Washing Instructions for Fiber  from the Suri Network

Weigh out amount of fiber you intend to have processed and add an extra 25% (some weight will be lost in the washing)
• Pick fiber clean of all debris. While your fiber will be run through machinery, much of the debris stays in the fiber all the way through the spinning process.
• Fill a basin (I use a rubber maid dishpan) with fairly warm water
Add: 1 –2 teaspoons dish detergent per ounce (use Ivory Liquid, Dawn, or Joy)
Swirl the water with your hand to disperse the detergent.
Add the alpaca fiber and gently squeeze small handfuls so the fiber absorbs the wash water.
• Walk away and let the fiber soak for 30 minutes.
• Pick up the fiber and set it aside (gently squeezing out the wash water). Drain the basin and refill it with plain water the same temperature as the cooled wash water, (your hand can tell a significant temperature change).
• Replace the fiber in the rinse water and leave it alone to soak for 30 minutes.
• Repeat the rinse sequence one or more times until the rinse water comes out clear. Remember to use only plain water (no additives, such as conditioner, essential oils, or vinegar etc.)
• Gently squeeze the fibers as you remove the locks from the rinse water and lay the fiber in a towel. Roll up the towel, gently squeezing to absorb the excess water.
• Lay the fiber out on an elevated sweater drying rack, screen or on a dry towel to dry. When completely dry, place in a ziplock bag labeled, “Washed fiber”
• Important tips to avoid felting the fibers
o Never run water on top of the fiber
o Do not dramatically change the water temperature (hot to cold, cold to hot)
o Do not agitate (over-squeeze or pick apart) the fibers while in the water
o Use only plain water when rinsing