Wool Sponges
What’s a Wool Sponge?
It’s felted wool blended with a bit of our alpaca fiber.
Not just any wool…wool from our beloved Valais Blacknose sheep — Wyatt & Walter — to be specific.
And not just any alpaca fiber — but ultra slick fibers from the noodle necks of our hysterical suri alapca herd.
And why the heck should you have one?
Why wouldn’t you want a little piece of these cute critters on your kitchen counter, laundry room sink or even in your shower?!
Our wool sponges are a great alternative to conventional household products made from man-made materials. Not only are our wool sponges made from a completely natural material, they’re also effective tools. At the farm, saying these eco-friendly phrases aren’t just gimmicks or phrases for us! We strive to find a use for everything we produce, and our wool sponges are exactly that.
1. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
One of the most compelling reasons to switch to wool sponges is their environmental impact. Unlike synthetic sponges, which are often made from petroleum-based materials and contribute to plastic pollution, our wool sponges are entirely natural.
Wool is a renewable resource, and I’m not just saying that just to say that. Walter & Wyatt, affectionately known as my “Sheepies” – are beyond adorable. These ‘curlie cuties’ are a heritage breed of sheep native to the Swiss Alps and bred specifically for their long, coarse, durable wool.
Inherent in a heritage breed wool sheep means they absolutely have to be shorn. Twice a year, in fact. Walter & Wyatt grow abundant fiber, which we shear in April and September each year, making it renewable in the truest of sense of the phrase.
Our wool sponges are biodegradable, they won’t sit in a landfill for hundreds of years. Better yet - instead of putting them into the trash — simply toss your used sponge into your compost or use it as a natural mulch for your house plants.
2. Naturally Antibacterial
Wool possesses natural antibacterial properties, making it an excellent material for cleaning. The residual lanolin in our wool sponges helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, helping your sponge stay cleaner for longer. This natural resistance to microbes means that our wool sponges are less likely to develop odors compared to the conventional synthetic sponge.
But should you want to clean them, toss in a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase and wash on the delicates cycle, and lay flat to dry.
3. Durable and Long-Lasting
Wool sponges will outshine many other towel and rag options. The wool itself is incredibly resilient and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Just like your favorite cast iron pan, our sponges will season overtime, shedding fibers here and there, ultimately becoming your go-to towel.
I keep one in the kitchen – one on the laundry sink – and another in the shower. Our thick felted wool sponges will last for months, even with regular use.
This longevity not only makes wool sponges a cost-effective choice investment that pays off in the long run through reduced replacement costs.
4. Effective Cleaning Power
Wool sponges are also highly effective at cleaning.
The natural texture of wool fibers provides gentle yet thorough scrubbing power. Whether you’re tackling stubborn grime on dishes or wiping down countertops, our wool sponge can handle any of your typical household tasks with ease.
The fibers are gentle enough to use on delicate surfaces, such as non-stick cookware and glassware, without causing scratches. This versatility makes wool sponges a valuable addition to any cleaning arsenal.
And I just discovered that they’re great for deep cleaning window crevasses as well as buffing out streaks when washing the actual window.
Make the switch and give our wool sponges a try. Enhance your cleaning routine - embrace a new natural cleaning option – enjoy our beloved sheepies in your home!
How to break in your new wool sponge -
Run your wool sponge under warm water to wet thoroughly.
Add a few squirts of your favorite liquid soap – or rub over a nice bar of soap.
Squeeze and rinse several times to get a lather.
Use it like you would any other sponge.
Please note - the sponge will shed fibers in this process. But with each use, the fibers will continue to felt more and more. We’ve found any shedding is a minor inconvenience compared to all the benefits of using a natural resource to cleanse your home surfaces – and even your body.
I’ve never found a need to “wash” my sponge. Instead, I simply rinse & wring it out after each use. If using it for an ultra grimy or greasy job, soak it in a bowl of soapy water for a few hours in the sink, rinse with fresh water, wring & lay flat to dry.
I usually reserve a sponge just for extra dirty or grimy jobs – like one for pots & pans and one just for glass stem ware. You can also make a well-loved wool sponge into one for tough jobs!