Often sufficient cleaning can be achieved by airing the alpaca garment outside in the fresh air. The more often you air, the less often you need to wash your alpaca clothes.
If there are only small stains on the product, it is recommended to remove them locally by gently wiping with a damp cloth.
Sometimes airing and local stain removal are not enough, and then the garment must be washed. Here are the instructions for that.
Washing must always be done by hand. Never wash alpaca clothes in a washing machine, not even with its wool program!
Fill a clean sink with cool or even cold water, approx. 20 degrees. Use a basin or dish large enough for the garment to fit comfortably in it. Mix in a small amount of mild soap or shampoo. Baby shampoo is the most recommended choice.
Never use bleach.
Immerse the garment in water and let it soak for two to three minutes. Gently squeeze the foam through the garment. Do not rub, twist or wring the garment, as this will cause felting.
Discard the washing water and replace it with rinsing water. It should be the same temperature as the washing water, as temperature fluctuations cause felting. Squeeze out the water very carefully. Repeat the rinse if necessary until there is no more detergent left in the garment.
Place the garment on a clean towel and spread into shape. Handle wet clothing with care. Roll the towel and the garment inside it. Gently press the roller to transfer the water to the towel. Wait a few minutes and unroll the package.
Dry flat at room temperature in a shady place.
Spread a dry towel on an airy surface, for example on a drying rack. Carefully lift the garment onto a towel, and shape it to its correct shape and dimensions. Do not expose the garment to direct sunlight or high heat. If necessary, occasionally change the knitwear to a dry towel and turn it inside out.
Never hang the garment to dry as it will stretch.
Do not under any circumstances put alpaca clothes in the dryer!
You can also take your alpaca clothes to the laundry, where they will be dry cleaned. Tell them about any stains.
If it is necessary to iron your alpaca clothes, it is possible with the lowest temperature of the iron. Place a clean cloth between the garment and the iron.
By steaming with an iron or using a special clothes steamer, you can not only iron the alpaca garment, but also return the stretched parts of the knitting back to their original shape.
Please note that frequent airing in moist air is sufficient and the gentlest way to remove wrinkles.
A high-quality alpaca sweater is not sensitive to pilling, but with heavy use it will sooner or later. You can easily remove lint, i.e. pilling, with a lint remover, which has different models that work with electricity, as well as more traditional depilling combs made of natural materials and other tools.
Always remove lint with care so you don't accidentally cut the knitting threads! With careful work, the knitwear becomes like new again.
If you don't use your alpaca clothes during the summer, for example, they should be stored so that moths or other pests cannot spoil them. Just like other natural fibers of animal origin, alpaca is very good for moths!
Before storage, it is necessary to clean the clothes by airing and/or washing them, as explained above. Dirt and grease stuck to clothes during use attract moths. After washing, make sure the garment is completely dry before storing it.
The garment should be folded in a cardboard box, a clean paper bag or even a clean pillowcase so that it is airy, but protected from moths and other possible pests. Do not use plastic bags, as moisture may accumulate in them. Also, don't hang the sweaters so they don't stretch during storage.
Cedar wood pieces suitable for the natural extermination of moths, which are available in large supermarkets, for example. Lavender is also said to keep moths away. Shops also have various chemical pesticides that can be used.
If stored correctly, you will avoid disappointments, and your clothes will be clean and ready for the next season of use.
