Yarn spun from the alpaca, a member of the camel family native to the Andes in South America. The yarn is soft, lustrous, and highly insulating. Unlike sheep's wool it's lanolin-free.
Whether hand or machine washing alpaca garments, always pretreat stains with a gentle stain remover suitable for woolens and work in using a Stain Brush. Always test solutions in an inconspicuous spot before applying to the entire garment.
If you need to presoak tough stains, use cool water and don't soak for longer than 10-15 minutes before the wash. Overexposure to water can adversely affect alpaca's soft finish.
Hand washing is the best and safest method for washing alpaca, as it allows for the most control over the delicate fibers. Enzyme-based detergents will degrade the yarns, so you'll want to select a gentle wash designed for woolens. Alpaca is sensitive to water temperature and agitation, and it can shrink if not treated properly.
- Add your gentle wash, like Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, to a basin or sink filled with cool water.
- Submerge the alpaca item and gently agitate the water with your hands to evenly distribute detergent. Soak for up to 30 minutes.
- Rinse well by running cool water through the item until the water is no longer soapy.
- Do not wring. Instead, press the water out of the item.
Larger alpaca pieces can be washed in the machine on a case by case basis. Avoid laundering in a machine with a central agitator, as this can cause garments to snag. Always wash alpaca garments with like colors and fabrics (like woolens of the same color).
- First, turn the alpaca item inside out, and place it in a Mesh Bag. This provides a key later of protection - don't skip it!
- Alpaca fabric needs to be washed on a delicate cycle with cool water. Select the woolens or delicate cycle on the washing machine, and make sure the water temperature is cold and the spin is on low.
- Add the appropriate amount of Wool & Cashmere Shampoo according to the machine and load size.
- Remove promptly from the washing machine to reduce creasing.
- Lay the alpaca item flat in its natural shape on a drying rack or clean towel. Do not put it in the dryer!
- Expedite drying alpaca garments by laying the item flat on a clean towel. With the item in its original shape, roll it up in the towel (like a sleeping bag) to remove excess water. Never hang wet woolens.
- When drying alpaca, avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, such as the radiator, because they can yellow, shrink, or damage knit fabrics like alpaca.
- To remove wrinkles from alpaca garments, we recommend steaming for the best and safest finish. Do not iron, as ironing will crush or flatten the natural pile of the yarns.
Knit items should be stored folded to help prevent stretching or distorting.
We recommend storing in a breathable canvas storage bag with a zip closure. Storing in plastic encourages yellowing and can trap mildew-causing moisture.
