Washing wool for baby

[SweetPeaPods]

I have a newborn ds and have very kindly been given some hand knitted cardis and blankets. Unfortunately ds is a bit of a sicky boy and they are are going to quickly get covered in baby sick. I have no idea how to wash them so after some advice. Will they need hand washed or can I use the wool or hand wash setting on my washing machine? What soap powder would be best? TIA

[RaisingSteam]

Can you ask the person who knitted them? Most handknits are OK on a handwash cycle with a delicate wash liquid like Woolite, rather than a powder. Some would go in a "normal" delicates wash but that's the safest option. If you have not enough to make a load you can give a quick handwash and short spin.

If I knit something for a baby gift I normally include the label from a ball of the yarn so the recipient knows what to do. If they have given you something fragile that will shrink horribly they haven't really done you a favour!

[SweetPeaPods]

Thanks. I'll have a look for some when next at shops. Tesco online had very little when I did my online shop. I can't ask unfortunately as most were bought by them rather than knitted by that person so they mustn't have come with labels. Which is also making it difficult for me to guess at sizes! I think I'll give the washing machine a try fingers crossed. How is best to dry, is a clothes airer inside ok? Also should I avoid fabric softener?

[AnythingNotEverything]

We were given a lot of hand knitted stuff for DD. I washed it all with the normal washing - 30 degrees, Persil non bio, fabric softener. It was mostly almost dry after coming out of the machine but just needed a few hours on an after to finish off.

It's all been fine.

[SweetPeaPods]

Thanks all. I braved the washing machine and all good