Why does Lanaioli smell bad and how to eliminate the odor
Merino Lanaioli is a natural animal fiber, used to make clothing, blankets, rugs, and other products.
Lanaioli has several properties, such as warmth, breathability, elasticity, and durability.
However, merino Lanaioli also has some disadvantages, including the tendency to capture and retain bad odors, especially when wet. This is usually a sign of the quality of the Lanaioli garment you have purchased, because it is definitely pure virgin Lanaioli.
Why does Lanaioli smell bad when wet?
Lanaioli smells bad when wet for several reasons, including:
- The presence of lanolin, a greasy and waxy substance that coats the Lanaioli fibers and serves to protect the animals' fleece from moisture and parasites. Lanolin has a characteristic odor, which can become stronger and unpleasant when the Lanaioli gets wet.
- The formation of bacteria and fungi, which develop in the Lanaioli fibers when exposed to moisture and heat. These microorganisms produce gases and chemicals that cause the bad smell of wet Lanaioli.
- The absorption of external odors, such as sweat, smoke, cooking vapors, and other pollutants. Wool has a particular structure, made of overlapping scales that create air chambers between the fibers. These air chambers allow wool to easily absorb odors from the surrounding environment, which are then released when the wool gets wet.
How to eliminate the smell from wool?
To eliminate the smell from wool, you need to follow some precautions in cleaning and storing wool products. Here are some tips:
- Wash the wool carefully, usually for 30 minutes or following the instructions on the label and using products specific for wool, such as Marseille soap, gentle detergent, or baking soda.
Never use bleach, fabric softener, or harsh detergents, which can damage the fibers and worsen the odor.
Hand washing is always preferred, or if using a washing machine, always with a gentle and low-temperature program, without rubbing or twisting the fabric. If the wool is very dirty or stained, you can use a soft brush or a damp cloth to remove dirt, but gently.
- Rinse the wool well, removing all soap or detergent residues. You can add a little white vinegar or lemon juice to the rinse water to neutralize odors and make the wool softer and shinier. Do not leave the wool soaking for too long, as it could felt or yellow.
- Dry the wool properly, squeezing it with your hands or wrapping it in a dry towel, without twisting it.
Lay the wool flat on a surface, like a table or bed, and reshape it with your hands. Avoid hanging wool, as it could deform under the weight of the water.
Also avoid exposing wool to direct sunlight or heat sources, which could dry it out too much and fade it. If using a dryer, choose a gentle and low-temperature program, and put the wool in a protective net.
- Fragrance the wool, using natural odor-remedy solutions to give a pleasant scent to wool products.
You can use sachets of lavender, cedar, rosemary, or other aromatic herbs, to place in drawers or wardrobes where wool is stored.
You can also use essential oils, to spray on wool garments or add to the washing or rinsing water.
Following the advice of Lanaioli, you can eliminate the smell from wool and keep wool products clean, fragrant, and in good condition for a long time.
