Question from cymering
Hi Debra!
I have a questions about Superwash wool. The information I have says that it is a natural fiber, but that it has been treated to make it machine washable. Are those treatment toxic? I have some yarn in my posession. So the second question is, Is it toxic for us to wear? If it is toxic, I will get rid of it. If it is a toxic process for the environment but not toxic to wear, I would think that using it will be better than putting it in the trash… Thank you so much in advance for your advice.
Debra’s Answer
Superwash wool is made in two ways: 1) by using an acid bath to remove the “scales” from the fiber, or 2) by coating the fiber with a polymer that basically keeps the scales from being able to join together and cause shrinkage.
Unfortunately, you can’t tell which is which by looking or feeling. You would need to ask the manufacturer.
If it is the “polymer” treatment, it might be one of thousands of different substances with varying toxicity. The acid bath treatment would be fine, as it doesn’t remain on the wool.
Best to use untreated organic wool yarn to be certain it contains no toxic substances.
