Do you have wool that has shrunk or been eaten by moths? It is possible to save woolen clothes from both moths and shrinkage. Here you get first aid!
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH WOOL THAT HAS BEEN EATEN BY MOTHS?
Moths can cause great damage to wool textiles, and are a nuisance that is unfortunately on the rise in Scandinavia. The larva eat keratin, which is found in hair, skin and fur, and animal textiles such as fur, leather and wool, are tempting meals. The moth lays eggs in the fibres, often in hidden areas such as collars and folds - and the larva that grows, eat the fibres around them. In fibres that are frequently used, the eggs will fall off and the larva will not be able to grow. It is clothes that have been in the closet for long periods of time or that have been packed away in the basement and attic that are exposed.
Traditional mothballs contained environmental toxins, and are now prohibited from use. But there is advice:
- If you suspect moths in woolen garments, the garment and other garments that have been lying near it should be washed and possibly deep-frozen (-25/30 degrees C). Leave it in the freezer for 4 days before thawing and refreezing it for 4 days.
- The closet with the moth-eaten woolen garment should be emptied and vacuumed thoroughly. Throw away the vacuum cleaner bag after you are finished.
- If there have been moths in a garment, there will be holes. If the damage is not too bad, these can be patched or sowed after the clothespin has been removed.
- Moths like food residues, grease and sweat - and stains should therefore be removed immediately. Wool that are packed away for the season should therefor be clean.
- Woolen garments that are to be stored over the summer can be advantageously wrapped in newspaper, and preferably in a tight container. Vacuum packing is a good alternative.
Tip!
Moths do not like soap or cedar. Feel free to put bars of soap together with woolen clothes that is packed away for the season. You can also buy effective balls and cedar oil.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH WOOL THAT HAS SHRINKED?
Wool fibers are very stretchy, and can be stretched over several sizes. Wool garments that have shrunk can in most cases be stretched back into shape when the garment is wet. The fabric can be pulled both lengthwise and widthwise, depending on the effect you want. It is easier if two people pull the laundry between them.
Tip!
Many people find that the clothes are easier to stretch if they are treated with a little hair conditioner. This is what you do:
- Fill lukewarm water in the sink, bathtub or tub, and mix in a few tablespoons of conditioner.
- Place the wool garment in the mixture and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not use hard hands on the garment while it is in the water.
- Take the garment out without rinsing and gently squeeze out excess water. Lay the wool garment flat on a towel.
- Roll up the towel with the garment inside the towel to squeeze out additional water.
- Stretch the garment as desired.
- Leave the wool garment to dry flat. It may be a good idea to put something heavy on the ends of the garment to maintain the stretch during drying, and prevent the fibers from bouncing back to the unwanted form.