Lanoliseren: zo maak je wol waterafstotend (in 3 stappen)

Lanolization: how to make wool water-repellent (in 3 steps)

Wool is a great material: soft, breathable and, thanks to the natural wool fat (lanolin), also slightly water-repellent. But over time – and certainly after a few washes – that lanolin layer can wear off. Fortunately, you can easily replenish it. This process is called lanolisation . It may sound fancy, but it is simply a matter of putting a piece of wool in a bath with some lanolin. Ideal for making your woolen overpants for washable nappies optimally leak-proof again, for example, or for giving woolen cardigans extra protection.

Important: Before you start lanolinizing, always wash your wool item first (a clean wool absorbs the lanolin better). You can read how to wash wool in our blog Washing wool in 4 simple steps . Do you have a clean, wet wool? Then you can get started with the steps below! 🐑🧼

What do you need for lanolization?

  • Pure lanolin (wool fat, available at drugstores or eco shops)
  • Wool detergent or mild baby shampoo (a drop to dissolve the lanolin)
  • A bucket or sink
  • Hot water

Ready? Then follow this 3-step plan:

Step 1: Make a lanolin bath

  • Fill the bucket or container with a layer of hot water (boiling water from the kettle mixed with some cold water is fine, as long as it is very warm).
  • Add to this: a drop of wool detergent or mild shampoo + a teaspoon of pure lanolin .
  • Stir well until the lanolin is completely dissolved. This may take a while; the water may become a little milky – that’s okay. You don’t want to see any lumps of lanolin.
  • Now add cold water to this mixture until the water has cooled to lukewarm (around 20–30°C, like a baby bath). Your lanolin bath is now ready to use. It may feel quite “greasy” – that’s the point. The entire bath is full of fine lanolin particles that will stick to your wool.

Tip: Do you find this a hassle or are you in a hurry? There are ready-made wool treatment products (e.g. from Disana) . That is actually pre-soaked lanolin. Then you only have to stir a capful of wool treatment into a bowl of lukewarm water and you can continue with the steps below. In that case, follow the dosage on the label of the wool treatment.

Step 2: Put the wool in the lanolin bath

Place your clean, wet wool garment(s) into the lukewarm lanolin bath. Make sure the item is completely submerged . You can safely lanolize several small items at once if they fit in the same bucket (e.g. 2-3 diaper pants).

  • Do not rub… unless: Normally you treat wool very gently (do not rub or wring), but here is an exception: When lanolinizing woolen diaper pants, you are allowed to rub/knead a little. Why? Because light felting makes the fabric denser and thus even more waterproof. For regular woolen sweaters or cardigans, this is not necessary and you want to avoid felting. But you can safely massage those thick woolen diaper pants through the lanolin bath, turn them inside out and even “scrub” them a little. This ensures that the lanolin is absorbed extra well into the fibers. (Don't be too rough, but you don't have to be afraid of a little friction with those items.)
  • Now let the wool soak in the bath for a few minutes. About 5–10 minutes is enough; longer is not harmful, but not absolutely necessary. The lanolin usually adheres to the fibers quite quickly.

Step 3: Squeeze and dry (do not rinse!)

  • Remove the wool from the lanolin bath. Do not rinse! You want to leave the lanolin in the wool. The garment will now feel a little “greasy” – that’s just right.
  • Gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring , but gently press or if necessary roll between a towel to get most of the moisture out.
  • Lay the item flat on a dry towel to dry, shape it neatly into its original shape and leave it like this until it is completely dry. This can take a day, depending on the thickness. (You can also dry wool pants on a rack, but lay them flat to prevent deformation.)

And you're done! Your wool is now nourished with lanolin again. You will notice that the slightly greasy layer will diminish after one or two uses - it will be absorbed into the fabric and the excess will disappear. What remains is a wonderfully soft, water-repellent wool. 🌟

How often to lanolize? It depends on the use. A woolen diaper pant for daily use may need to be lanolized once every 1-2 weeks at first (the first few times wool absorbs a lot), then often only once a month or even less. You will notice that it is time when the pant starts to leak or feels drier. Other woolens, such as woolen jackets or blankets, only need to be lanolized occasionally - for example at the beginning of the season or when you notice that they are becoming stiff.

Lanolisation is actually a conditioner for your wool : it keeps the fibres supple, prevents them from drying out and makes them practical to use (water and dirt repellent). A small effort with a big effect - certainly for all those fine wool items that you like to use every day.

Now you are fully informed about how to take the best possible care of your wool. Combine this lanolin ritual with the right washing routine ( see “ Wool washing ) and you will see that your woolen clothes will last for years, no matter how many loving hugs, climbs or washes they go through. 😊 Good luck with lanolinizing!

Remember to repeat the treatment every few months for optimal results. Any questions? Feel free to ask!

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