How to Get the Itch Out of Wool

By: S.R. Becker

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Wool comes from the coat of an animal, typically a sheep. Some types of wool are softer than others -- for example, those with a wool sensitivity might find that merino and lambswool don't irritate their skin as much. Coarse wool with a short staple, or fiber length, often causes more itching. If you're suffering through the itch to wear a garment you love, soaking the garment with conditioning agents reduces the discomfort you experience.

Step 1

Fill a sink with lukewarm water and add a capful of moisturizing, silicone-free shampoo. Swish the water to mix in the shampoo. Add the garment to the water and gently squeeze the suds through. Let the garment soak for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Drain the sudsy water and rinse the garment under lukewarm running water. Squeeze gently to get the shampoo out.

Step 3

Refill the sink and add 1 capful of silicone-free hair conditioner. Soak the garment for another hour and rinse again as you did in step 2.

Step 4

Fill the sink with lukewarm water a final time and add 2 tablespoons of liquid glycerin. Soak the garment for another 30 minutes. Do not rinse.

Step 5

Squeeze the water out of the garment by pressing it against the bottom of the sink. Roll it in a large bath towel to absorb any remaining water. Lay it flat on a drying rack or another towel and allow it to air-dry.