Can You Wash Alpaca Wool in the Washing Machine?

If you have a garment made with alpaca wool, you might wonder: is it possible to put alpaca wool in the washing machine? 

It is not possible to wash 100% alpaca wool in the washing machine, including the “hand wash” setting. The friction of the process causes the fibers to break, making them interlock, which results in a felted garment. And when that happens, your garment will be smaller, less soft, and tougher. 

But why do a lot of washing labels say you can wash your alpaca woolen clothes in the washing machine? Let’s dig into the alpaca fiber a little deeper. 

Should You Wash Alpaca Wool in the Washing Machine? 

In short, 100% alpaca woolen garments are too vulnerable to be washed in the washing machine, so you should always wash them by hand (manually, hand-wash!). 

There are two reasons for this: 

1. Friction + water = bad for the fiber
2. Soap + alpaca = extra vulnerable

Alpaca Scales Felt

Alpaca fiber has tiny scales that can interlock when rubbed together. In a washing machine, the tumbling motion creates friction, causing these scales to latch onto one another. This leads to felting (the process that makes the fibers mat together, shrink, and lose their softness) ultimately damaging the garment.

So when you wash alpaca wool, your garment will start to get a different shape, touch and softness—in a negative way! It’s as if your garment becomes a totally new type of fabric. Felted garments are thicker and coarser. 

• Plot twist! There’s benefits to that, too. Read them here: Does Alpaca Wool Felt? (And Why That’s Both GOOD and BAD)

Vulnerable Environment

Additionally, there’s a second threat from the washing machine: the combination of water and soap makes the fiber even more vulnerable to damage. It’s almost as if it makes the hairs “open up”, exposing the minuscule scales further.

But even without the soap, water alone is enough to make your garment felt. 

Can You Use The Hand-Wash Program On The Washing Machine? 

Even the 'hand-wash' setting on a washing machine is too harsh for a 100% alpaca wool garment. Despite sounding gentle, it still involves movement and friction. Both of which are enough to damage the delicate fibers.

Alpaca wool should be washed by hand: gently and without movement. The goal is to let it soak undisturbed, without rubbing, agitating, or tossing. True hand-washing means stillness.

• Want to make sure you're caring for your alpaca wool the right way? Read our foolproof, step-by-step guide: How Do You Wash Alpaca Woolen Products? (Step-By-Step Guide)

What Happens When You Put An Alpaca Woolen Product In The Washing Machine?

I know you're curious... What happens when you put alpaca wool in the wash?

When customers buy Yanantin products, I make them pinky-promise never to put their garment in the washing machine. Here's why:  

When you wash an alpaca woolen garment in the washing machine it will become: 

• Less soft

• Less elastic 

• Less drapey 

• Less smooth

• More water-resistant

• More wind-resistant
  

The Itchy Truth

How do I know all of this? Well, because I (accidentally) threw my own 100% alpaca woolen sweater in the washing machine. WHOOPS! Let’s just say it was great material for a YouTube video…

See for yourself what happened: 

In short: to keep your fluffy sweater in top condition, avoid the washing machine. However, if you have an old sweater, scarf, or pair of socks you'd like to make more wind- or water-resistant, feel free to toss it in.

When Is It Possible To Put An Alpaca Woolen Garment In The Washing Machine?

If your garment is a blend that contains very little alpaca wool, you may be able to machine wash it. However, this depends on the specific blend and the percentage of alpaca wool. It also depends on the materials it's blended with—whether synthetic or animal fibers.

I will share some guidelines with you, but I do recommend that you check the washing label. 

Based on Alpaca Wool Content 

Less than 30% Alpaca Wool

• Garments with less than 30% alpaca wool (especially when blended with synthetic fibers like polyester) are usually more durable and less prone to felting. These garments are generally safe for machine washing, but it’s still important to use a gentle cycle and cold water to minimize the risk of damage. 

And always check the washing label :)

30% to 50% Alpaca Wool

• At this level, there's more risk of felting, especially if the alpaca is blended with other natural fibers like sheep's wool (which felts more easily). Some garments in this range may still survive a gentle wash if done properly (cold water, delicate cycle, and a mesh bag), but handwashing is safer to preserve softness and texture.
  
  

More than 50% Alpaca Wool

• Garments with more than 50% alpaca wool are typically more sensitive to washing machines, and I highly recommend handwashing them. Even on a gentle cycle, the risk of felting is much higher due to the higher percentage of alpaca fibers.

Based on Materials

Alpaca Wool and Complex Blends (Three or More Fibers)

• The more complex the blend, the harder it is to predict its behavior. If the mix includes both animal and synthetic fibers, it may be safe to machine wash on a delicate cycle with cold water. However, always check the care label for specific instructions.
  

Alpaca Wool and Synthetic Blends (Polyester, Acrylic, Nylon)

• With caution, you should be able to wash alpaca-synthetic blends, depending on the wool content (see above). Synthetic blends are less vulnerable and more resistant to felting but can pill instead. Use a gentle cycle and cold water to minimize wear.
  
  

Alpaca Wool and Wool Blends (Merino, Cashmere, Shetland)

• Just like alpaca, other animal-based fibers are prone to felting and shrinkage, so blends using different types of wool are best to be handwashed to preserve softness and shape. 

The One Exception: Superwash Alpaca

Superwash treatments are designed to make alpaca wool more resilient in the wash, which means that you can technically wash garments if the label says 'superwash' alpaca wool. 

Superwash alpaca wool can typically be machine washed because it has been specifically treated to prevent felting and shrinkage. This treatment involves a chemical process that coats the wool fibers, allowing them to withstand the agitation and heat of a washing machine.

However, always check the care label for specific instructions, and make sure to use alpaca-hacks regardless: 

• Cold water only: Prevents shrinkage and felting.

• Gentle cycle: Reduces friction to protect fibers.

• Mesh bag: Shields delicate items from agitation.

• Mild detergent: Use a detergent designed for wool or delicate fabrics.

• No fabric softener: It can break down wool fibers.

• Air dry flat: Avoid wringing or hanging, which can stretch the fibers.