Lanolin – a great protector

Photo: Wix archive

We started talking about maintenance using lanolin in the previous article about merino wool. If you want to know more, read on!

Lanolin is a yellow substance produced by the glands of (not only) sheep. It makes sure that the wool on their bodies doesn’t get wet and that they don’t get cold. In the processing of wool, lanolin is then either partially or completely removed. Its application is wide – from cosmetics to burn ointments to the production of vitamin D3. It is a type of fat most similar to human fat.

In connection with our topic, the following features of lanolin are important:

- It is hypoallergenic and antibacterial

- It is water repellent

- It has softening effects

TIPS for use:

- Ointments with lanolin to prevent stretch marks in pregnancy and nipple ointments during breastfeeding

- Moisturizer for dry skin (for people suffering from psoriasis, etc.)

- Impregnation of woollen diaper cover (to achieve the maximum water repellent effect)

- Detergent for clothes made from merino wool

As far as washing is concerned, the market offer is really wide now – you can buy pure natural lanolin, synthetic lanolin or washing gels with lanolin in various concentrations. We don’t want to advertise anything, so go to your pharmacy and use your internet search engine to find your “winners”.

In any case, we recommend that you try products with lanolin. Why? Crawler merino only contains residual lanolin. If our clothes get wet, you will see that mild water repellent effect is still maintained.

If you use woollen diaper covers, a proper lanolin bath is required to impregnate the wrap, making it almost “bulletproof”.

NOTE: It is important to distinguish whether you want to use lanolin to impregnate wool fibres or just provide them with care!

Why wash our merino garments in detergents with lanolin?

Lanolin forms a protective layer on wool fibres. It softens fibres just like standard fabric softeners, protecting the garment from dirt and preventing the formation of fluff and lint. It is hypoallergenic and therefore suitable for sensitive individuals. In short, if you use it, your garment looks like new. It is NOT necessary to wash in lanolin all the time, but occasionally merino clothing deserves this extra care.

HOWEVER, REMEMBER that you should wash 100% merino only when necessary. The following basic principle always applies: air it, air it and air it.

Photo: Crawler Archive