Question

Which of the following types of water should be used to wash woolen clothes ?

• A. Cold
• B. Hot
• C. Lukewarm
• D. All of these

Hint:

For delicate animal fibres like wool and silk, the rule of thumb is to avoid heat. Always opt for cold water and gentle washing cycles or hand washing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Wool is a natural animal fibre made of protein. Its structure is sensitive to heat and agitation, which can cause the fibres to lock together and shrink.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(B) Hot water: Hot water is the most damaging to wool. The combination of heat and moisture causes the scales on the wool fibres to open up and interlock, resulting in irreversible shrinkage and felting.
(C) Lukewarm water: Lukewarm water is sometimes recommended as it can be more effective at removing dirt than cold water, but it still carries a small risk of shrinkage if it's too warm.
(A) Cold water: Cold water is the safest option for washing wool. It minimizes the risk of shrinkage and damage to the delicate protein fibres, helping the garment maintain its shape and size. Most modern detergents are formulated to work effectively in cold water.
Step 3: Final Answer:
To prevent shrinkage and damage, cold water is the most recommended and safest option for washing woolen clothes.