I only strip wash my inserts, not the covers, but have stripped my pocket covers once, and my nn which are aio with added boosters (I think that's the right term). The only reason I don't do my shells is really cause they have embroidery one them...
I also just put new inserts on rinse cycle a few times, but that's about the extent of my prep work, and they seem to work fine.
I have the same problems with a. Few breast pads, so keen to hear about that =)
I also don't know about wool, I know you do do extra stuff to them, but don't own any (yet!) so others would be more help.