How is wool washed once it is sheared off the sheep?

[Meredith]

I am hoping my sheep gurus can answer this one for me...

Someone asked how wool is washed once it is sheared off the dudes.

So any help would be appreciated. This is just a friend who has inquired.

TIA!! :wool

[ravingcutie]

Here's a great article - it's for handspinners. I'm not sure how or if the commercial process differs.

http://www.fuzzygalore.biz/articles/why_fleece.shtml

[FabriConnection]

The carding mill I plan to use once we get moved and buy animals just uses washing machines to wash the fleece.