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Caring for wool nappy covers

Information on how to care for your woollen nappy wraps*.

When to wash
Due to the natural antibacterial properties of wool it does not need washing with every use. A well-lanolised wrap can easily go 2-3 weeks or more before it needs washing. Tell tale signs that a washing is finally warranted are the wrap being smelly once dry, that it is really wet when taken it off when previously it has been dry, or well as damp bedding and clothing. If the wrap becomes soiled it will need washing straight away.

How to wash
Ideally hand wash only using a small amount of soap such as a wool wash or dishwashing fluid. Machine washing on special wool programmes is possible with some covers though not with others, so look at the manufacturer's recommendations for your cover. Avoid the use of chemical detergents as they can damage the wool and can fade the colours.

Initially items should be washed seperately. Use cool or luke warm water (depending on the manufacturer's recommendations) and be gentle with the wool as "over-aggitating" the wool can cause damage or shrinkage. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Squeeze out as much water from the wrap as possible without wringing it and then roll it up in a towel and squeeze gently to remove further moisture.

Leave to dry in a warm place but away from direct sources of heat and sunlight, it helps to speed up drying if you turn the items occasionally. Drying directly on radiators is not recommended.

Lanolising wool wraps
Wool wraps need regular treatment with lanolin to ensure that they remain effective. Your Natural Knits for Nippers wraps are lanolized once prior to sending, which means you can use them straight away, and will last around two weeks before it will need treating again. Swaddlebees wool wraps will need to be lanolized prior to the first use (free sample of lanolin included with the wrap).

A fully lanolized wraps will last a good 6-8 weeks before needing treating again, so you may wish to give your wool wrap a further two treatments to build up its level of waterproofing before using.

Lanolising can be done either at the 2-3 weeks wash which helps to build up the natural oils or left until it needs doing. Once there is a good level of lanolin in the wool there is no need to lanolise at each wash.

To lanolise, simply dissolve the required dose in some hot water, with some shampoo to emulsify it. If you have a microwave it is possible to use it to dissolve the lanolin by adding the dose to a microwave proof bowl with the soap and some hot water.

Add the lanolin solution to some cool water, then add the item/s to the solution and soak preferably over night. Once you remove the item/s from the solution follow the directions as above for after washing. If you wish to treat your item more than once allow the item/s to dry before re-treating for best results.

We offer a range of wool wash and care accessories should you need any.

* Thanks to Natural Knits for Nippers for tips on wool cover care