How to Lanolize your Wool Covers

Lanolin is a sticky, oily substance naturally secreted by sheep, and typically present in unwashed wool.  Think of it as a kind of natural hair conditioner.  Soaps and detergents are designed to remove both dirt and oils, so when you wash your wool, you remove some of the lanolin present in the fibers.  In order for your wool diaper cover to retain its water-resistant properties, you need to add some lanolin back into the wool fibers during your washing process.  But don't worry -- it's really not as scary or mysterious as you might think.  If you can wash your hair, you should be able to wash your wool, too.

Step 0: Boil Water                                                                                                                    
You'll need some hot water at Step 3.  Get it heating now.

Step 1:  Wash (Shampoo)                                                                                                         
Fill your clean sink with warm water.  Test your water temperature at the base of your wrist, just as you would for a baby's bath.  While it's filling up, add a squirt of gentle wool wash.  I have used ordinary baby shampoo in a pinch.  If your wool is soiled, apply some wool wash directly to the soiled area and massage it in.  Gently submerge your wool in the soapy water and swish it around.  After a minute or so, drain the dirty water.

Step 2:  Rinse                                                                                                                           
Hold your wool cover under clean running water.  Be sure to turn it and check that there are no soiled or discolored spots remaining.

Step 3:  Lanolize (Condition)                                                                                                   
Fill your sink with warm water a second time.  Add 1/2 tsp (or a pea-sized drop) to about 1/2 cup of just-boiled water in a lidded container.  Put the lid onto the container and shake until the lanolin has completely dissolved into the water, and let cool slightly.  Add your wool cover back to the sink and slowly pour the lanolin mixture over the wool.  Massage it in a bit, and then let the wool soak in the sink for an hour or two.

Step 4:  Dry                                                                                                                               
Take your wool cover out of the sink.  It should be very wet and slightly sticky.  Gently squeeze as much moisture as you can from your wool, but don't wring or rub it too much.  Wrap it in a towel and step on it to take up more of the moisture.  Then lay it down in a dry, warm place with good airflow and wait for a day or two.  Avoid direct heat, which can lead to shrinkage.

Step 5:  Enjoy!                                                                                                                          
Now go use your new-again diaper cover!  It should be good for a couple of weeks, or until soiled.

Questions?  Drop me a comment below.

PS:  I have new Wool Diaper Covers in my Etsy shop.  Snatch them up quick before they're gone!

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