
Your
handknit scarves and accessories deserve the tender loving care that
went into their making. Here are several tips that will keep
them looking as beautiful as the day you received them.
1. Fill a container that is at least twice the size of the
garment with cool tap water. Water temperature is important
in the washing of yarns and fibers, especially if they contain natural
fibers. Keep the temperature consistent both in the wash
water and the rinse water, and never use warm or hot water.
2. Use a soap/detergent that is made for woolens, such as
Eucalan Woolwash. Do not use Woolite, which, regardless of its name,
is too harsh for handknits. If you cannot find this product, the
next best thing is to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
Pour a scant teaspoon of a wool wash or shampoo into the container of water
and agitate before placing the handknit scarf into the
solution.
3. Place the handknit scarf into the cool
water/detergent solution. Now gently, and the keyword here is gently, squeeze
the item until it has fully absorbed the water. Do not stretch or
rub the yarns. With dark colors, it's not unusual to see some
bleeding of the fibers. This is natural and nothing to worry
about.
4. Will you believe the handknit item has had sufficient
cleaning, gently lift it out of the soapy water and squeeze out excess
moisture. Set it on a clean towel while you empty the
container of wash solution. Now refill the container with cool tap
water. Place the handknit scarf into the clean water and
gently squeeze to remove any remaining detergent/shampoo.
5. If you have use Eucalan Woolwash or a similar product,
remove the handknit scarf from the rinse water (without stretching
it) and gently squeeze to remove as much water as possible.
Place the scarf on a clean, dry towel. Shape it so that it
drys in its original form. Allow to air dry.
6. If you have used shampoo to clean the handknit scarf, then
refill the container with cool tap water and pour a scant teaspoon of
conditioner into the water. Agitate before placing the
handknit item into the solution. Again, gently squeeze the the scarf,
making sure it absorbs the liquid. Do not stretch or rub the
fibers. Next, remove the scarf (without stretching it),
squeeze out water, and set it on a towel. Empty the
container and refill it with clean, cool water. Place the handknit
scarf into the clean rinse water and gently squeeze it until all conditioner
is removed.
7. Carefully remove the handknit scarf and squeeze out excess
water. Place it on a clean, dry towel and shape it into its
original form. Allow to air dry.
8. Once your handknit scarf is totally dry, you can fluff it
in the dryer, using the air/cool cycle for 5-10 minutes. Never place a wet
handknit item in a dryer. This step is optional.
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