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Why does wool not tolerate soaking?

Wool is a natural material with unique properties that make it particularly sensitive to soaking. Wool fibres are covered in scale-like layers that can open and close depending on humidity and temperature. When wool is soaked, the fibres become soaked, making them particularly vulnerable. This can lead to felting, where the fibres shrink and stick together, making the material hard and unrecognisable.

 

Soaking can also mean that the wool's natural protective lanolin layer is washed out. Lanolin is a naturally occurring fat in wool that gives it its softness, lustre and resistance to dirt and liquids. When the lanolin is removed, the wool fibres become more fragile and prone to losing their shape.

 

To maintain the quality and durability of the wool, it should be washed gently with mild wool detergent and at low temperatures. With proper care, merino wool can retain its unique properties and stay looking good for a very long time.

 


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