Buzz
Sheep's wool naturally harbors lanolin as a protective measure against the elements and pests. Human utilization of lanolin dates back centuries, paralleling the use of wool itself. Extracting this valuable substance at home is a straightforward process, yielding pure lanolin devoid of industrial additives, suitable for various homemade applications.
Procedures
Acquire unprocessed wool pieces or fleece. Unprocessed wool or fleece can be sourced directly from a sheep farm. Alternatively, if you rear sheep, utilize their fleece.
Fill a pot to the brim with water. The pot's capacity should accommodate all the wool. For larger quantities of fleece, performing this task outdoors over an open flame may be more convenient.
Place the unprocessed wool into a pan or pot. Gently immerse the wool into the water. To prevent fragmentation, consider placing wool pieces inside mesh laundry bags.
Incorporate 1 - 3 tablespoons of salt into the water.
Initiate boiling the water. Maintain a continuous boil for several hours, ensuring to replenish evaporated water. Vigilance is crucial to prevent water from boiling off and scorching the wool.
Prepare and waterproof a designated area for the wool.
Extract the wool from the boiling water. Utilize tongs or large slotted spoons for this task.
Continue boiling the water until complete evaporation. The residue left behind is pure lanolin.
Strain the lanolin using cheesecloth. This process eliminates any impurities. Transfer it into a bowl and allow it to cool. Once cooled, scrape off the lanolin and store it in sterilized jars. The lanolin is now ready for use.
Pointers
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Avoid washing the wool in warm (hot) water prior to the extraction process, as it may result in washing away the lanolin!
Necessary Supplies
- Large pan/pot
- Mesh laundry bags
- Water
- 1 - 3 tablespoons of salt
- Stove or open flame
- Unprocessed wool
- Tongs/large slotted spoons
