Baby Alpaca & Alpaca Care

How to Care for Baby Alpaca & Alpaca Pieces

Baby alpaca and alpaca fibres are among the most luxurious natural fibres in the world. Known for their softness, warmth and durability, they are prized for scarves, shawls, garments and home textiles.

Despite their delicate feel, alpaca fibres are naturally resilient. With the right care, your Orange Inca alpaca pieces can remain beautiful for many years.

Everyday Care

Wear it often, wash it rarely. Alpaca is a forgiving fibre. After wearing, lay your piece somewhere airy for a few hours and let it breathe. That is usually all it needs.

Alpaca has no lanolin, so it holds less dirt and smell than sheep's wool, and it usually just needs airing. If needed, brush it gently with a soft clothing brush to lift light dust or surface particles.

Avoid excessive friction against rough surfaces to help maintain the softness and finish of the fibres.

Small Marks

For a small mark, act straight away. Blot it with a clean, damp cloth, working from the edges of the mark in. Don't rub: rubbing spreads the mark and roughens the fibre. Then let the piece dry naturally.

Leave household stain removers and cleaning products in the cupboard. If a mark won't lift, take the piece to a dry cleaner and show them exactly where it is.

Cleaning Advice

When your piece really needs a clean, follow the care label on your piece. Our labels say dry clean, so take it to a dry cleaner.

You'll rarely need to. For most people it's about once a season, ideally just before you store the piece away, because moths are drawn to pieces that have been worn and not cleaned.

Some of our pieces are blends, so the label on your piece is always the one to follow.

Never machine wash alpaca, and never tumble dry it. The one exception is our Super Wash Throw, a treated alpaca and wool blend whose label says it can go in the machine on a delicate cycle.

Drying & Handling

If your piece gets damp, lay it flat and let it dry naturally, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Do not tumble dry, as heat and movement can shrink and felt the fibres.

Storage

Alpaca garments and accessories are best stored folded rather than hung, which helps maintain their shape over time.

When storing for longer periods, place the items in a breathable cotton or calico storage bag or in a well-ventilated wardrobe.

Never store alpaca in a plastic bag or a sealed plastic container. Plastic traps moisture against the fibres, which can lead to mould, musty odours and permanent damage. Natural fibres need to breathe.

Like other natural animal fibres, alpaca can occasionally attract clothes moths if stored for long periods in dark or undisturbed spaces.

To help protect your pieces, have them cleaned before you put them away for the season, store them in a breathable environment and tuck in a natural repellent such as cedar wood blocks or lavender sachets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does baby alpaca mean the fibre comes from baby animals?

No. Baby alpaca refers to the fineness and softness of the fibre, not the age of the animal. The fibre is selected for its exceptional softness and quality.

How often does alpaca need cleaning?

Less often than you'd think. Alpaca has no lanolin, so it holds less dirt and smell, and after wearing it usually just needs airing. For most people, a trip to the dry cleaner about once a season is enough, ideally before you store the piece away.

Can baby alpaca or alpaca shrink?

Yes, if it meets heat, water and movement together, which is exactly what a washing machine or tumble dryer does. That's why we say never machine wash, never tumble dry, and follow the label on your piece. Our labels say dry clean.

What should I do if my alpaca piece gets stained?

For a small mark, blot it straight away with a clean, damp cloth, working from the edges in. Don't rub, and don't use household cleaning products. If the mark doesn't lift, take the piece to a dry cleaner and show them exactly where it is.

Can I wash my alpaca item at home?

Please don't. Follow the care label on your piece: our labels say dry clean. The good news is you'll rarely need it. Air your piece after wearing, blot small marks as they happen, and take it to a dry cleaner about once a season.

How should I store alpaca garments and accessories?

Store them folded in a breathable space rather than hanging them for long periods. For longer storage, use a cotton or calico storage bag and consider cedar wood or lavender for extra protection. Never use a plastic bag or a sealed plastic container — plastic traps moisture and can cause mould.

Does alpaca fibre pill?

Like most natural fibres, light pilling may occur over time, especially in areas exposed to friction. This is normal and can usually be managed gently.

Can alpaca fibres attract moths?

Like wool and other natural animal fibres, alpaca can attract clothes moths if stored for long periods in dark or undisturbed spaces, and they are drawn to pieces that have been worn and not cleaned. Have your piece cleaned before you store it for the season, air it occasionally and use a natural repellent such as cedar or lavender.

Can alpaca be worn in warmer weather?

Yes. Alpaca fibres are breathable and help regulate body temperature, making them comfortable across different seasons.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions about caring for your Orange Inca alpaca pieces, feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help you keep your garments and textiles looking beautiful for years to come.