There are two ways to wash your alpaca socks: by hand and by machine.

• Hand Washing
1. Use cool water (85ºF / 27ºC max.) and a mild soap or human hair shampoo.
2. Never use chlorine bleach or brushes.
3. Fill a container with cold water, add soap, and gently rub the socks. Soak for 2-3 minutes and rinse with cold water.
4. Press slightly to remove excess water; do not wring. Lay flat to dry, reshaping and keeping out of direct sunlight.
• Machine Washing
1. Use a mild detergent and turn socks inside out.
2. Wash in cold water and lay flat to dry or tumble dry on a cold/air setting.
3. Use the wool cycle; do not use the hand wash cycle.
4. Wash dark colors separately and in a mesh laundry bag to reduce agitation.
5. For stubborn stains, take to a professional dry cleaner.
• Storage
1. Ensure socks are fully dry before storing.
2. If moths are a concern, store socks in plastic bags with scented sachets or cedar chips.
3. Dried lavender sachets are also useful. Do not use mothballs.

Taking care of your feet is essential, and choosing the right socks is part of that. Here are five important factors to consider when buying alpaca socks:

1. Comfort: Alpaca is a natural fiber, free from lanolin and hypoallergenic, that wicks moisture away rather than absorbing it.
2. Budget: High-performance socks can be expensive, but they’re worth it. Cheaper materials can retain moisture, making your feet feel cold and prone to blisters.
3. Design: Trying out different types of socks is helpful. More alpaca doesn’t always mean better quality; 100% pure alpaca socks can wear out quickly.
4. Function: Quality varies by use. Using grades 1 or 2 alpaca for hiking can lead to wear, while grades 4 or 5 may irritate your feet. Choosing the right grade is key.
5. Brand Trust: Classic Alpaca is a reliable brand that guarantees the authenticity of its products, ensuring you get genuine quality socks.

Alpaca fur products are not machine washable. We recommend the following method:

1. Avoid dry cleaning or washing with soap, as these will strip the natural oils from the fur.
2. Wipe with a damp, fine white cloth, moving it from left to right and up and down.
3. If the alpaca fur toys get wet in the rain, blot them with a towel and let them dry naturally, away from heat sources like radiators. Once dry, fluff the fur by shaking it or using a cold hairdryer to separate the hair shafts, making them stand independently.
4. Try not to get it wet; just wipe the fur. A light brushing will leave your alpaca fur toy as luxurious as the day it arrived.
5. Dry your alpaca fur toys naturally, away from direct heat like a radiator, or the alpaca fur will become stiff and crispy. It will take 24 hours to air dry properly.

Brushing

• Use a tightly bristled tangle brush or a ball-end plastic bristle hairbrush to gently brush through. A pet "slicker" brush also works well to pick up particles and objects stuck in the fur, providing a thorough brushing.
• Brush gently. Do not brush roughly, especially with a pet slicker brush. Use only these types of brushes for brushing.

Storage

1. Before storing, make sure the item is completely dry.
2. In some climates, moths could cause problems. If this is your case, place your alpaca ornaments in plastic bags with small scented sachets, or place cedar chips in the storage area.
3. Dried lavender sachets are also useful. We do not recommend the use of mothballs.