Washing and Care
Here’s how to wash your hand-dyed wool items with care!
1. **Washing**: Always hand wash in **cold water** using a wool wash or a gentle detergent like Dawn dish soap. While wool washes are great, be cautious—they can sometimes cause colors to bleed. Even though our yarns are Superwash, handling them gently is key. The rule here is: better safe than sorry!
2. **Rinsing**: Once washed, gently squeeze out the excess water—**never wring or twist** the yarn, as this can damage the fibers. Instead, carefully press the water out.
3. **Absorbing Moisture**: Lay the item flat on a towel, then roll the towel up with the item inside to help absorb extra water. You can repeat this step with a second towel if needed.
4. **Drying**: Once most of the moisture is absorbed, carefully **lay your item flat to dry**. Make sure to spread it out on a clean, dry surface, reshaping it if necessary to maintain its original shape. Avoid hanging it up, as this can stretch the fibers. Let it dry naturally—air drying is best for wool.
5. **Color Fastness Tip**: Some suggest adding a few tablespoons of vinegar to the wash to help maintain color. While we heat set all our yarns and allow them to cool in the dye bath to prevent bleeding, scented detergents or very hot water can sometimes pull dye out. Stick to **mild detergents and cool water** to keep your colors vibrant.
Remember, avoiding hot water is essential—cold, cool, or room-temperature water is always safe!