It’s a common question among spinners, fiber artists, and anyone new to working with fleece straight from the sheep. While clean, processed wool is completely safe to handle, raw wool can contain dirt, bacteria, manure, parasites, and agricultural residues that may cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, or illness if handled improperly. The good news is that getting sick from wool is rare, and with simple safety precautions, working with raw fleece can be both safe and enjoyable.
The goal of this post isn’t to scare you—it’s to help you take simple precautions that make fleece handling safe and enjoyable.
Safety First: What You Need to Know When Working With Raw Wool
There’s something deeply satisfying about working with raw wool straight from the sheep. The lanolin, the texture, the connection to the animal—it’s a sensory experience that many fiber artists love. But raw wool is exactly that: raw. And like any natural agricultural product, it deserves to be handled with care.
Understanding a few basic safety practices will help you enjoy the process while protecting your health.
What’s in Raw Wool?
Raw fleece isn’t just fiber. It can also contain:
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Dirt, dust, and plant matter
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Grease (lanolin)
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Manure and urine residues
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Bacteria and fungi
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External parasites (mites, lice, ticks)
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Agricultural chemicals from pastures or sheep treatments
Most of these aren’t dangerous when handled properly—but ignoring them can lead to skin irritation, respiratory issues, or illness. Especially if you have an underlying respiratory condition or poor immune system. Also, just because alpaca fiber looks clean it is not, I assure you.
Potential Health Risks
While serious illness from handling raw wool is rare, there are some risks to be aware of:
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Skin irritation or rashes from lanolin, bacteria, or residues
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Respiratory irritation from dust, dander, and fine particles—especially when skirting or opening fleece
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Bacterial exposure, including organisms found in manure
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Allergic reactions, particularly in those sensitive to wool or animal dander
Smart Safety Practices for Handling Raw Wool
1. Work in a Well-Ventilated Area
Always process raw fleece in a space with good airflow. Outdoor spaces, garages, or well-ventilated studios are ideal. Avoid shaking or snapping fleece indoors where dust can linger.
2. Protect Your Hands
Wearing gloves—especially during skirting and washing—can prevent skin irritation and reduce exposure to bacteria. If you prefer bare hands, wash thoroughly with soap and warm water afterward.
3. Mind Your Lungs
If you’re sensitive to dust or working with very dirty fleece, consider wearing a dust mask or respirator while skirting. This is especially important if you have asthma or allergies.
4. Wash Hands (and Clothes) Afterward
Always wash your hands after handling raw wool, and avoid touching your face while working. It’s also a good idea to change clothes if you’ve been processing especially dirty fleece.
5. Keep Food and Drink Away
No snacking while skirting! Keep food, drinks, and kitchen tools far from raw wool to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Clean Your Tools and Surfaces
Tables, tubs, and tools should be cleaned after use. Raw wool should never be processed on surfaces used for food preparation.
Washing Wool Makes It Safe
Once wool is properly scoured—using hot water, appropriate detergent, and good technique—the risks drop dramatically. Clean wool is safe to card, spin, dye, and store without special precautions.
This is why proper washing isn’t just about beautiful fiber—it’s about health and safety too.
Respect the Fiber, Respect Yourself
Working with raw wool connects us to centuries of textile tradition, but those traditions also included smart, practical handling methods. A little awareness goes a long way.
With basic precautions, raw wool is safe, rewarding, and a joy to work with. Respect the fiber, respect the process, and most importantly—respect your own health.
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