Wool And Alcohol: A Safe Mix?

Wool is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, and it is generally not recommended to spray alcohol on wool garments as it can eat away at the waxy coating of wool fibres, making it more prone to bacteria. Vodka spray, on the other hand, can be used to deodorize wool garments, but it should be used carefully and from a distance to avoid saturating the fabric. It is also important to note that spraying alcohol or vodka on clothes does not disinfect them, and it is recommended to spot-test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire garment.

Is it safe to spray alcohol on wool garments?

Wool's natural antibacterial properties

Wool is a natural fibre that is known for its ability to regulate body temperature and its insulating qualities. It is also known for its antibacterial properties, which are detailed below:

Wool is made up of fibres that overlap like shingles on a roof. This structure keeps dirt and moisture on the surface, preventing stains and making it easy to brush away dirt. The fibres have a protective layer that prevents stains from being absorbed.

Wool is also naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. Its fibres have a thin waxy coating that contains fatty acids that inhibit the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria. This waxy coating also repels water, preventing the growth of mildew and mould.

The waxy coating also makes wool oleophobic, meaning it repels body oils. As a result, wool clothing does not absorb skin oils, which can become rancid and cause odours. Instead, the oils break down and fall off or remain on the skin, reducing the build-up of odour-causing bacteria.

Wool's antibacterial properties mean that woollen items do not need to be washed regularly and will remain fresh-smelling even after repeated use. This is especially beneficial for woollen garments that cannot be easily washed, such as suits.

While wool has natural antibacterial properties, it is important to note that it is not completely immune to bacteria. Wool garments should still be cleaned and maintained properly to prevent the growth of bacteria and odours. One method to reduce odours is to use a vodka spray, which is a natural odour absorber that is gentle on fabrics like wool. However, it is recommended to spot-test a small area before applying any cleaning solution to the entire garment.

Vodka vs. rubbing alcohol

Vodka and rubbing alcohol can both be used to freshen up clothes, remove odours, and kill bacteria. However, there are some key differences between the two. Vodka is typically considered to be more gentle on fabrics and less likely to cause damage or discoloration. It is a natural odour absorber and dries quickly without leaving any residue or stains. On the other hand, rubbing alcohol typically contains a higher concentration of alcohol (around 70-91%) compared to vodka, which is typically around 40% alcohol. This higher concentration can make rubbing alcohol more effective at killing bacteria and breaking down odours, but it also makes it more aggressive on some fabrics, particularly delicate or synthetic materials.

When deciding between vodka and rubbing alcohol for cleaning wool garments, it is important to consider the specific cleaning needs and the fabric being cleaned. Vodka is generally a safer choice for most fabrics, but rubbing alcohol may be more effective in certain situations. For example, if you are concerned about strong odours or heavy soiling, rubbing alcohol may be a better option due to its higher alcohol content. However, if you are primarily interested in deodorizing and gentle cleaning, vodka may be the better choice. Additionally, if you are working with delicate fabrics such as wool or silk, vodka is recommended as it is less likely to cause damage.

It is worth noting that wool is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, so it may not require the same level of odour control as other fabrics. Wool also has a protective layer that prevents many stains from being absorbed. However, if you are looking to freshen up a wool garment, vodka can be a good option. When using vodka on wool, it is recommended to use a 100% vodka solution and spray from a distance to avoid saturating the fabric.

In terms of cost, rubbing alcohol is generally cheaper than vodka, especially when compared to higher-proof vodkas. However, this may vary depending on the specific products and locations. It is always a good idea to spot-test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying it to the entire garment.

Additionally, while both vodka and isopropyl alcohol can be used for cleaning, they have different properties that make them suitable for different tasks. Isopropyl alcohol is often used in commercial glass cleaners and is effective at cutting grease. It has a strong odour and should be used in well-ventilated areas. Isopropyl alcohol is also non-conductive and evaporates quickly, making it suitable for cleaning electronic components. On the other hand, vodka has a less noticeable scent and can be used in food preparation areas. However, vodka is conductive and does not evaporate as quickly, so it is not recommended for cleaning electronic devices.

Spraying vs. soaking

Wool is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. It is also anti-pathogenic when dry. However, wool garments can still accumulate dirt, sweat, and food debris.

