How to Wash Alpaca Woolen Products

A step-by-step guide on how to wash your alpaca wool garment.

1. Soak with Care

Soak your alpaca woolen garment in cold or lukewarm water for 30 minutes to an hour, using a mild detergent, baby shampoo, or conditioner.

Avoid agitating, rubbing, or brushing the fabric—just let it relax and soak up the goodness.

2. Gentle Rinsing

After soaking, gently rinse your garment under cold or lukewarm running water. Don’t twist, wring, or rub the fibers! Instead, gently squeeze out the excess water to preserve the shape and prevent fiber breakage.

3. Dry It Right

To remove excess water, lay your garment flat between two towels and roll them up together, gently pressing out the moisture. You might need to repeat this with fresh towels if needed.

Finally, lay your garment flat on a dry towel to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, or hangers—just let it dry naturally, and your alpaca wool will stay fresh, clean, and beautiful.

  • Always Use Cold or Lukewarm Water

    Hot water can harm the delicate alpaca fibers, so keep it cool! Stick to cold or lukewarm water for the best results.

  • Skip the Wool-Specific Detergents

    Wool detergents can still be too harsh for alpaca wool. Opt for a mild detergent, baby shampoo, or conditioner for a gentle clean.

  • No Washing Machines!

    Seriously, don’t even think about tossing it in the washing machine—even on the "hand wash" setting. Treat your alpaca wool with the care it deserves.

  • Drying Takes Time

    Drying your alpaca wool garment can take anywhere from 3 to 24 hours, depending on its size. Be patient—it’s totally worth it.

  • Alpaca Wool Doesn’t Need Frequent Washing

    Alpaca wool is naturally odor-resistant and doesn’t absorb stains easily, so you don't have to wash it after every wear. Lucky you! Instead, let the steam from a hot shower work its magic. Simply hang your garment in the bathroom while you shower, and the steam will refresh it in no time.

  • No Hanging Allowed

    Gravity is not your alpaca wool’s friend! Never hang it up to dry; this can stretch out the fibers and ruin the shape. Always lay it flat.

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Close-up of the pompom on the handmade peacock blue baby hat, made from soft 100% baby alpaca wool with a foldable edge and brown vegan leather label.

Caring Tips

1. Store It Right

When the warmer months roll around, store your alpaca wool pieces in an airtight container or breathable garment bag to keep them fresh and safe. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place.

2. Protect from Moths

Keep those pesky moths away by placing some lavender sachets or cedar blocks in your storage space. They protect your wool, and they’ll keep your items smelling lovely.

3. Be Gentle with Zippers

Zippers can be a bit too rough on your delicate wool, so be mindful when putting on or taking off your garments. Try to avoid getting them caught!

4. Alpaca Wool is Fixable

Don’t panic if your alpaca wool gets a little snag or tear—it's actually quite fixable! We recommend finding a helpful YouTube video or calling up your trusty aunt to help you repair it. Most of the time, you can fix those little mishaps invisibly, and your garment will look as good as new!

5. Give It Room to Breathe

Alpaca wool loves a little space, so avoid overcrowding it in your closet. Let the fibers relax and breathe to maintain their softness and shape.

So Fresh, So Clean! Watch Me Wash and Dry Alpaca Wool