What you didn't know about wool and snow (and why it's a golden combination)
Whenever it snows, I feel like a child again. Throwing snowballs, building snowmen, sledding down hills. And nowadays, I also think: YIPPEE! Time to freshen up the woollies.
It might sound a bit crazy, but snow and wool have been a powerful combination for centuries. The kind where you think: why don't we actually do this more often?
Wool is smarter than you think
Wool is no ordinary fabric. 100% wool is naturally self-cleaning. This means that you often don't need to wash it at all. Airing it out is usually enough. This is due to lanolin, the natural wool grease contained in the fiber. Lanolin repels dirt, is antibacterial, and ensures that wool stays fresh, even if you wear it often.
And that is exactly where snow comes into the picture.
What snow does to wool
Dry, fresh snow acts as a kind of natural cleaner. It binds dirt and odors without the wool fiber actually getting wet. You are therefore cleaning without rinsing, without rubbing, and without affecting the lanolin.
In the past, this was considered completely normal. Rugs, blankets, coats: everything went into the snow. No washing machine needed.
How to clean a wool rug with snow
Do you have a wool rug? Then this is a very fine method.
- Lay the rug outside in clean, dry snow.
- Step on it and gently rub the snow over the surface.
- Turn the rug over and repeat on the other side.
- Shake off the snow and repeat if necessary.
In a few minutes, your rug will look bright and fresh again. Then take it inside and let it air dry gently.
Freshening up wool clothing with snow
For wool clothing, it actually works just the same.
Lay your sweaters, cardigans, socks, or gloves in fresh snow. Sprinkle some snow over them and let them sit. Is it still snowing? Then feel free to leave them there for half an hour.
If you want to freshen up specific spots, like cuffs or the inside of a collar, rub some snow over them gently.
Shake off the snow, repeat the process until you are satisfied, and then let the garment finish drying indoors. I always let my wool dry flat; that way it stays in perfect shape.
The result? Fresh-smelling wool, without felting and without wear and tear.
No snow? Then there are good alternatives
Are you thinking: nice story, but I prefer to wear my wool when it's this cold? Understandable.
You can also freshen up wool very well without snow. Hang it outside when it is foggy, or in the bathroom during or after taking a shower. Because of the moisture, the lanolin is partially converted into a kind of natural soap, which causes the wool to clean itself.
Still want to wash it? Do it consciously
If your wool really needs to be washed, always check the care label. And do you knit or crochet yourself? Then save the label from the skeins of wool as well. Not every type of wool requires the same approach.
If the garment is machine washable, always choose the wool cycle and a suitable wool detergent such as Lanalicious. This detergent is pH-neutral, contains no enzymes or bleaching agents, and helps maintain the lanolin in the wool.
If your machine doesn't have a wool program, choose cold or a maximum of 30 degrees and a low spin, up to about 900 rpm.
Hand wash: calm and gentle
If you have to hand wash wool, the same rules apply.
- Use cold to lukewarm water.
- Always use a special wool detergent.
- Let the garment soak for about ten minutes.
- Rinse well.
- Gently press out the water; do not wring.
- Lay flat to dry.
All these methods have one goal: to enjoy your wool clothing for as long as possible.
Why this makes me so happy
Because this shows exactly how wool is intended to be. Less washing, more trust. Using the natural properties of the material, instead of working against them.
Snow, fog, fresh air, and a good wool detergent often do more than a washing machine ever can.
And now I'm curious
What is your favorite way to freshen up wool? And have you ever laid your wool clothing or rug in the snow?
