Quote Originally Posted by creagdhubh View Post
I always hand-wash my kilt hose and country socks (both kind are from House of Cheviot - various styles), but usually after several wearings first. I use a wee bit of woolite and cold water, then lay flat to dry. Simple, easy, and effective.

Cheers,

Woolite is BAD for wool. It is NOT formulated for natural fibers any more. It's specifically designed for synthetics.

Sources:

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/yarn/1306453 (needs a free log in, but is one of the best fiber arts sites on the web at all for anyone interested in the fiber arts)

http://organicclothing.blogs.com/my_..._for_orga.html

http://community.discovery.com/eve/f...6/m/6191971699

http://www.fuzzygalore.biz/articles/wash_sweater.shtml

My wife the spinner/knitter....



The best commercial products to use for washing wool:

SOAK http://www.soakwash.com/

Eucalan http://www.eucalan.com/

Good quality shampoo http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=sr_tc_2_...qid=1327736533 (Yes, as in the stuff you rub into your hair.....Tresemme, Nutragenia, etc.. Not Baby Shampoo. Moisturizing is ok, and some fiber artists even recommending using a very small amount of conditioner in the final rinse.)