The kit · surfactant
Wool wash (enzyme-free): what it removes and where never to use it
A pH-neutral detergent without protease enzymes, made for wool, cashmere and silk.
- pH
- 6–7
- Safe on
- 0 materials
- Never on
- 0 materials
- UK name
- non-bio wool wash
01 How to use it
Choose a product specifically labelled for the actual wool or silk garment; follow its dose, contact time and rinsing instructions and the garment care label.
How it works
Surfactants have a water-loving end and an oil-loving end. They surround oily particles so water can carry them away, which is how soap and detergent clean.
On a label
On an ingredient list, enzyme-free wool wash shows up as surfactants with no enzymes listed; labels often say "enzyme-free" or "non-bio".
Avoid routine home use on leather and suede. The table gives general restrictions; an unlisted restriction is not proof that a product is compatible.
02 What it works on
- Oil and fat
- Protein
- Tannin
- Pigment particles
- Sugar
Enzyme-free wool wash is strongest against oil and fat and protein, and useful on oil and fat. It is part of the method in 89 stain files, for stains such as red wine, coffee, tea, cola, orange juice and beer.
03 Where it is safe
| Material | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Leather | Avoid | It is made for fibres, not hides; use a leather cleaner. |
| Suede and nubuck | Avoid | Any wet cleaner risks marks on suede; start with dry methods. |
| Clothes | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| White shirt | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Jeans | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Linen | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Sheets and bedding | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Towels | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Baby clothes | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Polyester | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Leggings and activewear | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Wool and cashmere | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Silk | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Rayon and viscose | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Carpet | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Wool rug | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Fabric couch | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Microfiber couch | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Velvet upholstery | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Car seats | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Mattress | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| White sneakers | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Marble | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Granite | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Quartz countertop | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Wood furniture and floors | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Tile grout | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Painted walls | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Plastic containers | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
04 How the files use it
Enzyme-free wool wash appears in 89 stain files. The steps it is used in most:
- Delicate fabric: approved care only (58 files): Generic home recipes do not establish compatibility with delicate fibres, dyes, linings or finishes.
- Rinse and dry flat (26 files): Temperature changes and agitation are what felt wool.
- Fabric-approved gentle wash (21 files): A fabric-specific product avoids assuming that a generic soap-and-acid recipe is suitable for every delicate dye or finish.
- Soak in wool wash (14 files): A pH-neutral wool wash loosens protein and soil without attacking the fibre itself.
- Wool-safe clean (11 files): Wool fibres are protein, so protein-digesting enzymes can damage them.
05 Files that use it
- Red wine on wool sweater
- Coffee on wool sweater
- Tea on wool sweater
- Cola and soda on wool sweater
- Orange juice on wool rug
- Beer on wool rug
- Matcha on wool sweater
- Tomato sauce and ketchup on wool sweater
- Turmeric and curry on wool sweater
- Grease and cooking oil on wool sweater
- Butter on wool sweater
- Chocolate on wool sweater
- Berries on wool sweater
- Gravy on wool sweater
- Salad dressing on wool sweater
- Egg on wool rug
- Ice cream on wool rug
- Soy sauce on wool sweater
- Peanut butter on wool rug
- Foundation and concealer on wool sweater
- Lipstick on wool sweater
- Mascara and eyeliner on wool sweater
- Deodorant marks on wool sweater
- Sweat and yellow underarm stains on wool sweater
- Bronzer, blush and eyeshadow on wool sweater
- Perfume on wool sweater
- Hair and body oil on wool sweater
- Blood on wool sweater
- Breast milk on silk
- Drool and yellow pillow stains on silk
- Ballpoint ink on wool sweater
- Candle wax on wool sweater
- Mud and dirt on wool rug
- Lily pollen on wool sweater
06 Questions
What stains does enzyme-free wool wash remove?
It works best on oil and fat, which is why it appears in the files for red wine, coffee, tea, cola and orange juice.
How do you use enzyme-free wool wash safely?
Choose a product specifically labelled for the actual wool or silk garment; follow its dose, contact time and rinsing instructions and the garment care label. Test on a hidden spot first.
What should you never mix with enzyme-free wool wash?
This reference cannot establish that any commercial cleaner has no dangerous mixing partner. Do not combine cleaners unless their exact manufacturers explicitly permit the use; rinsing alone does not establish compatibility for later treatment.
Where should you never use enzyme-free wool wash?
Nowhere on file is ruled out completely, but check the material file before using it on anything delicate.