Spraying

Spraying alcohol on wool garments can help eliminate unwanted odours and kill bacteria. Vodka, for instance, is a natural odour absorber and dries quickly without leaving any residue or stains. It is also typically considered to be more gentle on fabrics and less likely to cause damage or discolouration than rubbing alcohol. However, it is important to note that spraying alcohol on wool garments may not be as effective in removing stains or soiling.

Soaking

Soaking wool garments in a mixture of lukewarm or cold water and a mild detergent is an effective way to clean and remove stains from the fabric. This method is particularly useful for hand-knit wool garments, as it helps to retain the shape of the garment. Soaking is also recommended for treating stains, as it allows for a more targeted and thorough cleaning of the affected area. Additionally, soaking can help to remove excess liquid and dirt from the fabric, which can then be blotted dry with an absorbent cloth.

Both spraying and soaking can be effective methods for cleaning and maintaining wool garments. Spraying is a quicker and more convenient option for deodorizing and removing bacteria, while soaking is more suitable for deeper cleaning and stain removal. It is important to consider the specific cleaning needs and the type of wool fabric when choosing between spraying and soaking. Additionally, it is always recommended to spot test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying it to the entire garment.

Wool's waxy coating

Wool has a protective waxy coating at the microscopic level, where the fibres overlap like shingles on a roof. This protective layer prevents stains from being absorbed and keeps dirt and moisture on the surface, where they can be brushed away.

The waxy coating is an integral part of the wool fibre's structure. It is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, preventing the collection of mouldy sweat and odours.

However, this waxy coating can be removed by certain chemicals, such as isopropyl alcohol. This type of alcohol can be found in some cleaning sprays and is likely to eat away at the waxy coating, weakening the wool fibres and making them more prone to bacteria.

Therefore, it is not advisable to use alcohol sprays on wool garments. Alternative methods for cleaning and deodorising wool include steaming, hanging outside on a coat hanger, or using a vodka spray. Vodka is a natural odour absorber that dries quickly without leaving stains or residue. When using a vodka spray, it is important to maintain a distance of approximately 18 inches from the garment to avoid over-saturating the fabric.

Wool stain removal

Wool is easy to care for, and its natural resistance to odours and stains means that woollen clothes require less washing and at lower temperatures compared to clothes made from other fibres. However, if you do accidentally spill something on your favourite item of clothing, there are a few tricks to get your clothes looking as new in no time.

Firstly, it is important to treat stains as soon as possible. If a greasy mark forms, scrape the surface of the stain with a spoon or a blunt knife to remove any excess oil. Then, use a hot iron over layers of tissue to soak up the excess oil or grease. If the stain has dried, make a mix of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup of tepid water. Soak a lint-free cloth in the solution and lightly dab the stained area. Press gently with an absorbent cloth.

For ballpoint pen stains, gently dab with a lint-free cloth soaked in surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol. Press gently with an absorbent cloth or towel to soak up the excess solvent. Do not allow the solvent to dry. For water-based writing ink, gently dab with a lint-free cloth soaked in a diluted detergent solution. Press gently with an absorbent cloth or towel to soak up excess liquid. Do not allow the cloth to dry.

For makeup stains, dab the stain gently with a cloth soaked in a 50/50 vinegar/water solution. Then, press it with an absorbent towel to soak up the solution. If the stain doesn't come out immediately, repeat the process.

Grass stains should be rinsed under cold running water immediately. Then, apply baking soda and a mild soap solution to the stain, followed by dabbing with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.

Coffee stains should be rinsed under cold running water to dilute the coffee. If the stain persists, apply a solution of 3 parts surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol, plus 1 part cold water. Press gently with an absorbent cloth.

If you are looking to deodorise your woollen garments, you can use a vodka spray. Be sure to use a 100% vodka solution and spray from a distance so as not to saturate the fabric. Vodka is a natural odour absorber and dries quickly without leaving any residue or stains.

When it comes to removing stains, always be gentle as wool fibres are delicate, and harsh scrubbing can do more harm than good. Wool is sensitive to many common cleaning agents, and harsh chemicals can damage the fibres, causing them to weaken or even break. Avoid anything enzymatic, as these agents will break down the proteins in wool and damage the fibres.

Frequently asked questions