Answer Angel: What happened to my sweater?

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Dec 10, 2024

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have had a merino wool sweater for about 25 years. From Eddie Bauer (I think). I always machine-washed it, as instructed.

All went well until last week.

I put it through the wash -- and it came out with small holes throughout. Like everywhere. Holes too big to be moths. Looks like the fabric suddenly disintegrated.

My question: Does merino wool have a life span? It only lasts for so many years, then disintegrates?

--Barbara B.

Dear Barbara: Wow. Just wow. You have a 25-year-old wool sweater -- that you have been successfully machine washing for a quarter of a century. Impressive!

Here’s what I think happened to your sweater: It got chewed up by the detergent you used recently.

A website devoted to merino wool, merinocountry.com, suggests that detergent enzymes are the culprit. On that site you will find detailed descriptions of which detergent additives will devour your sweater … like Mothra! In brief, additives in many detergents are designed to attack tough stains. They contain enzymes that love to eat protein-based stains (like egg) and can’t discriminate between those stains and animal-derived products like wool. I’ll bet you unwittingly used a detergent with those harmful-to-wool enzymes.

The merino wool website has a list of detergents that are safe for wool and others you should avoid.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’m in my late 30s, average size and never been able to find a comfortable bra. Not for everyday wear, for evenings, strapless, extra support, light support, padded, no padding, underwire, no underwire. Under $20. Over $75. No how, nowhere.

At this point, all I want is a bra that doesn’t cause me serious discomfort — to the extent I find myself yanking at the band around my torso throughout the day. I’m a 36 C so I can’t/don’t want to go braless.

Do not suggest going to an expert “bra fitter.” I’ve tried them at small boutique underwear places and department stores. Should I just give up?

--Sarita C.

Dear Sarita: I’d be thrilled if I could solve your problem. I’m not optimistic. Sounds like you’ve given your all to this project. While my personal search is not nearly as extensive as yours, I too have put a years-long effort into finding a bra I could call comfortable. I’ve been willing to settle for a 4 out of 10.

So, let me tell you about my latest “favorite.” It’s hardly perfect. I’d give it a 5. Maybe 5.5. It isn’t even, really, a bra. I recently bought it for $20 in the “shapewear” section of Target and it’s a to-the-waist sleeveless tank.

To make this especially vexing it’s not currently on the jockey.com website. I did find it in store at Target and on target.com labeled “Jockey Generation Women’s Body Smoothing Tank Top.”

Try it and let me know what you think. And let’s hear from readers on their miracle finds — if they exist!!

Angelic Readers 1

Lots of readers had the same problem as Beth D.: hard to handle toothpaste stains on clothing caused by rushed brushing in the morning. Jan C. says, “The best way to handle toothpaste stains is to prevent them from happening in the first place. You can do this by using a bib or smock (like hairdressers use). After you’ve dressed for the day, you can put the cover around your shoulders and brush your teeth, put on your makeup and do your hair. When you finish, the smock comes off without smearing your makeup and with no toothpaste drips or stray hairs on your clothing.” Barb says using a towel as a bib is the answer. That’s Kathy C.’s solution too. Gail T. keeps an old shirt handy in the bathroom to catch the spills.

Angelic Readers 2

For reader Maureen who was searching for hard-to-find 100% cotton socks because elastic is too tight on her sensitive skin, many readers recommended Buster Brown brand but others suggest socks marketed for diabetics. K.R buys hers at diabeticsockshop.com and says that the ones with 2% Spandex prevent droop but also don’t irritate her sensitive skin. Karen S. buys her diabetic socks at Walmart.

Reader Rant

Nancy T.’s gripe: “Most active-wear manufacturers put the drawstrings for athletic pants on the outside of the waistband. Tying them leaves an unsightly bump under the front of your shirt, and just letting them hang looks "unfinished." I've often resorted to just cutting them off, but that's not an option if there's no elastic in the waistband. Why don't they put them on the inside instead?”