Fleece Washing Instructions 1. Begin by filling either a large
most basic form because it does
6. Turn the knob on your machine
stockpot, or your top loading
such a fantastic job cutting the
to the spin cycle skipping the
washing machine with the
lanolin.
rinse cycle. This will simply
hottest water you can draw off
4. Next gently push the fiber
extract the water, without
of your hot water heater.
down into the water, no more
felting the fibers through
Unfortunately you cannot use a
than 1b at a time. If you’re
agitation. Repeat the process to
front-loading machine, as this is
using a large stockpot you may
rinse any residual soap.
a sure fire way to felt your
need to break it down into even
7. You may need to repeat the
fleece.
smaller amounts. Your fiber
washing process, possibly a
needs room to really float
third time depending upon
capacity, turn the selector knob
around and release the dirt and
how dirty the fleece was to
to the off/stall position so it
grime that’s been stored in the
begin with.
does not continue to go through
locks of the fleece for the last
the full agitation process.
year out in the field.
2. After the machine has filled to
3. Add to the water a generous
5. Allow the fiber to soak for
8. To dry we suggest spreading the fleece out on an old screen door or lattice found at your
squirt to a ½ cup of Dawn ©
approximately 10-15 minutes.
local hardware store, and then
dish washing liquid depending
You do not want to let the
place outside on a nice sunny
upon how greasy your fleece is.
water get cold; it’s best to keep
day to air-dry. If a sunny day is
Swish around to mix, taking
the water temperature
not an option, inside with a fan
caution that the water is HOT.
consistent through the entire
on it works just as well.
Dawn is recommended in its
process.
© The Mannings, Sara Knisely 2008 The Mannings Handweaving School & Supply Center 1132 Green Ridge Road, East Berlin PA 17316 www.the-mannings.com 717-624-2223