Wool Q&A:
How does wool work?
Wool is sourced from sheep, which naturally contain lanolin, providing their coat with water resistance. When you buy wool products, the lanolin is typically removed. To restore water resistance to wool, you need to re-lanolize it. Lanolized wool has the right balance of repellency to prevent most moisture from soaking through while still allowing breathability. This enables some moisture to still evaporate through.
How often should I wash my wool cover?
One of the fantastic advantages of wool is it’s ability to go several weeks between washes! The duration can vary based on usage frequency, the amount of lanolin applied, and whether it's used for daytime or overnight purposes. A cover used during the day might go up to a month without washing, while one used overnight may need washing every two weeks. As you use wool more, you'll discover what suits your family best. If the wool starts to smell even when dry, it's time for a wash. And if any poop gets on the cover, you will need either a full wash or a spot clean.
What should I do if I experience leaks?
A new wool cover may need to be wash and lanolized more frequently then “established” wool. If your wool is still on the newer side, re-lanolize the cover using a bit more lanoline then you did last time. You can also take a look at what you are using for absorbency, sometimes adding a boost to your absorbency is enough to prevent the leaks.
Washing Wool:
To clean your wool cover, start by giving it a quick rinse in lukewarm water in a sink or bowl until it's fully wet. Then, drain the water and gently squeeze out the excess water from the wool.
Refill your basin with lukewarm water and a bit of wool-safe detergent. Submerge the wool cover again and carefully wash it by swishing it around. You can let it soak for a few minutes if needed.
After washing, refill the basin and give the cover final rinse with clean water.
Once your wool is washed, the next step is drying it. Start by placing a towel flat and positioning your wool in the center. Roll the towel up with the wool inside and lightly press to remove excess water. Unroll the towel and lay your wool flat to complete the drying process.
Lanolizing:
Begin with a fresh wool cover. It's suggested to start with 1/4 tsp of lanolin for one cover, but the quantity may differ based on whether the wool is used overnight or your personal preferences. To melt the lanolin, heat a cup of water either by boiling it or using a microwave until it is warm. Once the water is hot, stir the lanolin in it to melt. To combine the lanolin and water, you will need an emulsifier. Baby wash or Castile soap can be used. We highly recommended to use Weeking’s Soap Flakes.
When the emulsifier is added, the water should become a cloudy, white color. Next, pour the mixture into a basin of lukewarm water, ensuring the temperature is not too hot or too cold. Make sure there is enough water to fully submerge your wool. Gently soak the wool in the water, leaving it to absorb the lanolin for 15 minutes to a few hours. Roll your wool up in a towel and gently squeeze the excess water out, then lay flat to dry.
If you have another question, please feel free to reach out to us on instagram @HighlandBabyco, by email Help@HighlandBaby.Store or find us Facebook. We’re here to help!
