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How to Wash a Wool Blanket: A Simple Guide
Wool blankets are treasured for their warmth, durability, and natural beauty, but they also require a bit of special care to stay in great shape. Whether you’re freshening up an old favorite or tackling a spill, knowing how to properly wash a wool blanket can help it last for years. Here’s a straightforward, easy-to-follow guide on how to do it right.
1. Check the Care Label
Before anything, take a look at the blanket’s care label. Wool comes in many forms, and some blankets may need dry cleaning or special handling. The label will give you specific instructions, like whether the blanket is safe to wash at home or needs professional care.
2. Decide Between Hand Washing or Machine Washing
Wool blankets can be hand washed or machine washed, depending on their care requirements. If the label says “hand wash only,” it’s best to avoid the machine altogether. If machine washing is okay, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
3. Hand Washing a Wool Blanket
Hand washing is the gentlest way to clean a wool blanket. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a tub or basin with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can shrink wool.
- Add wool-friendly detergent. Use a mild detergent specially made for wool or delicate fabrics. Regular laundry detergent can be too harsh.
- Soak the blanket in the water, gently swishing it around for about 5-10 minutes. Don’t scrub or wring the wool, as this can damage the fibers.
- Rinse with clean water until all the soap is gone. Be sure to use cool water during the rinse process.
4. Machine Washing a Wool Blanket
If your wool blanket is machine washable, follow these steps to avoid damaging it:
- Choose the gentle or wool cycle on your washing machine. If your machine doesn’t have a wool setting, the delicate cycle works too.
- Set the water temperature to cold or lukewarm. Wool is sensitive to heat, so hot water is a no-go.
- Use a mild wool detergent. Regular detergent can make wool stiff and cause it to lose its softness.
- Wash the blanket on its own to prevent tangling with other fabrics. You might also consider putting the blanket in a large mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
5. Drying the Wool Blanket
Drying wool correctly is key to keeping its shape and softness:
- Skip the dryer. Never put a wool blanket in the dryer, as the heat can cause it to shrink.
- Press out the excess water gently. After washing, lay the blanket flat on a clean towel, roll it up like a burrito, and press down to remove the extra water. Don’t wring or twist the fabric.
- Lay the blanket flat to dry on a large towel or drying rack. Reshape it while it’s wet to make sure it dries evenly and doesn’t lose its original form.
- Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators, as they can cause the wool to shrink or become rough.
6. Removing Stains from Wool
For spills or stains, act quickly:
- Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently blot the stain. Rubbing can push the stain deeper into the wool.
- Use a gentle wool detergent. Dab a bit of wool-safe detergent on the stain, then blot it with a damp cloth. Rinse with cool water and follow the regular washing instructions.
7. Preventing Pilling
Pilling, the little balls of fiber that sometimes appear on wool, is a common issue. To avoid it, try to reduce friction by not over-washing the blanket and using a fabric shaver to gently remove any pills that do appear.
By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your wool blanket clean, cozy, and in great condition for many years to come. Wool may need a little extra care, but the warmth and softness it provides are well worth the effort!
FAQs
1. Can I wash a wool blanket in the washing machine?
Yes, many wool blankets can be machine washed, but you need to check the care label first. If it’s machine-washable, use the gentle or wool cycle with cold water and a wool-safe detergent. Avoid using hot water or a high spin cycle.
2. Is it okay to use regular detergent on a wool blanket?
No, regular detergent can be too harsh for wool and may damage the fibers. Always use a detergent specifically made for wool or a gentle detergent for delicates.
3. How often should I wash my wool blanket?
You don’t need to wash wool blankets frequently. Unless there’s a spill or stain, washing a wool blanket once or twice a year should be enough. Regular airing out and spot cleaning can help maintain freshness in between washes.
4. Can I dry a wool blanket in the dryer?
No, you should never put a wool blanket in the dryer. The heat can shrink and damage the wool fibers. Instead, lay it flat to air dry, reshaping it as needed.
5. What do I do if my wool blanket shrinks?
If your wool blanket shrinks, you can try gently stretching it back to its original shape while it’s still damp. Lay it flat and reshape it by hand, but avoid pulling too hard to prevent further damage.
6. How do I remove stains from a wool blanket?
For stains, blot (don’t rub) the area with a clean cloth to absorb the liquid. Use a mild wool detergent or a wool-specific stain remover to treat the spot. Gently dab the stained area with the cleaner, rinse, and follow the usual washing instructions.
7. Why does my wool blanket pill, and how can I prevent it?
Pilling happens when fibers rub against each other, causing little balls of fuzz to form. To prevent pilling, wash your blanket less frequently and store it properly. You can remove existing pills with a fabric shaver or wool comb.
8. Can I hand wash any type of wool blanket?
Most wool blankets can be hand washed, but always check the care label first. If the label says “dry clean only,” it’s best to follow those instructions to avoid damage.
9. Should I dry clean my wool blanket?
Some wool blankets, especially those labeled “dry clean only,” should be professionally cleaned to prevent damage. If your blanket is machine washable or suitable for hand washing, dry cleaning isn’t necessary.
10. How do I store a wool blanket when not in use?
Store your wool blanket in a cool, dry place, ideally in a breathable cotton bag to keep it safe from dust and moths. Avoid storing it in plastic, as wool needs to breathe. Mothballs or lavender sachets can also help keep pests away.