To make wool machine washable, a specific treatment process is used.
The Process of Making Wool Machine Washable
The main issue with traditional wool is that it felts and shrinks when agitated in water, especially in a washing machine. This happens because of the scales on the surface of wool fibers. These scales interlock when wet, causing the fibers to tangle. To avoid this, a special process is used to modify the wool fibers. This process has two key steps.
Step 1: Stripping the Scales
- First, the natural scales of the wool fibers are removed using a chlorine treatment. This is necessary because these scales are the primary cause of felting. By removing the scales, the fibers will no longer interlock, preventing the shrinkage that occurs when washing wool.
Step 2: Applying a Polymer Coating
- After the scales are removed, a thin polymer coating is applied to the fibers. This coating creates a smooth surface on the wool fibers. This allows the fibers to slide against each other without felting. The polymer coating acts like a lubricant, reducing friction and preventing the fibers from tangling.
Summary of Treatment
Here’s a table summarizing the process:
| Step | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Removal | Wool fibers are treated with chlorine to strip off their natural scales. | Prevents interlock and tangling during washing. |
| Polymer Coating | A thin polymer coating is applied to the fibers after removing the scales. | Allows fibers to slide smoothly, preventing felting and shrinkage during machine washing. |
By going through this treatment, the wool is now less likely to felt and shrink, making it machine washable.
