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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 220
7. Put the wool back in to soak for another 15 minutes.
8. Repeat the draining and drying step in cool, but not cold water, and add 1 cup (236.6 ml) of white vinegar.
9. Soak the fleece in the solution for about 5 minutes.
10. Repeat the process of draining, drying, soaking step until the drained water is clear.
11. Remove the fleece and lay the wool out on old towels, and then roll it up and squeeze out as much water as possible. If you are using a washing machine, the wool can be spun dry the last time.
There is another approach used by experienced shepherds and that includes using a 40 gallon (152 liter) square laundry tub. A square laundry tub tends to hold the heat which is good for soaking. When the water cools down, it deposits a gummy consistency back on the wool. A very hot soaking with lots of soap or detergent can clean most wools with one wash, followed by one or two hot rinses if necessary. Some dirt may remain, but it dries to a fine powder that falls off in the teasing, carding, spinning and washing of the yarn process.
To assist in the drying process, use an old washing machine without a water connection, this will speed up the removal of wash water and rinse water, and shorten the drying period of the wool. If you do it outside then much of the mess is there and there is no risk of clogging up the plumbing, as can happen in a bathtub!
How to dry a fleece:
To dry a fleece you will need to lay it out in a way that provides a good flow of air, top and bottom. Nail 2 x 4s together then staple them on chicken wire to create an easy drying frame. If you are doing this outside, make sure it is secure and that it doesn't blow into the dirt and cause you to repeat the cleaning process! If it is a very windy day, loosely tie another piece of chicken wire on top of the frame.
8. Repeat the draining and drying step in cool, but not cold water, and add 1 cup (236.6 ml) of white vinegar.
9. Soak the fleece in the solution for about 5 minutes.
10. Repeat the process of draining, drying, soaking step until the drained water is clear.
11. Remove the fleece and lay the wool out on old towels, and then roll it up and squeeze out as much water as possible. If you are using a washing machine, the wool can be spun dry the last time.
There is another approach used by experienced shepherds and that includes using a 40 gallon (152 liter) square laundry tub. A square laundry tub tends to hold the heat which is good for soaking. When the water cools down, it deposits a gummy consistency back on the wool. A very hot soaking with lots of soap or detergent can clean most wools with one wash, followed by one or two hot rinses if necessary. Some dirt may remain, but it dries to a fine powder that falls off in the teasing, carding, spinning and washing of the yarn process.
To assist in the drying process, use an old washing machine without a water connection, this will speed up the removal of wash water and rinse water, and shorten the drying period of the wool. If you do it outside then much of the mess is there and there is no risk of clogging up the plumbing, as can happen in a bathtub!
How to dry a fleece:
To dry a fleece you will need to lay it out in a way that provides a good flow of air, top and bottom. Nail 2 x 4s together then staple them on chicken wire to create an easy drying frame. If you are doing this outside, make sure it is secure and that it doesn't blow into the dirt and cause you to repeat the cleaning process! If it is a very windy day, loosely tie another piece of chicken wire on top of the frame.