Some Wooly Good Information

In the last post I went over how to take care of your diapers, remember that you don’t have to do it exactly like I said. Every mama (and dad) has their own routine so find what works for you!

Lanolizing Wool Covers & Longies

You can lanolize a cover in about 15 minutes, it’s that easy.  If you are using them in rotation with other covers and airing them out between uses you will likely not need to wash them more than once every week or two. When you wash your wool diaper cover, use a gentle soap designed for wool care. You can use a small amount of baby shampoo or a lanolin rich wool wash. **If you are using a lanolin rich wool wash, you will only need to lanolize your covers about every 3 weeks. **

How do you know when to lanolize your wool covers/longies? When the cover needs more lanolin,  it will begin to leak or smell bad.

First steps:

Wash your cover or longies gently in wool safe soap and warm water. Don’t agitate them too much or subject them to rapid temperature changes; this will cause the wool to tighten up, shrink and “felt.” Gently press the water out and then set the wool diaper cover/longies aside.

Second steps:

Prepare your lanolin.

If you are using a spray lanolin, just spritz it on; you want to use enough to dampen the wool,  massage it in a little and allow your cover to air dry.

If you are using liquid or solid lanolin, add a little hot water to a clean sink or bowl. Add about 1 teaspoon lanolin and a few drops of baby shampoo. Swirl it around until it mixes into the water. When it’s nice and mixed up, the water will appear cloudy. Add enough warm water to submerge the cover/longies.

Third Steps:

Place the wool diaper cover in the sink and allow it to soak for 15 minutes or longer, overnight is good. Gently drain out the water and wrap the cover in a towel to remove as much moisture as possible.

Finally, allow your cover to air dry. Do not put your wool in the dryer or try to accelerate drying.

After the cover/longies are dry, you’re done! Congratulations. If you don’t know where to purchase lanolin or curious to see where you can, I will post links in the “Helpful Links” area on the right.

Lets quickly go over how to wash wool!

Fill the machine with just enough warm water to cover your wool items and add a teaspoon of wool cleaner for each gallon of water. Soak for 1/2 hour. Squeeze gently by hand and remove. Spin the remaining water out. *You may also use a bucket or the kitchen sink as well.* Avoid hot and cold water as they will distress the natural wool fibers.

Have staining problems? To remove any stains on your wool products we recommend laying them flat in the sun however the sun can fade your colorful wool or leave discoloration and fading.

If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to talk email me at Birdsnestdiapers@yahoo.com.