How to Wash Alpaca Fleece

Alpaca fleece comes in many colors and lacks natural oils.

Alpaca fleece for spinning or craft is easier to prepare than sheep's wool because it does not contain natural grease. As opposed to requiring multiple washes before spinning it into yarn, alpaca fleece may not need any. However, if your raw fleece is dirty a careful, gentle washing will maintain the warm, soft qualities for your project without accidentally creating alpaca felt.

Things You'll Need

• Mild dish detergent
• Sink or dishpan
• Towel
• Screen (such as from a window)
• Salad spinner or mesh laundry bag (optional)
• White vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Pick out all foreign objects and vegetable matter by hand.

2. Fill the sink or dishpan with lukewarm water and a few drops of liquid dish detergent.

3. Place your raw fleece in the salad spinner, mesh bag or by itself into the water. Gently push it under the water until it is saturated, but do not agitate the fleece. Agitation at any point in the procedure will create felt.

4. Let the fleece sit for 10 to 20 minutes.

5. Repeat the above steps with fresh soap and water if the fleece is still dirty. According to the Owning Alpacas website, at this point you can also refill the sink or pan with warm water. Add a few capfuls of white vinegar and soak the fleece for another 20 minutes.

6. Gently lift the fleece from the water, let the excess water drain from it, and then squeeze it out by hand. If using the salad spinner put the lid on it and spin, discarding the water that the spinning removes. Wrap the fleece in the towel and gently blot the water from it.

7. Spread the fleece on the screen to air dry.

8. Card your fleece and prepare for spinning as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the Owning Alpacas website, if you are in a hurry you can use a hair dryer to dry the fleece once it is spread on the screen.

• Make sure your fleece is dry before storing it and store it where it has ventilation such as in a paper bag, cardboard box or plastic bag with holes cut in it according to the Joy of Handspinning website.

References

• Peruvian Connections: Fiber Care
• Owning Alpaca: Washing Raw Fleece
• Joy of Handspinning: Handspinning Alpaca

Resources

• Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America