How to Wash a Sheep Fleece
How to Wash a Sheep’s Fleece: A Step-by-Step Guide
Washing a sheep’s fleece is a rewarding process that transforms raw wool into a clean, workable fiber ready for spinning, felting, or crafting. Whether you’re a seasoned fiber artist or a curious beginner, understanding the proper way to wash a fleece ensures your wool remains soft, strong, and free of unwanted debris. Here’s a detailed guide to get you started.
1. Preparing the Fleece
- Skirt the fleece: Lay out the raw fleece and remove any dirty, matted, or vegetable matter-filled edges. This “skirting” ensures you focus only on the best fiber.
- Shake and sort: Gently shake the fleece to remove loose dirt, hay, or straw. If desired, separate the fleece into manageable sections.
2. Choosing Your Washing Area and Supplies
- Large tubs, sinks, or buckets (avoid using your kitchen sink, as raw fleece contains lanolin and dirt)
- Gentle wool-safe detergent (like Unicorn Power Scour, Dawn, or Eucalan)
- A thermometer (optional but helpful)
- Rubber gloves
- Mesh laundry bags (for easier handling)
3. Fill with Hot Water
Fill your tub or bucket with hot water (ideally 140°F or above/50-60°C). The heat will help dissolve the lanolin (wool grease) and loosen dirt. Avoid agitating the water to prevent felting. If your fleece is extremely dirty or heavily lanolined, a 24-hour soak in cold water will help tremendously.
Fill your tub or bucket with hot water (ideally 140°F or above/50-60°C). The heat will help dissolve the lanolin (wool grease) and loosen dirt. Avoid agitating the water to prevent felting. If your fleece is extremely dirty or heavily lanolined, a 24-hour soak in cold water will help tremendously.
We’re trying to remove as much of the lanolin as possible without drying out the fleece.
4. Add Detergent
Add the wool-safe detergent according to package directions. Stir gently to mix, but avoid creating too many bubbles or suds. Many people use Dawn liquid soap, but this isn’t the best option. If it’s all you’ve got, just make certain that it’s the Original Dawn without protein-eating additives, which will damage your fleece. I like Unicorn Power Scour, but I’ve also heard of good results with Orvus Paste.
Add the wool-safe detergent according to package directions. Stir gently to mix, but avoid creating too many bubbles or suds. Many people use Dawn liquid soap, but this isn’t the best option. If it’s all you’ve got, just make certain that it’s the Original Dawn without protein-eating additives, which will damage your fleece. I like Unicorn Power Scour, but I’ve also heard of good results with Orvus Paste.
5. Soak the Fleece
Submerge the fleece (in mesh bags, if using) into the water. Gently press down to ensure the wool is fully saturated. Let it soak undisturbed for 20-30 minutes. Do not agitate, as movement can cause felting.
Submerge the fleece (in mesh bags, if using) into the water. Gently press down to ensure the wool is fully saturated. Let it soak undisturbed for 20-30 minutes. Do not agitate, as movement can cause felting.
6. Rinse and Repeat
Carefully lift the fleece out and let the water drain. Refill the tub with hot, clean water (no detergent) and soak the fleece again to rinse out soap and remaining dirt. Repeat until the rinse water runs clear, usually 2-3 rinses. If your fleece is really dirty and you see the rinse water is full of muck, repeat step 5.
Carefully lift the fleece out and let the water drain. Refill the tub with hot, clean water (no detergent) and soak the fleece again to rinse out soap and remaining dirt. Repeat until the rinse water runs clear, usually 2-3 rinses. If your fleece is really dirty and you see the rinse water is full of muck, repeat step 5.
7. Drying the Fleece
Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay the fleece flat on a clean towel, mesh rack, or sweater dryer in a well-ventilated area. Allow it to air dry completely, turning occasionally for even drying.
Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay the fleece flat on a clean towel, mesh rack, or sweater dryer in a well-ventilated area. Allow it to air dry completely, turning occasionally for even drying.
Tips for Success
- Always use hot water and minimize agitation to prevent felting.
- Handle fleece gently during all steps.
- If the fleece is very greasy or dirty, a second wash may be necessary.
Washing a sheep’s fleece can be a meditative and satisfying process, bringing you closer to the origins of your craft. With patience and care, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful, clean wool ready for your next project.
A VIDEO FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO SEE THE PROCESS IN ACTION
For those who need to see the process, I have watched more really bad videos about washing a fleece than you can imagine, so you don’t have to! Here is the video I think does the best job in a no-nonsense way.
This step-by-step tutorial walks you through the process of washing wool fleece. Chris Armbrust of Shepherd Industries shows how to clean your raw wool. An easy-to-follow guide that will not only teach you how to wash your raw wool at home, but will also run through a wide range of fibers from sheep wool to alpaca and llama, all with different amounts of grease and dirt.