Alpaca Care
In 5 Simple Steps
Wash the garment by hand: It is best to wash alpaca garments by hand in cold or warm water with a mild detergent. Never use hot water as this can cause the garment to shrink.
Avoid rubbing the garment: Instead of rubbing the garment, gently submerge the garment in the water and let the detergent do its work for a few minutes. Then, rinse the garment several times with clean water until no detergent residue remains.
Do not twist the garment: When removing the garment from the water, do not twist it as this can damage the alpaca fibers and cause the garment to become deformed. Instead, place the garment on a clean towel and gently press to remove excess water.
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Air dry the garment: Never use a dryer to dry an alpaca garment as the heat can damage the fiber. Instead, place the garment on a clean towel and let it air dry on a flat surface. Make sure not to expose the garment directly to sunlight as this may discolor it.
Store the garment correctly: When the garment is completely dry, store it in a dry, well-ventilated place. Do not hang it as this may cause the garment to become deformed. Instead, fold it gently and store it in a dark, dry place.
We pre-wash all our wool garments so you can feel worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash alpaca clothes in the washing machine and dry them in the dryer?
It is not recommended to wash alpaca garments in the washing machine and dry them in the dryer, as these machines can be too aggressive for the delicate alpaca fiber and can damage it or cause it to shrink.
The best way to wash alpaca garments is by hand, as mentioned above. However, if you decide to wash an alpaca garment in the washing machine, be sure to do so on a gentle cycle with cold water. Also, use a mild detergent and place the garment in a wash bag to protect it from friction.
As for drying, it is best not to use the dryer as the heat can damage the alpaca fiber and cause the garment to shrink. Instead, dry it outdoors on a flat surface, away from direct sunlight.
What happens if it shrinks, how to return it to its original state?
If an alpaca garment has already shrunk, it may be difficult or impossible to return it to its original state. However, there are some methods you can try to try to stretch the garment:
- Soaking in water: Place the garment in cold water and let it soak for several hours. Then, remove the garment from the water and gently lay it out on a flat surface. Stretch the garment gently with your hands to help it return to its original shape.
- Using conditioner: Mix a little hair conditioner with cold water and immerse the garment in the mixture. Then, gently lay it out on a flat surface and stretch the garment gently with your hands.
- Steam: Use a steam iron or steam machine to loosen the alpaca fibers and help the garment return to its original shape. Place the garment on a hanger and run the steam over the garment, gently stretching it with your hands as you do so.
It is important to remember that these methods do not always work and can further damage the garment if used incorrectly. If the garment is severely shrunken or if you are unsure how to restore it, it is best to take it to a dry cleaner specializing in alpaca garments to have it restored safely and professionally.
