Washing a Kilt

[Squeaky McMurdo]

So I have a question.

First off I don't plan on sending my kilts to the drycleaners, I'de rather hand wash. More out of concern that they'de screw up the pleats than for thriftyness, though it's a bonus.

What I'm gathering from the forum is that it is more desirable to keep the lanolin in the wool. Is this correct?

If this is the case I have a tip for you guys. Stay away from Woolite. It strips out the lanolin. Try a wash for wool diaper covers like Imse Vimse (do you like their disclaimer about the sheep? lol) or my favourite, Eucalan that also deters moths. These will ALWAYS have lanolin in them because of it's waterproofing qualities.

Crap. Two of my obsessions have merged!

--Chelsea McMurdo--

[ChattanCat]

Yes, I have heard that about woolite. It is one of the gentler soaps though.

[CameronTaylor]

I use (ok, the southern Redhead uses) Dryel to clean mine, works quite well.
I use Armor All on the leather kil ... party dress.


CT - oops, almost said the k word

[Pleater]

There will be very little - if any - lanolin in a scoured, processed, dyed wool such as is used to make a kilt - there could be some of the lubricant which was used in the spinning and winding process, but that would not be natural to a live sheep.

The gentlest washing agent would probably be human hair shampoo and conditioner - it is after all designed to remove Human skin exudates and keep our fibres smooth and swishy. It is recommended by those who spin by hand and do not have the benefit of the processes to make wool washable rather than feltable.

Anne the Pleater

[IRISH]

...or my favourite, Eucalan that also deters moths.

chelsea
i also use eucalan when washing wool sweaters.
have you ever used eucalan to clean spots from a kilt? would one use, say, a drop of eucalan and agitate with a toothbrush, perhaps?
regards.