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Washing roving dreads?

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 10:05 am
by hairykiter
I want to re-use the dreads off my scottish-flag-themed fall set but they still smell of barbecue smoke (tsk) so some questions...

Is it safe to wash them in the machine, on delicate/wool cycle? (in pillowcases, I imagine I'd make a big many-tentacled monster if I put them in loose)

Can I use ordinary washing powder or should I get wool-specific?

Will they go mental and stick together?

Will they kink up? (not that I'd mind really, they're poker-straight atm)

What's the maximum number I should put in together per pillowcase?




(apologies if I've missed this info somewhere)

Re: Washing roving dreads?

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 12:10 pm
by miss_mortisha
I put mine in a pillow case on a wool wash with some washing and use my normal detergent when the cycle is finished I take them out of the pillow case and hang them to dry. They will kink up. But if u Palm roll them when u take them out they should be pretty straight. :) Hope that helps a little.

Re: Washing roving dreads?

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 2:06 pm
by ScarletLady
Do as Miss M says.

They will be a bit kinky but a palm roll will make them pretty much straight again. I (and others) actually make our dreads in the machine. It's SOOOO much easier than standard wet felting.

Re: Washing roving dreads?

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 2:54 pm
by MrsEss
I just stick mine in an empty machine, no pillowcase (I found fibres get all over the inside of the case & felt in to tiny little irritating balls) on a wool wash. Once they're done I hold them in the middle & run my fingers through them, that straightens them enough for my liking.

Re: Washing roving dreads?

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 3:56 pm
by hairykiter
Thanks ladies :) I shall give it a try

I think I'll put the white ones in their own bag then maybe split the blues between another two? In case of colour/fibre-shedding

Re: Washing roving dreads?

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 4:24 pm
by MrsEss
Aye, might be wise. If they're of similar colour & well felted there shouldn't be much shedding, or little to not notice it.