Most people have clothing in their closet which requires special treatment. Whether it is wools or silks, there is usually a direction to dry clean items of natural animal fibers. Most people however, prefer the option of cleaning their items by hand for convenience and expense. It’s not as hard as you may think. Some may avoid buying wools or silks because of the high maintenance factor. Just because it takes some special care when washed, should not be the reason you avoid its great attributes. Cleaning wool and silk the right way is easy and economical, just follow these instructions.

Easy washing care for wool

Wool is a natural animal fiber possessing a scaly structure somewhat like a pine cone or scales of a fish. The scales on wool fibers, when moist and warm, stand up more as the pine cone and when cool and dry, or cold and moist, lie flat. When improperly handled the scales matte together, which causes the garment to shrink.

Avoid washing wools in these conditions-

Hot water – will melt the cells of the wool
Rubbing – mattes the fibers together
Standing wet for long periods of time – wool mattes
Too much soap – makes wool hard and causes yellowing
Use of a strong alkali – spoils the color and partially dissolves the fiber

General rules to washing wools

Shake the garment well to remove dust or lint particles.
Use soft, warm water.
Use a very mild soap solution.
Never rub soap right onto wool.
Wash as quickly as possible by kneading and squeezing, never rubbing.
Wash in a second water bath of the same temperature.
Squeeze water out of garment. Wringing will twist the fibers.
Shake the garment well, and pull into original shape.
Dry fairly quickly.

Washing woolen sweaters

Measure the garment before washing in order to achieve same measurements after washing.
To dry, pull into the desired shape and measurements, dry on a flat surface.

Owning and wearing wool is a wonderfully warm and tactile experience. So taking care of your woolens once you’ve worn them is very important to the longevity of the garment. Keep in mind; it is not necessary to clean wool as often as other fabrics.

Easy Washing Care of Silk

Much like wools, silk is an animal fiber which should be carefully treated to ensure this long lasting fabric will last the test of time. It takes more care and effort than cleaning more durable fabrics such as linen.

Warning- Always try washing a small unobvious spot on the fabric to ensure that washing the fabric will not damage the fibers. If this happens your only choice is dry cleaning.

Take two quarts of very cold water and add a half cup of a mild detergent such as a baby detergent.
Add two tablespoons of white vinegar to the two quarts cold water and detergent.
Wash by kneading and squeezing.
Rinse twice in clear cold water.
After rinsing, roll in a bath towel for approx. 1 hour and iron on the wrong side.
Do not use an iron which is too hot, because silk scorches easily. An iron which is too cold will leave brown spots. Raw silks may be ironed when dry with a not too hot iron on the wrong side.
To wash black silk, use a little ammonia in the washing water and the last rinsing water, as it prevents it from going a greenish or brownish shade.
Iron between two layers of thin muslin to keep colors fasted.

Washing silk does not take a lot of time, and easier than you may think since silk will shed dirt fairly well by itself.

With this information you can invest in good natural fibers such as silk and wool which will stand the test of time without the inconvenience and expense. Taking a little extra time and care, will save money and good natural fibers.

Author Bio: Visit http://www.janestaffordtextiles.com for spinning wheels and looms, wide selections of yarns and several patterns to choose from.

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