Ever had your wool sweater soaked in rain, only to be hit with that wet dog smell? Yup, wool can get stinky when it gets wet. But what about alpaca wool? Does it have that same funky scent when it gets drenched? Does alpaca wool smell?
Alpaca wool is naturally odor-resistant and doesn’t easily absorb smells. While it may develop a mild odor when wet or exposed to strong scents, airing it out effectively removes the smell. The alpaca's clean nature and the unique fiber structure help repel odors.
Every time I wrap my alpaca scarf around my neck, I brace for that dreaded wet-dog smell. But it never comes. It always smells fresh, day after day. This unique feature of alpaca wool is fascinating. And the reason why I love it.
So, what’s the science behind it? How does it manage to resist absorbing odors?
Too-long-didn’t-read-kind-of-person? Watch the video on this topic instead:
Why Doesn’t Alpaca Wool Absorb Smells?
Alpaca wool’s amazing odor resistance comes from its unique fiber structure, hollow core, antibacterial properties, and low lanolin content. Let’s dive in.
Fiber Structure
Alpaca wool has a scale-like fiber structure, which means that there are tiny scales on an alpaca hair that protect the core of the fiber. The scales of alpaca fibers are particularly small, which means that they overlap really well, and that means that they don’t allow smells to enter the hollow core of the fiber.
Hollow Core
The core of alpaca fibers is hollow, which helps trap air and regulate temperature. This also allows the fiber to temporarily hold odors, but it doesn’t bind to them. The smell is released easily when aired out.
Antibacterial Properties
The natural proteins in alpaca wool create an environment that resists bacteria growth, making it naturally antibacterial. This helps prevent odor buildup, even with extensive wear.
Additionally, alpaca fiber is highly breathable and temperature-regulating:
A) You are less likely to sweat because alpaca garments keep your body temperature stable.
B) When you do sweat, moisture quickly evaporates, leaving you feeling fresh and dry.
This feature is incredible because it keeps your garment smelling fresh. Added benefit: it makes your garment extra durable, because moisture and mold struggle to grow, even after prolonged use.
When you choose alpaca, you are investing in a garment that stays fresh and odor-free for years to come.
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Prefer proof over theory? This guy wore his wool shirt non-stop for over a week! Check out the results yourself: How Long Can You Really Wear Wool?
Low Lanolin-Content
Alpaca wool contains very low levels of lanolin, which means that there is almost no greasy oil on the hairs of the product that you wear. Zero, basically. In other words… It is hypoallergenic.
This is great news for funky smells, because given that lanolin is greasy, you can imagine how dust and dirt get stuck on the fiber.
And why is that good news? Well, while dust and dirt themselves are usually odorless, they act like tiny sponges, soaking up smells from sweat, bacteria, cooking fumes, smoke, and other environmental sources. When trapped in clothing fibers, they can make garments smell musty or stale over time. Not with alpaca.
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Curious about that lanolin-content? Read my article about it here: Is Alpaca Wool Hypoallergenic or Lanolin-Free?
Alpacas Are Clean
It also helps that alpacas are clean animals to begin with. They often share communal bathroom areas, which helps keep their fleece cleaner compared to animals that graze and relieve themselves anywhere.
Their native habitats also help: alpacas roam dry, rocky, and grassy areas, which means they’re less exposed to mud and excessive dirt. Especially compared to livestock in wetter, muddier climates.
However, it’s not like alpacas never get dirty. In rainy or muddy conditions, they can pick up some debris, but overall, their fleece stays cleaner than most other livestock. This cleanliness does make processing easier, requiring less washing and chemical treatment. That’s one of the reasons alpaca wool is so eco-friendly. Whoop!
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That’s not the only reason why alpaca wool is sustainable. Read more about it in my article here: Is Alpaca Wool Sustainable? (Coming soon)
What Makes Alpaca Wool Smell?
Alpaca wool does an amazing job at staying fresh, but sometimes a little smell can sneak in. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
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Sweat: Sweat itself doesn’t smell, but when moisture meets bacteria, that's when things get stinky. Fortunately, alpaca wool keeps your skin dry, so there’s less opportunity for bacteria to cause issues. I’ve worn my alpaca hat on several runs and it stayed fresh.
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Rain and Water: If alpaca wool gets wet, it can take on a "wet animal" smell—kind of like wet dog or sheep. I’ve been caught in the rain a few times, and while it’s not the nicest smell, it disappears as soon as it dries.
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Mildew: If alpaca wool gets damp and is left in a warm, humid place, mildew can develop, leaving that musty smell behind. If you ever make the mistake of forgetting a wool sweater in the laundry basket, it will definitely get a little funky. Keeping it dry and aired out prevents this.
