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Post by zoesam on Oct 12, 2020 23:01:20 GMT
I have an old top loader machine. I have a 100% merino wool sweater (actually has unlabeled velvet on it too, which I'm guessing is poly or rayon). Tag says Hand Wash, but I don't want to hassle with that. Can I put it in the machine in a sweater bag or will it shrink? It's a really nice piece & I don't want to ruin it. TIA.
ETA: Brand is Soft Surroundings.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Oct 13, 2020 6:58:48 GMT
A sweater bag and laundering in cold water on delicate should be fine. I wash all sweaters in sweater bags the same way, doesn't matter what they are. Wool actually releases dirt really easily and doesn't need much agitation, anyway.
It's the agitation and twisting that causes the wool fibers to lock and felt and thus the item shrinks, and the hot water also shrinks it.
Merino wool is generally finer and doesn't 'lock' as easily (or itch).
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Post by RetroMonde on Oct 13, 2020 16:19:18 GMT
I wash ALL my wool sweaters in my top loader machine. Vintage cashmere to bulky Aran knits all have done well with no casualties (knock on wood, lol). Sweater bags, delicate cycle with cold water. I do use Woolite but have used whatever laundry detergent I have on hand too.
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Post by zoesam on Oct 13, 2020 17:27:56 GMT
Thank you both, sounds like it'll be fine.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Oct 13, 2020 20:48:24 GMT
I use Eucalan and it does wonders for sweaters - a little goes a long way even in a top loader (which I have, too).
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Post by zoesam on Oct 14, 2020 18:26:29 GMT
Can't I just use regular detergent? I don't sell too many sweaters & I really don't want to buy something special. I also have some Fels Naptha, which I also never use. I was just gonna use Tide Cold Water.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Oct 14, 2020 21:14:56 GMT
I do a lot of sweater washing. Fels Naptha would work well, but I've also used regular detergent.
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Post by Emerald_Door on Nov 7, 2020 14:35:33 GMT
You're all braver than I am. I hand wash cashmere and wool in Eucalan. It really isn't any trouble since you just soak it. Eucalan says you don't need to rinse, but I do a quick rinse anyway.
I have a front loading machine, so I guess I could try it, but I'd still want to use Eucalan, and I'd need to use more of it in the machine.
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Post by zoesam on Nov 7, 2020 19:23:15 GMT
I machine washed it in my ancient top loader on the gentle cycle with just regular cold water Tide & it came out just fine, thanks everyone.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Nov 7, 2020 23:15:49 GMT
I machine washed it in my ancient top loader on the gentle cycle with just regular cold water Tide & it came out just fine, thanks everyone. That has worked for me. Merino wool is actually washable (no twisting, etc.) on gentle - it's one of the characteristics of the wool. I wash a lot of wool and both my 25 year old top loader and my new top loader (heavy duty commercial) does well with it. I just washed an Ibex merino wool base layer.
I use both Eucalan and whatever Costco 'free' detergent we get.
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