Another Hose Question

**Riverkilt** · 6th June 10, 09:05 AM

Seems to me if there were something "not good for wool" in Woolite it would have become obvious after bazillions of folks used it on their woolens.

I've never had a problem with it. Hand wash my hose in it. Have washed woolen blankets in it in the tub. Never a problem. I do use it sparingly and rinse well.

**BoldHighlander** · 6th June 10, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Seems to me if there were something "not good for wool" in Woolite it would have become obvious after bazillions of folks used it on their woolens.

I've never had a problem with it. Hand wash my hose in it. Have washed woolen blankets in it in the tub. Never a problem. I do use it sparingly and rinse well.

Just this past Friday night I hand washed a brown wool sweater in a Woolite 'gentle' formula for woolen goods. Rinsed thoroughly, wringed out excess water in rolled towels, & no problems to report.

**okiwen** · 9th June 10, 09:59 AM

I was told that Woolite removes the lanolin that the wool needs.

How 'bout it? All the people on Ravelry that told me needs to chime in here. Guys, ask your knitting wives to sign on.

I've been set up.

**Paul Henry** · 9th June 10, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by okiwen

I was told that Woolite removes the lanolin that the wool needs.

How 'bout it? All the people on Ravelry that told me needs to chime in here. Guys, ask your knitting wives to sign on.

I've been set up.

There are many of us on here who are also on Ravelry, and there are many guys on here and on Ravelry, not all wives or partners are knitters!

As I said before there are many opinons on this ( indeed on almost any discussion) subject, some swear by Woolite and some at it, there is never going to be an absolute, test it yourself and see how you get on

**Zardoz** · 9th June 10, 11:20 AM

I'm not an expert on this, but my wife, who is rather well informed on sheep, says that almost all of the lanolin is removed from wool when it is processed into textiles like yarn or thread etc., particularly if they are dyed.
So I'd think that whatever soap one might use is not that big of an issue. Most folks say the key is to not use too much soap, and rinse it out as completely as possble.

Honestly, I think some of y'all are overdoing it a little bit! Keep in mind that unless you bought some of the more expensive "hand knit pure wool" hose, or somebody made them for you, most commercially avalible hose are around 80-85% Wool, with a Nylon and/or Acrylic blend that is pretty resistant to heat and agitation and can be machine washed safely. The boot socks you buy at Walmart or where-ever are usually 70% wool, and can be machine washed and dried regularly with no issues.

I have not hand washed kilt hose for some time. I will machine wash a couple of pairs at a time in a cool water a short cycle on the 'delicate/handwash' setting, with a half fill of water (king size machine) and about a 1/2 once of cheap unsented liquid detergent. After the rinse and spin dry I will give them a little extra spin dry, and then hang them up. They are usually ready to wear the next day. I have pairs of hose that have been treated thus for years with no issues of fading, felting or shrinkage.

**okiwen** · 9th June 10, 01:51 PM

There are many of us on here who are also on Ravelry, and there are many guys on here and on Ravelry, not all wives or partners are knitters!

Are exclamations points necessary? Are you bothered by my post? I knit for heavens sake.

Maybe I can't see your face to know what you meant.

**Paul Henry** · 9th June 10, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by okiwen

There are many of us on here who are also on Ravelry, and there are many guys on here and on Ravelry, not all wives or partners are knitters!

Are exclamations points necessary? Are you bothered by my post? I knit for heavens sake.

Maybe I can't see your face to know what you meant.

The exclaimation mark was just that, I could have used a smiley face I suppose.