Lanolizing your Wool Diaper Covers
Protect your diaper covers with lanolin
Lanolin is the oil that sheep produce to keep water from soaking through their wool to their bodies. Organic and minimally processed yarns have a natural smell - that's the lanolin left over from being on the sheep! Adding lanolin to knitted wool fabric gives it the same water repellent characteristics it gives the wool when it's on the sheep.
If you notice your wool diaper cover not working as effectively, it is time to lanolize. I would also recommend doing this the first time you wash any wool cover or pair of longies. Solid lanolin can be found online or at many health food stores. Some people also use the lanolin sold for breastfeeding. Liquid lanolin can also be used, and comes in a spray form - simply 
turn the damp wool cover inside out, spray, rub in lightly, and you are done!
The lanolizing process for using solid lanolin is somewhat more involved, but not difficult. Follow the hand washing directions here for water temperature, etc. The tie does not need to be lanolized. Turn the cover inside out and let it soak 30 minutes first. Meanwhile combine 1 teaspoon solid lanolin, 1 teaspoon wool wash and 1/2 cup water in a glass container and microwave until hot. Stir until the lanolin has dissolved. Move the cover to the side, pour the lanolin mixture into the dishpan, mix it in, and then swirl the cover around. The first time I did this I used way too much lanolin and had a very sticky cover - not harmful really, just super water repellent - and my baby smelled somewhat (okay, a lot) like a sheep. The real down side? Too much lanolin can cause a light-colored diaper cover to pick up dirt and become stained - these stains don't come out. So, just remember that a little lanolin goes a long way!
