Alpaca wool is one of the most luxurious natural fibers: it is soft, warm, durable, and hypoallergenic. To ensure that sweaters, blankets, or scarves remain beautiful for a long time, you should know how to properly wash, dry, and store alpaca wool.
Why alpaca wool needs special care
- Sensitive to heat → risk of shrinking and felting
- No lanolin layer → skin-friendly, but more sensitive than sheep's wool
- Gentle cleaning maintains softness and shape
Washing alpaca wool – Preparation
Before cleaning your products, please note:
- Check care label (hand wash or machine wash?)
- Only use mild wool detergents or baby shampoo
- Maximum 30 °C, never hot water
- No rubbing, wringing, bleach, or fabric softener
Hand washing alpaca wool (recommended)
- Prepare lukewarm water (30 °C) + wool detergent
- Soak product for 10–15 minutes
- Rinse gently, leave no soap residue
- Gently squeeze out water, roll in a towel
- Dry flat, do not hang
Machine washing alpaca wool (only if permitted)
- Select wool wash cycle, max. 30 °C, low spin speed
- Always use a laundry bag
- Caution: Even on a delicate wash cycle, there's a risk of felting
Drying & caring for alpaca wool
- Always dry flat – never in the dryer
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Shape while drying
- Aerate regularly instead of frequent washing
- Use a fabric shaver for pilling
Special tips depending on the product
- Alpaca blankets & throws → wash rarely, better to air or professionally clean
- Sweaters & jackets → hand wash, dry flat, maintain shape
- Socks → clean more frequently, gently by hand or on a wool wash cycle
- Scarves, hats, gloves → hand wash, dry carefully
Properly storing alpaca wool
- Store in a cool & dry place
- Breathable cotton bags instead of plastic
- Lavender or cedarwood for moth protection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about alpaca wool care
- Can you iron alpaca wool? Yes, at a low temperature with a damp cloth as protection.
- How often should you wash alpaca wool? Rarely – airing is usually enough.
- Can alpaca wool go in the dryer? No, heat destroys the fibers.
- Is alpaca wool suitable for allergy sufferers? Yes, as it contains no lanolin.
- Can you freeze alpaca wool? Yes, freeze smaller items (e.g., hats) in a bag → neutralizes odors.
With proper care – gentle hand washing, flat drying, and breathable storage – alpaca wool remains soft, warm, and durable.
