Washing wool and soap selection

There has been a lot written about the type of soap/detergent you should wash raw fleece in. Up until recently I was using dishwashing detergent. For every tub of hot water (stupidly hot water - more than 120 F), I would squeeze in a couple shots of dishwashing liquid (Co-op own brand, various scents).

I then read that dishwashing soap is not the best choice. Alden Amos spends some time discussing the properties of various soaps and says that the most basic soap is the best one to use. His argument is that the more complicated soaps have assists (additives - Skin moisturisers and such) which can coat the fibres and cause problems with spinning.

So, I switched to pure soap flakes (Boots £1.20) and used it to wash a skein of yarn freshly taken off the Louet's bobbins. First of all it was pure soap which fit with the Amos philosophy, but it was a pain in the ass. The flakes were quite large and took a lot of agitation to dissolve. At the end of two sessions of washing (one wash and one rinse) I found a couple flakes (soapy chunks) stuck to the yarn and had to do a second rinse.

I thought about the aim of the Co-op dishwashing liquid and determined that it probably would be fine to wash the remainder of my fleeces. First, it contains no hand conditioner compounds, secondly the only assists it does contain are those used to cut grease. In the case of the wee dirty fleeces I need to clean, this is a very good thing.

So, I have gone back to the dishwashing liquid. Much easier deployment and takes up less space in the cupboard. It also leaves the yarn with a less sheepy smell than the soap flakes did.