How do I handle, wash and lanolise wool covers?
Lots of people swear by wool covers – they are breathable, absorbent, cool in summer and warm in winter, and great for night-time use. Some people think wool is difficult to deal with, but it’s easier than it looks. Once lanolised, the lanolin in the wool fibres increases water resistance, and also combines with a substance in urine to form a type of natural soap – reducing smell and meaning that air drying between uses and a quick rinse every few days or so (with heavy use) keeps them fresh. They do need to be lanolinised every once in a while (normally when they stop repelling water or start to retain smell. This is usually every 4 – 8 weeks depending on usage). Otherwise they just need a wool wash when they start to get smelly or are dirty. To lanolise a wool cover with plain anhydrous lanolin (eg Lansinoh): • Hand wash if necessary in a little soap. Covers can be lanolised either wet or dry. • Melt a small amount of lanolin (about pea sized) with very hot water in a jar. Do not sha
