Caring for Alpaca
Alpacas provide one of the world’s softest, most luxurious fibers – and with a little care, your alpaca products will stay beautiful for years to come. Alpaca wool is a natural luxury prized for its warmth and durability, but taking proper care of it will ensure you enjoy its comfort for a long time. Below, we’ve put together some friendly tips on cleaning, storing, and protecting your alpaca items. Remember, caring for alpaca is easy and rewarding – the better you take care of your alpaca, the better (and longer) it will take care of you.
General Care Tips
Don’t over-wash: Alpaca fibers naturally repel dirt and odors. Simply airing out your alpaca throw or sweater can freshen it up between uses.
Hand wash gently: Use cold water and a mild wool detergent. Turn inside out to prevent pilling. Never use bleach or harsh chemicals.
If machine washing is allowed: Use a delicate wool cycle, cold water, low spin. Place in a mesh laundry bag and avoid overloading.
No tumble dryers: Press in a towel to remove moisture, then lay flat to dry. Reshape while damp. Avoid hanging.
Steam or low-heat iron: Use a cloth barrier when ironing, or hang in a steamy bathroom to release wrinkles.
Pilling is normal: Use a sweater stone or cashmere comb. Lightly brush in one direction.
Storing Your Alpaca
Fold, don’t hang: Prevents stretching and maintains shape.
● Cool, dry, dark location: Avoid direct sunlight and humidity.
● Use sealed or breathable storage: Airtight bags for long-term, cotton bags for regular use.
● Natural moth deterrents: Store with cedar balls, lavender sachets, or bay leaves.
● Store clean and dry: Oils and moisture attract pests. Add tissue paper between folds.
● Avoid plastic dry-cleaning bags: They trap moisture. Use breathable containers or add silica gel packets.
Caring for Specific Products
Throws & Blankets
- Preferably dry clean. If washing at home, hand wash in cold water with mild detergent.
- Soak without agitation. Do not wring. Rinse gently.
- Press water out with a towel. Lay flat to dry. Support weight while lifting. Reshape and avoid sun or heat.
- Light ironing with low heat if needed.
Socks
- Hand wash in cold water, inside out. Use mild soap.
- No bleach. Air dry flat or hang in a ventilated area.
- For fiber blends, check label. Some may allow delicate machine washing.
Sweaters
- Hand wash in cold water using a gentle detergent.
- Turn inside out to minimize friction and reduce pilling.
- Gently press out water with a towel—do not wring.
- Lay flat to dry in a well-ventilated area, reshaping as needed.
- Steam or iron on low heat with a cloth barrier.
Scarves and all other alpaca products follow similar care: gentle hand wash or dry clean, lay flat to dry, and store folded.
Washable Items
Please see individual care instructions for the items that can be hand washed.
Hand wash items using cold water and a gentle detergent (our recommendation: The Laundress). Lay flat, reshape to original size and shape, and air dry in a well-ventilated area. Iron or steam with care.
Olympus Sock (Machine wash inside out / Cold gentle cycle / Do not bleach / Do not tumble dry / Do not iron)
Dixie Dog Sweater (Hand wash cold / Do not bleach / Use a towel to roll out excess water from product / Dry flat / Iron low)
Santos Polo (Gentle wash cold / Lay flat to dry / Iron low / Do not bleach)
Club Sweater (Hand wash cold / Do not bleach / Use a towel to roll out excess water from product / Dry flat / Iron low)
Preventing Moth Damage
- Clean before storing: Moths are drawn to oils, sweat, and food residue.
- Use airtight storage: Vacuum-sealed bags or bins keep pests out.
- Natural repellents: Cedar blocks, lavender, rosemary, bay leaves, or cloves.
- Avoid mothballs: They leave a strong odor and are toxic.
- Air out regularly: Sunlight kills moth larvae. Shake out and inspect.
- Check for damage: Look for holes or larvae. Freeze item in a sealed bag for 48 hours if infestation is suspected.
We hope these guidelines help you feel confident caring for your alpaca products. Alpaca wool is a wonderful, resilient material, and a little TLC will keep it looking and feeling fabulous.
The better you take care of your alpaca, the better it will take care of you. Enjoy the lasting coziness and elegance of your alpaca items.