How to Lighten Wool
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Wool is a natural fabric, known for its warming and wicking properties. It is used to make nearly any article of clothing, but over time white wool will start to yellow. This wool needs to be lightened to look its best.
Wool can also be lightened to give wardrobe a new look, although dark wool will not lighten significantly. Use either household hydrogen peroxide or bleach to lighten wool.
Handwash wool in cold water with a detergent designed for wool fabrics. Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
- Wool is a natural fabric, known for its warming and wicking properties.
- It is used to make nearly any article of clothing, but over time white wool will start to yellow.
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with 10 parts of water and set the wool in the solution.
Leave the wool for 30 to 45 minutes, agitating it occasionally.
Wring out the wool and lay it on a flat surface to dry.
Wash the wool by hand, using a wool-specific detergent, and rinse thoroughly.
Fill a basin with 1 tsp of chlorine bleach for every gallon of water.
Soak the fabric in the solution for 30 minutes, agitating it so it lightens evenly.
Rinse the fabric, wring it out and set it on a flat surface to dry.
- Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with 10 parts of water and set the wool in the solution.
- Soak the fabric in the solution for 30 minutes, agitating it so it lightens evenly.
References
- "Good Housekeeping"; How to Wash Delicate Fabrics; January 1887
- "Craft of the Dyer: Colour from Plants and Lichens"; Karen Leigh Casselman; August 1993
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Shara JJ Cooper graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism in 2000, and has worked professionally ever since. She has a passion for community journalism, but likes to mix it up by writing for a variety of publications. Cooper is the owner/editor of the Boundary Sentinel, a web-based newspaper.