, offers no benefits for wool and can even cause unwanted wear because wool contains no cellulose.
Further, substances such as Trisodium Citrate and Citric Acid Monohydrate in laundry sheets are meant to balance the pH and improve wash performance. Wool, however, needs a slightly acidic pH to maintain the fibers properly. If the detergent has a pH that is too high, this can damage the wool.
In addition, the perfumes added to laundry sheets can make your clothes smell nice, but they are not always good for wool. These fragrance ingredients can cause irritation to the sensitive wool fibers. And if leftover perfume builds up in the wool fibers, your sweater becomes less airy.
These are all points to keep in mind if you want to keep your wool clothes soft and comfortable.
What happens to wool if you use ordinary laundry sheets or detergent?
If you use ordinary laundry sheets or detergent to wash wool clothes, several problems can arise that affect the quality of the wool. First, wool can shrink; this happens through chemical reactions and using the wrong temperatures during washing. Wool can also felt, which means the protective structure of the fibers breaks down. This is often caused by rough treatment and fibers rubbing against each other during washing. Wool can also become stiff and brittle. That is because the natural oils that keep the wool soft and supple are removed.
What is better to use for wool garments?
For washing your wool clothes it is best to choose a mild wool detergent. There are also laundry sheets on the market that are suitable for delicate fabrics and wool, such as the wool & silk laundry sheets from Cosmeau. On a low-temperature wool wash program your wool garments stay looking good, soft, and clean.
Always check the packaging of a detergent to make sure they are suitable for wool. If you want to be extra careful you can also use baby shampoo for a hand wash, which is gentle on the fabric and works similarly to a wool detergent. Wash in lukewarm water, avoid wringing, and let the garment dry flat.
Ordinary laundry sheets are handy for everyday laundry, but they can be harmful for delicate fabrics such as wool. Ingredients such as sodium coco-sulfate, protease, and perfume are not suitable for caring for these natural fibers. So always choose a detergent that is specially developed for delicate fabrics to keep your wool garments in good condition.
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