Many Almgrens soap users reach out to share their experiences beyond silk laundry. They've used the soap for washing down jackets, pillows, as a shaving soap, removing motor oil stains on car upholstery, washing yarn skeins, linen cloths, and as an all-purpose soap during hiking. Here are some tips we've received:
TEXTILES: Test colorfastness before first water wash of silk. Rub a damp cloth against an invisible spot, like the inside or hem. If the cloth stains, it might be excess dye that will wash out. For solid-colored garments, water washing is fine, but add a few drops of vinegar in each water bath. Vinegar also reduces static electricity and enhances color. For multicolored fabrics, airing is recommended instead. - Kerstin Wölling
CARPETS: I had my light carpet from China cleaned, but it came back unsatisfactory with old stains, including red wine. I decided to try Almgrens soap with a wet towel, rubbed it into the stains, and most of them vanished like magic. Just a light wipe was needed to remove the soap lather. I went on to clean the whole carpet like a professional cleaner. The result was a soft and shiny carpet. - Monica Wästerlund
PERSONAL SKIN: Having suffered from psoriasis for years, especially in my palms, I decided to try the soap after a visit to Almgrens silk weaving mill. After a few weeks, the scales disappeared, and my skin improved significantly. Although the disease isn't cured, the symptoms are much milder. Now I wash my entire body with the soap and feel better. - Anonymous
DOGS: My Jack Russell, Bobby, is a demanding little fellow, just like myself. He gets dirty during our long walks, and bathing becomes a necessity. Since animals are more sensitive to dehydration, I decided to try Almgrens soap, known for being gentle on sensitive human skin. I put Bobby in the bathtub and lathered him up with the soap. I noticed he enjoyed the treatment. I rinsed lightly and dried with a towel. A noticeably content little gentleman then comfortably settled in the spring sun to dry. His coat became shiny and beautiful, and there was no itching as before. - Lennart Pettersson
LEATHER & SUEDE: My son loves his leather pants and wears them all the time, like a typical teenager. Eventually, washing became a must. I filled the bathtub with lukewarm water and put both the jacket and pants in it. I vigorously rubbed them with Almgrens soap, let them soak in the soapy water for a while, and rinsed with cold water but very little, as the re-fattening properties of the soap remain in the material. I laid the clothes flat to dry. The next day, after they had dried, they looked like new! - Christina Sundberg
WOOL SWEATERS: Sheep's wool fibers are naturally oily, making wool sweaters delightful when new. Unfortunately, most detergents are harsh on wool and deplete the fibers. Low pH values hardly help. I soaked my favorite sweater in lukewarm water as usual, but this time I worked it with Almgrens soap. I let it sit for a while and rinsed gently. I squeezed out excess water and let it dry on a towel. When it was dry, it was actually softer than when new, and it no longer itches. - Oscar Almgren
