Alpaca Garment Care Guide

Keep your alpaca knitwear looking and feeling its best for years to come with these simple, effective care tips.

AIRING – A Natural Refresh

Airing your alpaca garment is a great way to freshen it between wears—no washing required. Simply lay it flat over a clean chair or rack for a few hours or overnight in a dry, shaded, and well-ventilated area.

Why it works:
✅ Naturally Refreshes – Alpaca fibre is breathable and odor-resistant. Airing helps release moisture and body oils without detergent.
✅ Reduces Washing Frequency – Frequent washing causes wear. Airing extends time between washes while maintaining freshness.
✅ Preserves Fibre Quality – Avoids the weakening effects of even gentle washing.
✅ Eco-Friendly – No water, energy, or products required—perfect for low-impact garment care.

HAND WASHING – Gentle is Best

Alpaca fibres are delicate, so hand washing is the safest method to clean your knitwear.

How to hand wash:

  • Turn the garment inside out (if applicable).

  • Soak in lukewarm water with a mild, approved soap for 10 minutes.

  • Gently press through the water—do not wring, rub, knead, or stretch.

Why hand washing matters:

🧶 Protects the Fibre – Prevents stretching, felting, and shrinking caused by machine agitation.
🌡️ Maintains Shape & Texture – Keeps the garment soft and true to its original fit.
💧 Minimizes Pilling – Reduces friction that causes fluff balls.
🚫 Avoids Harsh Conditions – Lets you control water temperature and detergent choice.

RINSING – A Gentle Final Step

Rinse the garment carefully in clean, lukewarm water. A small amount of fabric softener may be added if desired.
Do not wring, rub, knead, or stretch.

DRYING – Reshape and Relax

After rinsing:

  • Use your washing machine’s spin cycle (only) to remove excess water or roll the garment inside a clean towel and gently press to absorb moisture.

  • Lay flat to dry on another clean towel, reshaping as needed.

  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

🚫 What to Avoid

  • Do not tumble dry

  • Do not machine wash

  • Do not dry clean

  • Do not use wool wash

PILLING – A Natural Process

Pilling (small fluff balls) can occur on natural fibres like alpaca, especially with wear. This is normal and easily managed:

  • Gently remove pills by hand or with a lint remover.

  • Take care not to pull or snag the fabric.

STORING – Fold, Don’t Hang

Always store your alpaca garment folded and flat—never on a hanger, which can distort its shape over time.

Though alpaca fibre lacks lanolin (which attracts moths), it’s still wise to store garments with natural repellents like lavender, rosemary, cloves, or bay leaves. Place these in your wardrobe—not directly on the garment—for extra protection.