Cleansing wool with cold and snow
Snow bathing has been a traditional way of cleaning wool garments for centuries in Eastern European and Nordic countries. I've been using this method for several years since switching my craft materials and wardrobe to fully natural fibers, and it brings me joy to work with nature in a way that connects me to my ancestors.
Cleaning wool items with a snow bath is incredibly simple and fast. There are two important factors: temperature and snow type. Snow bathing can only be done in below-freezing temperatures, and the garment must be acclimated before beginning, otherwise the snow may melt from the residual heat of the item (thus defeating the purpose).
The type of snow is key: fresh powder seems to work the best, as the snowflakes are smaller and able to penetrate the fabric easier. When covered with fresh snow, the cold and moisture separates dirt and odors from the wool, leaving garments feeling (and smelling) fresh, clean, and rejuvenated. It's honestly magical.
When temperatures and snow are optimal:
Lay your garment out on a flat area with fresh, clean snow.
Cover with a layer of snow and let sit for 15 minutes.
Flip the garment and repeat.
That's it. Just remove the garment from the snow. Shake as much off as you can before you bring your garment inside and lay it flat to dry.
This is also a great opportunity to reblock your item. Make sure to handle your garment gently, and give it time re-acclimate inside. It's best to put a towel down before reblocking to soak up extra moisture.
And you’re done! It really is that easy.
