I have made this wool wash, rather than buying it, and it works brilliantly. It leaves the woollens really soft and smelling lovely, and I also use it when I am wanting to freshen up sheets and doonas etc, and for sterilising these items while they wash. It's also great for towels. I have had this 1st batch for at least 6 months, and I freshened it up a week or so ago by adding some hot water to it, as it hard hardened up and was becoming hard to scoop out. It is now really good again, and should last many more uses before I need to make any more. This is the recipe:
Home Made Wool Wash
200ml methylated spirits
300g lux pure soap flakes or grated laundry soap
100ml eucalyptus oil
Mix all ingredients and store in a wide necked jar.
Use 1- 2 tablespoons per wash. Mix with hot water and then add to warm wash.
what is methylated spirits? some sort of alcohol?
ReplyDeleteFound this wiki link to tell us what methylated spirits are-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol
ReplyDeleteThe wool wash sounds awesome though! I'm excited to try it. :)
This recipe has been around in Australia for some sixty odd years. Have used it on wool for ever. We know it as "Martha Gardners wool wash"
ReplyDeleteIs this a no-rinse formula?
ReplyDeleteDo you have to rinse garments after using this wash?
ReplyDeleteCan you use cheap vodka in stead of methylated spirits
ReplyDeleteIf it's the same as Martha Gardner's, go carefully if you ever plan on dyeing the wool. I've heard from spinners' guild members that it can interfere with dye takeup, but I'd love to hear if you have actual experience with your recipe vs dyeing!
ReplyDelete