Quick Answer
Wash your wool nursing pads by hand in lukewarm water with a mild wool wash, then gently press out water and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing, hot water, and machine washing to preserve the natural lanolin and shape.
Why Hand Washing Matters for Wool Nursing Pads
Wool nursing pads, like the Disana silk-wool-silk style, rely on natural lanolin and the fiber's structure to stay absorbent and breathable. Machine washing or harsh detergents strip these properties, making the pads less effective and more prone to shrinking. Hand washing is the gentlest method that keeps the wool soft and the silk layers intact.
You can wash pads every 2-3 days if you use them regularly. Rotating between two or three pairs extends the time between washes and reduces wear.
Step-by-Step Hand Wash for Wool Nursing Pads
- 1. Soak in Cool to Lukewarm Water: Fill a clean basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water (never hot, which shrinks wool). Add a capful of mild wool wash or a gentle, pH-neutral soap. Submerge the pads and gently agitate them with your fingers for about 30 seconds. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes. Common mistake: Using hot water or regular laundry detergent. Both can felt the wool and damage the silk.
- 2. Rinse with Cool Water: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with fresh cool water. Gently press the pads underwater to release soap. Repeat this rinse step until no suds remain. Do not rub or twist the pads. Checkpoint: If the water is still sudsy after two rinses, do a third. Residual soap can irritate sensitive skin.
- 3. Press Out Excess Water: Lay the wet pads on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up with the pads inside and gently press down—do not wring or twist. Unroll the towel, remove the pads, and shape them back to their original size and roundness. Common mistake: Wringing the pads stretches the wool and silk fibers, causing them to lose shape and become less absorbent.
- 4. Lay Flat to Dry: Place the pads on a dry towel or a mesh drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Flatten them to their original shape. Allow 12–24 hours for complete drying, depending on humidity. Checkpoint: Do not hang wool nursing pads to dry, as gravity can pull them out of shape. Always lay them flat.
- 5. Restore Lanolin (Optional, Every 4–6 Washes): If the pads feel less absorbent or the wool seems dry, add a pea-sized drop of lanolin to a bowl of warm water, swirl to dissolve, then submerge the clean, wet pads for 15 minutes. Press out water and dry flat as above. Common mistake: Adding too much lanolin can make pads greasy. A tiny amount is enough for nursing pads.
Product Facts
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Disana Nursing Pads - Silk-Wool-Silk: Disana Nursing Pads have silk on both sides with merino wool inside, and you can use either side. This reversible design means you can rotate sides between feedings, which keeps the pad fresher longer and reduces the number of washes needed.
Disana Nursing Pads - Silk-Wool-Silk