How to Care for Your Alpaca Garments

Caring correctly for your alpaca clothing and accessories can greatly extend the lifetime and enjoyment of the product. Check out our care guide below for maintenance, storage, and specific guidelines for socks, woven items, knitwear and fur:

Wrinkles or Fold Lines:

We recommend steaming your alpaca garments for the best results!

Pilling:

Pilling is a direct result of friction, so you’re most likely to notice pilling in areas that produce friction with natural movement, such as under the arms.

Remove pills on lightweight items by gently gliding a sweater comb across pilled areas. For heavier-weight items, such as thicker sweaters or vests, use a sweater stone. Always work tools in one direction. Use a lint brush between wears to remove lint, fuzz, and hair.

Knit items should be stored folded to prevent stretching or distorting.

Prevent moth infestations by storing garments in breathable canvas storage bags. Use moth sachets in the drawers, closets, or boxes where you choose to store your items. Cedar closets and chests are another great storage option!

1. Machine wash cold (gentle cycle) with like colors.

2. Line dry. Do NOT put in dryer.

Note: If washing a pair of socks for the first time, we recommend using a color catching sheet or washing alone to avoid any dye transfer to other garments.

*Includes most of our scarves, shawls, sofa throws and coats.

1. Spot treat with a damp cloth as needed.

2. Dry Clean.

1. For knitwear (which includes most of the sweaters and hats that we carry), we recommend spot treating as needed and handwashing or dry cleaning for a deeper clean.

Note: Alpaca is very sensitive to water temperature (no heat!) and “agitation”, so your garment may shrink if not treated properly.

2. Add a capful or 2 of wool or baby shampoo to a wash bin or clean sink filled with cool water.

3. Submerge the item and gently swirl the water with your hands to evenly distribute soap. Soak for up to 30 minutes.

4. Rinse well by running cool water through the item until the water is no longer soapy. (We like to use the bathtub for this part!)

5. Press the water out of the garment, but do not wring your knitwear, as this may cause the product to lose its shape.

6. Sometimes you may notice excess dye in the water. This is normal, so don’t worry! Natural fibers may release excess dye, but you should not notice a change in the color of your garment.

7. To dry: Lay the item flat on a clean towel or drying rack. Mold the garment gently back to its original shape. Never put alpaca in the dryer!

Drying Note: Avoid hanging wet garments to dry, as this may cause them to stretch out.

1. Wipe with a damp cloth.

2. Use hairdryer to fluff.

3. Brush gently with a natural bristle brush or pet brush.

4. Shake slightly with gentle taps.

5. Serious stains should be treated by taking your garment to a furrier.