How to Wash Alpaca Fiber to make Combed Top for Worsted Style Spinning

[@Amanda-yf7vj]

I find it helpful to wash my alpaca in hot water maybe not as hot as a heavy lanolin sheep fleece. But alpacas still have oils in their fiber similar to our own hair. So after having experimented with washing with hot cold and no washing at all. I find the best prep is to wash with warm to hot water as it gets all the oils out. Happy spinning and thanks for your video!

[@johannafreeburn3061]

rayne, i also use a basket with holes in, i place an empty basket on to of the one thats layered with my alpaca tips. the 'sandwich method keeps the fibres very well aligned

[@TheKirstebee]

Fabulous video! Many thanks! Very helpful… I’ve got a very dirty but oh so soft alpaca blanket to wash so I’ll try the preflicking and multiple washes. The mesh style baskets are a great idea - the water seems to get better access to the fibres than with a mesh bag.

[@glendasmith7507]

Gosh! Another great video, thank you!

[@RayneFiberArts]

Thank you!

[@LittleWendysDaydreaming]

Excellent video. I’m going thru the entire series !

[@RayneFiberArts]

That is amazing I hope you enjoy!

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi Rayne, I hope you're OK xx Love all your videos. This is the first time I've seen anyone washing Alpaca Fleece. Love the way you explain everything you're doing. Also the advice on not lifting the heavy tub full of water. Thankyou for everything you show. Hapoy Fleeces washing and spinning. Take care and stay safe. Lots of love Jen xxxx 💖❤♥

[@RayneFiberArts]

Thank you Jen!

[@marielasessa2921]

tHANK YOU FOR YOUR LESSONS. I have a fleece of the first cut of a beautiful grey alpaca.It is so soft and clean that I am doubting whether to wash it at all. Also I have heard that alpacas do not have lanolin, only sheep. I's confusing.

[@RayneFiberArts]

Thank you for your comment! I have a really low micron first cut alpaca as well and you just have to be extra careful about felting. Wash a small amount first to see how much movement it can handle and give it a very gentle wash. Yes, alpaca fiber is just dusty no lanolin and therefore absolutely do not use hot water! This will only make it more susceptible to felting. Just take it slow and gently it will be worth it. If there is a bit of dust left you can always wash the remainder out after spinning. Take care hope this and my vids help! -Rayne

[@RuthHenriquez1]

This is a very helpful video; thank you. I really like the basket method you show, plus the litter box method. looks really good too. Do you pour the dirty water down the drain if you are washing a sheep's fleece with lanolin; in other words, will lanolin mess up your septic system?

[@RayneFiberArts]

First of all thank you so so much for your comment! It means the world and I am so happy to be of help! This is a hot debated topic, I do NOT recommend it, I try to pour outside as much as possible. I pour it down the toilet, NEVER down a sink or bathtub drain. I am also in town and have a pretty sturdy septic system and an industrial toilet so I don't really have to worry about it, but you also have to make sure that the lanolin is completely and totally dissolved. I have a video coming soon on some heavy lanolin wool hopefully that can help too in the future.

[@RuthHenriquez1]

@@RayneFiberArts I'll take this into consideration. You're the first person to answer my question about septic systems and lanolin -- again, thanks.

[@iceberg232323]

I know this is a bit late, but don't dump the lanolin wash water down if you have a septic (I would say it's probably not great for regular city plumbing either). My husband is a septic designer and he told me it is not a good idea. I'm inclined to belive him, but I tested it with this sort of dry well with a drain, just to see. and even though I have always used lots of very hot water and lots of soap, the lanolin (or wax or whatever) will eventually solidify on top. :(

[@RuthHenriquez1]

@@iceberg232323 Thank you and your husband; what you say makes sense. I will dump all sheeps' wool washing water outside.