Angora: |
How to Clean an Angora Sweater and Other Angora Items
Washing and caring for your heirloom angora - I do not recommend any particular way to wash your sweater but rather encourage you to check out the links below and find the method that works best for you. If you have tips and advice please send it to me and I will post it here on washing and caring for these garments. In the end only you can find the best, easiest and most efficient way to launder your angora item but below are numerous articles to help you decide.
Below are a number of links to various companies that instruct on how to wash angora. No matter what they may say please NEVER put your angora into the dryer, washer or out in the sun. Do not iron these items. Basically a mild detergent is all it will take clean your sweater, you can even use shampoo and conditioner. I would also suggest buying one or 2 sweater racks so you can get air all around your item while drying. Putting it in the shade outside is great but no sun please, we don't want it to shrink, and if it above 75º in the shade it may be best to wait until it cools down out there. Please review the websites below and if you have any questions feel free to contact us! Would really like to hear about the dry cleaning experiences.
http://www.eucalan.com/how-to+wash+sheepskin
One site claims that angora items can be dry cleaned, be sure to check with your cleaners and question them regarding their experience with this fiber before you hand over your beautiful item.
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The above is from - http://www.dependablecleaners.com/tip_january2004.html (site no longer active 10/08)- I personally have never dried cleaned angora but if the cleaner says they can do it and have experience with furs and fibers it may be the best way to get it looking brand new.
http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/showarticle.php?id=193
Angora: Angora sweaters are a blend of rabbit hair and synthetic fibers. It's very prone to shrinking so this is one you should consider dry cleaning. If the label says it can be washed, don't put it in the machine. Instead hand wash it in Woolite and lay it flat to dry. Borrowed from http://www.mrscleanjeans.net/pages/FAMILY/TLCforSweaters.html (site no longer active 10/08)
http://www.fiber-images.com/Free_Things/How_Tos/how-to_launder_and_care_for_handmade_garments.htm
Clean angora only when it gets soiled. Cleaning angora too
much can break down the sweater.