Can You Wash Conductive Yarn? Care & Durability Tips

Take care of conductive yarn:

Conductive yarn is yarn spun with fine strands of metal that is then woven into normal yarn. This is metal yarn that can conduct electricity, which is ideal for electronics projects. However, as a result of this metal, conductive yarn requires a little extra care than your average material. You should always read the label on your specific conductive yarn for care instructions, but as a general rule of thumb you should hand wash any project you’ve made with conductive yarn. Do not use harsh chemicals or powerful detergents when you wash your yarn, as these can damage the metal fibers and reduce the conductivity of your Covered yarn.

Preserving the durability of conductive yarn by washing correctly:

Once it’s time to wash your conductive yarn project, be gentle. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and a mild soap, then gently swish your project around to wash it. Do not wring or twist the yarn because that could cause the metal fibers to break. DO NOT wring it, simply press the water out and lay your work flat to dry. Should you need to remove any stubborn stains, try scrubbing the affected area with a soft-bristle brush. Be sure to be gentle so you don’t kill the conductivity of your Functional yarn.

Best way to wash conductive yarn to maintain conductivity:

To assist, in maintaining the conductive properties of your conductive yarn, try a delicate fabric softener. Those softeners can help ensure the metal fibers don’t become too stiff or brittle, which can affect their conductivity. You could try adding a small amount of vinegar to your wash water if you think there is any detergent residue on the fiber interfering with the conduction between the strands of yarn. Just make sure to rinse your project well after soaking to get rid of any vinegar.

How to Make Your Conductive Yarn Projects Last:

Store your conductive yarn projects accordingly when not in use so that they stay with you for a long, long time. Store your work in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, as the metal fibers in the yarn may degrade with excessive heat and light. If for any reason your projects cannot be packed way for a while, perhaps consider wrapping them again in acid-free tissue paper to protect the yarn from dust and moisture. And while it isn’t a foolproof backup solution because there are no truly foolproof backup solutions for crochet wearables not much can beat the ease of recrocheting projects using this easy-to-find (for now) yarn. And remember: The more care you invest in washing and storing the Industrial yarn, the longer they’ll last and the more fun you can have with them.