Frequently asked questions

Wool is a completely natural product, it is breathable, naturally water repellant, and compostable at the end of its life. You can increase a wool cover's water resistance by soaking your cover in lanolin. See our lanolin FAQ section. Wool is also antibacterial and can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water. Due to the antibacterial properties, you only need to wash wool every 4-6 weeks (unless soiled or smelly). Many start with wool as a night nappy solution. However wool is versatile and excellent for day and night use.

Using a wool safe detergent when washing is important as enzymes in normal detergent will eat the wool and degrade it. I recommend Fab or Surf laundry LIQUID (as these contain no enzymes) which will provide a better clean than wool specific detergents. Some wool covers (knitted ones in particular) need handwashing only otherwise they will felt. When wool felts it looses stretch and can also shrink. You can sanitize wool however do not use bleach, as this will quite literally eat the fibers. I recommend following Clean Cloth Nappies instructions on sanitizing wool.

Lanolising wool helps it to become more water resistant. The simplest way to lanolise is shown in the video below. Instead of emulsifying cubes you can use a small amount of wool detergent or your favourite natural soap. Use the smallest amount possible to keep soap off your woolies. https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJ9ovbyx0rs?si=OFuETjkaSygCOL9E Our lanolin spray is handmade by me using skin safe ingredients. It is shelf stable high percentage lanolin, which allows you to quickly add some lanolin to your woolies without submerging your wool. Simply shake and spray over the wetzone. A perfect solution for the lazy lanoliser (me!) or if you have gone a bit too long between full lanolin treatments. Check out our lanolin spray here.

A wool cover is only as good as the absorbency underneath it, if you're consistently getting leaks and your nappy is fully saturated it's time to add more inserts/absorbency. It can take some time to work out what absorbency is right for your baby, so don't give up! Contact me if you need any assistance. Lanolising can help to push liquid back into dry patches of absorbency - Follow our lanolising tips on the WOOL FAQ page Adding a wool booster between your nappy and the wool cover is a great way to minimise compression leaks in the car seat or while babywearing. Check out our wool boosters here.