Why Is It Better to Avoid Washing Your Wool Routinely (and What to Do Instead)
Wool retains heat well, but does not withstand a trip in a washing machine. This video explains why shrinkage isn’t the only issue you need to worry about.
You probably know very well that wool comes from sheep, but as Hang Green explains in this SciShow YouTube video , you may not realize what it means to have a sweater that is essentially made of protein. Most people are aware of the “shrinkage” that occurs when washing wool, but it doesn’t actually shrink. These are fibers that adhere to each other so tightly that it seems as if the wool has wrinkled. Another big problem when washing wool is powder detergent. Modern laundry detergents contain enzymes specially designed to break down other biological molecules. These enzymes work wonders for removing food stains and the like, but they also break down the molecules in your fur. Therefore, if you need to wash woolen items, do it in cold water without stirring and with a detergent designed for wool. If it’s a blanket or scarf, some fresh snow can help, too . Or you can always just have it dry cleaned.