Washing fleeces

Though there are specifics to different types of fleeces, this is the basic principles I use when washing a fleece.  Following the basics are notes regarding some specific types of fleeces.

1                    I use one side of my kitchen sink. 

2                    Fill the sink full of very, very, very hot water.  If you can put your hand in the water for a full second without hurting, it is not hot enough.  Add boiling water if you have to.  Wear gloves!

3                    Add 3 tablespoons (you know, the big spoon) of soap or very mild dishwashing detergent.  Too harsh a detergent will weaken or dissolve the fiber.  My favorite over the last 25 years is Ivory Liquid.  When I can’t get Ivory I use either Sunlight or Palmolive.  Yes, you can use Orvus Paste.  No, you cannot use washing machine detergent.  Using Woolite is a waste of money, in my humble opinion.  Woolite will not hurt but does not work as well as Ivory, Sunlight or Palmolive.

4                    Stir the soap around.

5                    Add no more than ¼ pound of fleece to the water if the fleece is well skirted.  The dirtier the fleece, the less fleece you will put in the sink.

6                    During this entire time do not let the water cool.

7                    Soak the fleece for about 10 minutes.  Turn the fleece over once every couple of minutes.  Do not stir, do not agitate.

8                    Gently lift the fleece out of the wash and set it in the other side of the sink to drain as you rinse and replace the wash water in the “washing” side of the sink.

9                    Press the fleece gently and place back in the fresh wash water.

10                To rinse repeat this process<