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How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance

Introduction

If your wool is no longer water-resistant and leaks, use this guide to restore its natural water-repelling properties. This guide shows how to properly wash and “lanolize” wool items. The process can be used on wool items where water resistance is crucial, such as baby changing pads and diaper covers.

Before beginning, be sure to inspect the items for any solid waste. Rub the fibres to spot clean before proceeding to the instructions. Avoid using a brush as it may damage the wool.

What you need

  1. How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance, How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 1, image 1 of 3 How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance, How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 1, image 2 of 3 How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance, How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Fill a bowl with water at room temperature (20 °C or 68 °F).

    • Use 2 L of water per 200 g of wool.

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  2. How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Add 1/2 teaspoon of wool wash per 2 L of water.

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  3. How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 3, image 1 of 2 How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Insert the articles into the bowl and let soak for 30 minutes.

    • Carefully squeeze the items to allow absorption of soap and water through the wool fibres.

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  5. How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Lift the items out of the water and gently squeeze to remove excess water and soap.

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  6. How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Refill the bowl with room temperature water.

    • Use the same volume of water as in Step 1.

    • Use 2 L of water per 200 g of wool.

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  7. How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 6, image 1 of 2 How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Mix 4 tablespoons of emulsified lanolin into 2 liters of water.

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  8. How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 7, image 1 of 2 How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Add the articles and squeeze to saturate.

    • Weight the articles with a heavy glass or a dish.

    • Leave to soak for 30 minutes.

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  9. How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 8, image 1 of 2 How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Pull the articles out of the lanolin bath and gently squeeze out excess water.

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  10. How to Restore Wool’s Water Resistance: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Lay flat to dry with a clean towel beneath the items.

    • Do not line dry. It can cause wool to stretch and lose shape.

    • Avoid direct sunlight or direct heat when drying.

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Finish Line

Author

with 1 other contributor

Yuliya S

Member since: 01/17/22

169 Reputation

1 Guide authored

Badges: 3

Team

York University, Team 1-26, O'Regan Winter 2022 Member of York University, Team 1-26, O'Regan Winter 2022

YORK-O'REGAN-W22S1G26

1 Member

1 Guide authored

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