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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have heard that you can use Baby Shampoo instead of expensive wool wash and it sounds reasonable to me...yarn is hair !! I have also read to combine conditioner with the shampoo. Also makes sense to me but just because something makes sense doesn't mean it is right. So to all of you experiences knitters. Does it work?
Thanks
 
yellowrose741 said:
I have heard that you can use Baby Shampoo instead of expensive wool wash and it sounds reasonable to me...yarn is hair !! I have also read to combine conditioner with the shampoo. Also makes sense to me but just because something makes sense doesn't mean it is right. So to all of you experiences knitters. Does it work?
Thanks
I don't know, but got to be worth trying.
 
i'v used any good shampoo to wash delicates for years and conditioner in the rinse
i always seem to have extra conditioner i use it in the washer for fabric softner,
 
Hi, as a hand spinner and a hairdresser, I'd like to jump in on this one.

You are absolutely right in that wool is hair and can be treated as such. Only I'd have to stay away from baby shampoo. In reality it is probably one of harshest shampoos out there due to it's alkalinity and surfactants. Just because it doesn't burn the eyes doesn't mean that it's gentle. That being said by all means feel free to use any pH balanced shampoo. Also, avoid those that are designed for clarifying, as they are designed to strip all sorts of stuff from the hair. My preference is one for chemically treated hair (color, perms) as they are designed to return the hair to a natural pH and usually have a light moisturizer as well.

Conditioner in the rinse is also a good idea as water while considered neutral in pH (7-7.5) is alkaline to hair and wool (pH of 4-4.5) Also, conditioners have other ingredients that soften and moisturize. If you don't have any conditioner to add to the rinse you can use a little lemon juice or vinegar. They are both acidic and will return the wool to a natural pH.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Just the answer I needed. thank you so much.I am hoping to soften some wool I am knitting with at the moment. I just need to get this finished and into the sink for a good hand wash it will go !!

Debi713 said:
Hi, as a hand spinner and a hairdresser, I'd like to jump in on this one.

You are absolutely right in that wool is hair and can be treated as such. Only I'd have to stay away from baby shampoo. In reality it is probably one of harshest shampoos out there due to it's alkalinity and surfactants. Just because it doesn't burn the eyes doesn't mean that it's gentle. That being said by all means feel free to use any pH balanced shampoo. Also, avoid those that are designed for clarifying, as they are designed to strip all sorts of stuff from the hair. My preference is one for chemically treated hair (color, perms) as they are designed to return the hair to a natural pH and usually have a light moisturizer as well.

Conditioner in the rinse is also a good idea as water while considered neutral in pH (7-7.5) is alkaline to hair and wool (pH of 4-4.5) Also, conditioners have other ingredients that soften and moisturize. If you don't have any conditioner to add to the rinse you can use a little lemon juice or vinegar. They are both acidic and will return the wool to a natural pH.
 
yellowrose741 said:
Then I will use it !! I am only hand washing tho.

Thanks

nan-ma said:
i'v used any good shampoo to wash delicates for years and conditioner in the rinse
i always seem to have extra conditioner i use it in the washer for fabric softner,
i often use hair conditioner for any hand wash i think needs softening also shampoo that do not suit my hair for cleaning the bath out ,bath foam for cleaning , i have very dry skin so any wash gifts go for cleaning better than throwing away
 
Debi713 said:
Hi, as a hand spinner and a hairdresser, I'd like to jump in on this one.

You are absolutely right in that wool is hair and can be treated as such. Only I'd have to stay away from baby shampoo. In reality it is probably one of harshest shampoos out there due to it's alkalinity and surfactants. Just because it doesn't burn the eyes doesn't mean that it's gentle. That being said by all means feel free to use any pH balanced shampoo. Also, avoid those that are designed for clarifying, as they are designed to strip all sorts of stuff from the hair. My preference is one for chemically treated hair (color, perms) as they are designed to return the hair to a natural pH and usually have a light moisturizer as well.

Conditioner in the rinse is also a good idea as water while considered neutral in pH (7-7.5) is alkaline to hair and wool (pH of 4-4.5) Also, conditioners have other ingredients that soften and moisturize. If you don't have any conditioner to add to the rinse you can use a little lemon juice or vinegar. They are both acidic and will return the wool to a natural pH.
Wow, thanks so much.

pzoe
 
thanks for a science based (pH) explanation! it makes sense to me when I can see it explained with rationale behind the explanation.
 
yellowrose741 said:
Just the answer I needed. thank you so much.I am hoping to soften some wool I am knitting with at the moment. I just need to get this finished and into the sink for a good hand wash it will go !!

Debi713 said:
Hi, as a hand spinner and a hairdresser, I'd like to jump in on this one.

You are absolutely right in that wool is hair and can be treated as such. Only I'd have to stay away from baby shampoo. In reality it is probably one of harshest shampoos out there due to it's alkalinity and surfactants. Just because it doesn't burn the eyes doesn't mean that it's gentle. That being said by all means feel free to use any pH balanced shampoo. Also, avoid those that are designed for clarifying, as they are designed to strip all sorts of stuff from the hair. My preference is one for chemically treated hair (color, perms) as they are designed to return the hair to a natural pH and usually have a light moisturizer as well.

Conditioner in the rinse is also a good idea as water while considered neutral in pH (7-7.5) is alkaline to hair and wool (pH of 4-4.5) Also, conditioners have other ingredients that soften and moisturize. If you don't have any conditioner to add to the rinse you can use a little lemon juice or vinegar. They are both acidic and will return the wool to a natural pH.
Thank you for the great info. There are so many experts on this site.
 
Once again I advise the use of Orvus (sp it has been a long time since the label came off lol) It is cheaper to use than any shampoo and has been used by spinners and knitters for as long as it has been around. Usually I got mine from a hardware store. I am still using a jar I got 10 yrs ago for $18.
 
janette777 said:
Once again I advise the use of Orvus (sp it has been a long time since the label came off lol) It is cheaper to use than any shampoo and has been used by spinners and knitters for as long as it has been around. Usually I got mine from a hardware store. I am still using a jar I got 10 yrs ago for $18.
i don't think we can get it over here [u.k] i have never heard of it
 
Hi there knitters

Thank you very much for the information about washing wool with shampoo and rinsing with conditioners. I used vinegar in my rinsing water all the time.
 
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