Washing and Caring for Wool
Wool is a fantastic material for covers. It allows your baby's skin to breathe and regulates temperature. Baby's with sensitive skin often have success with wool covers rather than nylon or plastic. It is also naturally water repellant and absorbent.
Washing wool is different than washing diapers. You do not need to wash your cover between uses. Just allow it to air dry. Wool has natural antibacterial elements.
Once you notice your wool starting to moisture wick or smell like urine, it's time to wash it. If it is soiled, you only need to spot clean using warm water and a gentle soap.
Do not put your wool in the washing machine or dryer, as it will felt. The term felting means it will tighten the weave and the wool will shrink. Ever run a sweater through the washing machine accidentally? Then you've seen felted wool.
Follow these directions in order to avoid shrinking or felting your wool:
Wool must be handwashed using a mild baby soap or a soap especially made for specifically for use on wool. Eucalan is a good Candian brand and can be found in wool shops. Before washing your wool rinse it thoroughly using the same temperature of water you intend to use for washing. You may use warm water, but remember that rapid water temperature change can result in felting. Fill your sink with water and add a small amount of wool (or mild baby soap) wash, or if you are using a soap wash bar release some of the suds by rubbing the bar in your hands. Place your cover in the sink and gently wash it. Avoid agitating your cover while washing and squeeze the water gently from it when you are done. Washing only has to be done about every 2-3 weeks.
You will also need to lanolize your cover from time to time to retain its water resistant properties. Some wool washes have lanolin already infused inthe wash (Eucalan does) but if it does not, you can follow these steps. To do this, fill your sink with tepid water. In a microwave, heat up about 1/4 tsp of lanolin into the soaker and then let it sit for about 5 minutes. Drain the water through your soaker and gently squeeze out the excess moisture. Re-lanolizing only has to be done every month or two.
Lay your soaker flat to dry away from direct sunlight or heat.
How to wash out a soiled spot:
You don't need to wash the whole cover to take out a couple of spots. Take the part of the cover that is soiled and put a little gentle soap on the spot. Next use a small toothbrush and gently rub the spot. Be careful not to rub to hard or you will damage the wool. Rinse and repeat if needed. Once you can see the spot is out, lay the cover flat to dry.
