Washing Shawls

How to Wash Handmade Shawls
Handmade shawls do not have to be cleaned regularly, but if you need to wash your shawl here are some pointers

Handmade shawls are made using yarn with a high wool or other natural fiber so they can be blocked to open up lacework and keep their shape after drying -- unlike nylon/acrylic yarns which are elastic and bounce back to original shape after drying

Use cool/lukewarm water - never use hot water when washing fine woolens. Fill basin or sink with cool/lukewarm water and add soap
Use a soap specifically made for wools and/or other fine fibers. I use a wool wash that is all natural, contains essential oils and does not need to be rinsed out
Place shawl in basin/sink and let soak for at least 30-40 minutes (or longer if desired).
DO NOT agitate water.
DO NOT squeeze water through shawl.
DO NOT swish or stir shawl through water.
Doing any of this may felt the wool in your handmade shawl. Just place it in basin/sink and let the fibers absorb the water.

After your shawl has soaked for an appropriate time, drain water.
If your wool wash requires rinsing, remove shawl from basin/sink and fill with clean cool/lukewarm water. Place shawl back in basin/sink and let soak again for 30 minutes.
DO NOT agitate water.
DO NOT squeeze water through shawl.
DO NOT swish or stir shawl through water. Just place it in basin/sink and let the fibers absorb the water.
After your shawl has soaked for an appropriate time, drain water. Repeat rinse again if necessary to remove all the soap.

Gently squeeze your shawl to remove water. DO NOT twist or wring your shawl - you don't want to break the natural fibers in the yarn. Just gently squeeze between your hands.

Place wet shawl on a towel - fold towel around shawl and gently press out more water. Again - DO NOT twist or wring. When done, remove shawl from towel - it should still be damp.

Place damp shawl on a flat surface to dry.
Pull shawl back into shape and pin if you want. If your shawl has points along the edge, you can also pin the points out. Leave on flat surface until completely dry.
I have a dehumidifier in the room where I block/dry my shawls to help draw out the moisture faster and I leave my shawls blocking/drying for at least 2 days before I remove any pins