Mostly they used lye and ash and dirt to get out spots. They used solvents like turpentine and male urine also. Actually wool can be washed if it has been properly shrunk in the construction stage. I remember reading that the scots boiled the wool after weaving to make the kilts water proof.
My husband has a couple of expensive wool blankets that cost $100 to dry clean. He couldn't tolerate the price so washed the lesser favorite one on cold, gentle cycle using woolite. He hung it outside to dry. No difference that you can see, but it felt softer and smelled wonderful. He then washed his favorite.
I still think it's itchy. I prefer goose down comforters. Just as warm and much lighter.
Thanks for the education, I love learning about history. I love goose down feather pillows. I haven’t had a feather pillow since I was a kid. Years ago we were traveling a lot staying in Holiday Inn Express, they were the best pillows. Probably imitation but were comfy.
I didn’t know this, thanks for the education. Have you heard of walk the wool? There’s a scene in Outlander TV series showing it. Just in case you aren’t familiar: they used pee on the wool. I love old traditions like this, minus the pee.
Don't forget wool.
It's extremely warm,and much better than fake fabrics.
Silk long John’s and wool pants, shirts and socks, my preferred winter field wear. If it’s too cold for that, I’ll be in the house…
That should be good to about -40
It itches and requires dry cleaning.
Ha ha, wool is out for me. If it’s not machine washable and wrinkle free I don’t wear it. Wonder how they clean wool for decades without dry cleaning.
Mostly they used lye and ash and dirt to get out spots. They used solvents like turpentine and male urine also. Actually wool can be washed if it has been properly shrunk in the construction stage. I remember reading that the scots boiled the wool after weaving to make the kilts water proof.
My husband has a couple of expensive wool blankets that cost $100 to dry clean. He couldn't tolerate the price so washed the lesser favorite one on cold, gentle cycle using woolite. He hung it outside to dry. No difference that you can see, but it felt softer and smelled wonderful. He then washed his favorite.
I still think it's itchy. I prefer goose down comforters. Just as warm and much lighter.
Thanks for the education, I love learning about history. I love goose down feather pillows. I haven’t had a feather pillow since I was a kid. Years ago we were traveling a lot staying in Holiday Inn Express, they were the best pillows. Probably imitation but were comfy.
It makes me itch. I can’t even crochet with wool. Damned shame because it’s a great fabric.
All wool is not the same. Higher grade is much better.
I didn’t know this, thanks for the education. Have you heard of walk the wool? There’s a scene in Outlander TV series showing it. Just in case you aren’t familiar: they used pee on the wool. I love old traditions like this, minus the pee.
Waulking the wool
Explantion Waulking the wool
I'm sure they did things to soften wool,but that looks kind of Hollywood.