A Bit about Alpaca
Flickr photos by: Janine Russell
Alpaca, one of the world's most luxurious natural fibers. It is as soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool. The natural colors of this animals fleece comes in 22 basic colors, more than any other fiber producing animal. Because of it's excellent affinity to dye, it can be transformed into an array of colors. The average life span of these cute creatures is 20 to 25 years. Once a year in the spring, they are sheared, producing 5 to 8 pounds of buttery soft fleece that is spun into beautiful yarns.
Alpaca Washing Instructions
Photo: ZSL Living Conservation
Dry cleaning is an option with a reputable cleaners.
Hand washing your alpaca item is always the first choice and will maintain the quality of your heirloom for years.
Hand Washing Instructions
NEVER use chlorine bleach.
Woolite is not recommended because it has a whitening base.
Use Lukewarm water, in a clean sink and mild soap or shampoo. Fragrance free baby shampoos work well.
Submerge the alpaca knit. They drink up the water. Swish being careful not to agitate, then soak for two to three minutes.
Rinse the item in clean lukewarm water (same temperature as wash water), again being careful not to agitate or shock the fiber with a temperature change. You don't want your heirloom to fit your pet chihuahua.
Carefully remove any excess water by placing the item on a towel and gently roll avoiding any wringing or twisting.
Dry the item in a flat position out of direct sunlight.
Block it by reshaping to its original dimensions.
Dry cleaning instructions
It is recommended to use only a dry clearer with experience in cleaning alpaca fiber.
Inform the cleaners of any spots or stains on the item.
Ask them to use a fresh solvent in low heat and a process that does not involve tumbling.
Storage & Preservation Instructions
Make sure items are completely dry before storing.
Moths will eat alpaca, but only after they get to your wool items! Store your heirloom alpaca items in a sealed cedar chest, freezer bag, a plastic bin or any other similar moth-protected environment.
A sachet of dried lavender or cedar shavings is also useful.
Mothballs are NOT recommended.
