Superwash vs. Untreated Wool
, by Maike Bouwman , 3 min reading time
Wool is a fantastic material for clothing, especially for babies and children, thanks to its insulating properties and soft texture. Wool has only one big drawback – it shrinks and felts when washed. But that's what superwash wool is for! Or is it…
How does wool work?
A wool fibre is similar to a human hair: it is a hollow fibre with scales. The hollow fibre absorbs body heat and the scales regulate temperature by opening in warmth and closing in cold. This is why wool keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. The scales allow wool to breathe and wick away excess moisture (sweat). In addition, wool naturally contains lanolin. This is a greasy layer that is water-repellent, dirt-repellent and antibacterial. Lanolin keeps the wool fibre supple and prevents it from drying out. For sheep, lanolin protects against the elements and keeps their skin supple and healthy. Lanolin is also often used for skin complaints such as chapping and nappy rash. Superwash wool, what is it? Superwash wool is wool that has undergone a chemical process in which the wool is washed with chlorine. This is done to break down the scales on the wool fibres. (Yes… the same scales we attributed such good properties to above.) A superwash treatment makes the wool less breathable and less insulating. A layer of synthetic resin is also applied around the wool fibre.
Superwash wool, but why?
All of that doesn't sound good, you might say. However, superwash wool also has advantages. The layer of synthetic resin ensures that the wool is not greasy like untreated wool. And now that the scales are gone, the wool no longer shrinks. So it can go in the washing machine with the regular laundry and needs no extra attention. Nowadays there are also natural processes to superwash wool, which is of course already a lot better. Unfortunately, the good properties of wool are still lost in the process.
Superwash wool or not?
As far as we're concerned, no superwash wool. We choose wool precisely for the good properties of the material, and we're not going to undo that. Untreated wool does need a little extra attention when it has to be washed, but we don't really see that as a problem. Washing is needed far less often, and often a quick rinse is enough. Just a matter of collecting a wool wash and putting it on the wool setting in the machine. Then simply hang it out to dry.
How do I know whether the wool has been treated with superwash?
Usually this isn't mentioned online. I caught myself out too: my products didn't/don't state that the wool has not been treated with superwash. The idea being that if such a treatment is carried out you would mention it, but apparently not… If it isn't explicitly stated, just get in touch with the producer. You can also find on Google which producers use superwash wool and which don't.
