Why does wool scratch and what can you do about it?
Why does natural wool scratch?
When viewed under a microscope, each wool fiber has a rough surface with the ends sticking out. These can prick the skin and irritate it. This is what causes the itching sensation. The thicker each individual fiber is, the more itchy the wool is. The different soft fibers are created by the different habitats in which the animals live. In addition, each skin reacts differently to the rough fiber ends.
Tips and tricks?
Wool is a natural fiber with a rough surface that can cause the scratchy feeling. Simply put, fibers protrude from the woven wool and prick the skin. The thinner the fiber, the softer the wool feels on the skin. On this page from Alpakita you will find out why your wool clothing is scratchy. We have put together the best 8 tips that can help make even our products even softer.
Tip 1: Freezer
This should be your first attempt. Put the good woolen piece in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer overnight. The woolen sweater will feel softer and scratch less. But please don't expect miracles.
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Tip 2: Wool bath with hair shampoo without protein-degrading enzymes
Please make sure that the product does not contain any protein-degrading enzymes known as proteases, as these damage the fiber and therefore the wool sweater. The smoothing effect of a mild hair shampoo, a hair treatment or a small amount of conditioner smooths the wool fiber. After washing, please rinse well and carefully squeeze the water out of the wool sweater. Do not wring it out, as this can deform the stitches. If necessary, roll it up in a dry towel and let it absorb the water. Then dry the sweater lying down. Do not hang it up and definitely do not leave it in the sun. It should now be less scratchy.
Tip 3: "Wool finish" cycle in the dryer
Our knitted clothing made of alpaca wool would shrink extremely in the conventional drying cycle. Modern tumble dryers have a "wool finish" cycle. Run wool clothing in it for a few minutes. The wool fibers will stand up, making the laundry even fluffier. Then let the alpaca sweater dry lying down in the air until it is dry.
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Tip 4: Vinegar in the last rinse water
A tip for hand washing. Add a dash of vinegar to the second to last rinse water, this provides an additional softening effect. Then rinse again. Hopefully you've gotten rid of the scratching now.
Tip 5: Lanolin bath
Last attempt. This can work wonders, as I have read in many articles. However, this also eliminates the antibacterial properties of the alpaca wool. Due to the very low proportion of lanolin in alpaca wool, bacteria cannot survive and die. Lanolin is a component of many ointments because it keeps the skin moist and supports wound healing. You can buy wool wax in alpaca pharmacies.
Bring 1 tsp of wool wax, 1 tsp of washing-up liquid and 500 ml of water to the boil. Stir until the wool wax has dissolved. Be sure to let the solution cool down to lukewarm temperature and pour it over the wool sweater. If the solution is applied to the wool while it is hot, it can cause matting. Then add lukewarm water until the clothing is completely covered. Leave to soak for an hour and then wrap in a towel, squeeze it carefully and leave it to dry lying down.
Tip 6: Prevent pilling
Pilling is the formation of small balls on a wool sweater, a well-known problem for wool lovers. It is a natural process in natural fibers that can be caused by friction, i.e. by moving your arms or carrying a bag. We have found that Velcro fasteners should also be taken into account. Washing with an old pair of washed jeans on the wool cycle removes loose, short fibers, which reduces pilling.
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Tip 7: Wool detergent
Wool detergent is suitable because it does not contain any enzymes that can attack animal fibers such as wool. Do not use detergent for delicates or color detergents as these will destroy the wool fibers.
Tip 8: Give your skin time to get used to new things
The skin is our largest sensory organ, with many receptors and nerves that detect stimuli. In the summer, your skin has changed. So give your skin time to adapt to new things. This certainly includes the appeal of alpaca wool on the skin.
Our team
Does our skin get used to wool?
How does your favorite wool sweater feel when you wear it on your skin again after a long break from wearing it after the summer? Does it feel a little different?
I feel the same way! And that's a good thing, I would say. Our skin is a very important organ that detects changes and tells us about them. After a hot and dry summer, the skin has had to endure a lot. The skin is exposed to harsh UV radiation and has had to get used to sun oils and sun cream.