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Bonfires and Smoke: I once wore my alpaca scarf near a bonfire, and the smell of smoke stuck to it. At first, I thought it was ruined, but the next morning, the smell was totally gone. So, no need to worry if you end up near a smoky campfire.
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Perfume: Okay, I’ll admit... I'm one of those gals who sprays their entire content of perfume on a scarf. To smell it FOREVER. But with alpaca wool, the scent doesn’t hang around like it does with other materials. The scent will stick for a bit, but it fades eventually. Not sure if that's positive or not!?
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Cooking Smells: If you’re cooking something strong, like frying or grilling, those smells can cling to wool. I’ve definitely noticed it when I’ve worn my scarf while cooking. But as usual, airing it out for a bit does the trick. And yes, I wear my wool so much, I even cook with it. :)
In short, alpaca wool stays fresh longer, but if you get a little smell, it’s usually easy to get rid of. Just let it breathe and you’re good to go again.
How Do You Get Rid of Smells in an Alpaca Woolen Garment?
While alpaca wool does a great job at resisting smells, they can sometimes linger a bit longer. Luckily, there are a few ways to freshen up your garment.
Airing Out
The easiest and safest method is simply airing out your garment. Hang it outside on a misty day, in your bathroom while you shower, or near an open window. Be sure to let it dry thoroughly to prevent mildew from setting in. For more stubborn smells, it might need some extra time to air out.
The time needed for airing can vary depending on the smell. For light odors, an hour or two may be sufficient. If the smell is more persistent, leave the garment hanging for several hours or even overnight.
Sun Exposure
For persistent mildew smells, the sun can work wonders. However, use this option with caution. Prolonged sun exposure can cause the fibers to weaken or change color, so don’t leave it out too long.
30 minutes to an hour at a time should be enough to help with odor removal without damaging the fibers or color.
Washing
If smells are still sticking around, washing might be your next best option. Alpaca wool is delicate, so make sure to wash your item gently with a mild detergent. The higher the alpaca wool content, the more careful you’ll need to be during the wash.
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Want to know more about washing alpaca wool? Check out my article on how to do it safely: How to Wash An Alpaca Woolen Item?
Dry Cleaner
For really tough odors or if you're unsure about how to wash your garment, a dry cleaner is your safest bet. Double check to make sure they know exactly how to handle your alpaca wool item and remove odors while keeping your garment in great shape.
Preventing an Alpaca Woolen Garment from Getting Smelly
To prevent your alpaca wool garments from getting smelly, here are some practical tips to keep them fresh for longer:
1. Wear Layers Underneath
Wearing a breathable base layer, like a moisture-wicking shirt, underneath your alpaca wool can help absorb sweat and prevent it from soaking into the wool. This is especially useful for areas like your armpits and back.
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A merino baselayer is great for REALLY cold days;
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Bamboo is soft, eco-friendly, and great for sensitive skin;
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Silk is great for layering, as it helps to wick moisture without the bulk;
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Tencel (Lyocell) is a soft, breathable, and naturally odor-resistant fabric.
2. Avoid Over-Wearing
Alpaca wool is naturally odor-resistant, but like any garment, it will pick up smells after repeated wear. Give your woolen items time to allow the fibers to breathe and reset. A break allows trapped moisture or odors, keeping the wool fresher longer.
3. Keep it Dry
Make sure your wool garments stay dry as much as possible. If you get caught in the rain or sweat a lot, try to change out of them as soon as you can to avoid odors from setting in. If the garment is damp, air dry right away.
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Proper drying is a skill in and of itself:
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Place your garment flat on a clean, dry drying rack.
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Make sure the garment is spread out evenly.
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Ease out wrinkles or folds, to allow for proper air circulation.
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Avoid hanging it, as this can lead to stretching.
4. Store Properly
When not in use, store your alpaca wool garments in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space. Avoid leaving them in damp, musty areas like a laundry basket or closet. You can also use garment bags or breathable storage bags to protect them from dust and odors.
5. Use a Fabric Freshener
Occasionally spritz your garment with a natural fabric freshener or spray made for wool, or simply air it out in a well-ventilated spot. Avoid strong-smelling sprays, as some perfumes or harsh chemicals can linger in the fibers and eventually cause odors to build up.
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Pro-Tip: My favorite freshener is diluted vinegar. It neutralizes odors, eliminates bacteria, and is gentle on the fiber.
6. Wash Less Frequently
One of the benefits of alpaca wool is that it doesn’t need to be washed as often as other fabrics. The natural properties of the wool keep it cleaner for longer. Over-washing can strip away the fibers’ natural defenses, making them more prone to absorbing odors.
Spot-clean as needed and only wash when absolutely necessary.
7. Use Odor-Absorbing Items
Store your wool garments with natural odor-absorbing materials, like cedar balls or lavender sachets, to keep them smelling fresh. These can also help protect against pests like moths, which can damage your wool.
