How To Properly Wash & Dry Your Wool Blanket?

Proper care for your wool blanket is essential to maintain its quality and longevity. Knowing how to wash a wool blanket is crucial, as wool blankets are not only a cosy addition to your home but also an investment in comfort and style.

Knowing the correct techniques for washing wool and drying can make a significant difference in preserving the blanket’s softness, preventing shrinkage, and maintaining its vibrant colours.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for washing and drying your wool blanket, ensuring it stays beautiful and comfortable for years to come.

Understanding Your Wool Blanket

Understanding your wool blanket begins with recognising the different types of wool and their unique properties. Common wool varieties include Merino, known for its softness and fine fibres; Angora, ethically sourced from Angora rabbits, prized for its warmth and silky texture; and Cashmere, which comes from cashmere goats and is renowned for its luxurious softness and lightweight feel.

Each type of wool may require specific care instructions to maintain its quality. For instance, Merino wool is more resilient and can often withstand machine washing on a gentle cycle, while Cashmere is more delicate and typically requires hand washing or specific dry cleaning.

Identifying the type of wool can be done by checking the label or by feeling the texture—Merino is smooth and fine, Angora is fluffy and light, and Cashmere is incredibly soft and warm. Properly caring for each type of wool ensures your blanket remains soft, vibrant, and durable, enhancing your comfort and preserving your investment.

Preparation Before Washing

Preparing your wool blanket for careful washing starts with checking the care label and manufacturer’s instructions. These guidelines are crucial as they provide specific washing recommendations tailored to your blanket’s material. Ignoring these instructions can lead to damage, such as shrinkage or loss of softness. Before washing thoroughly inspect the blanket for any stains or spots.

Address these areas with spot cleaning techniques to avoid the need for a full wash. Use a very mild detergent suitable for wool and gently dab the stained area with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause the wool fibres to mat or pill. By carefully inspecting and spot cleaning your wool blanket, you can maintain its quality and longevity, reducing the frequency of full washes and preserving its softness and colour.

It is important, however, to avoid permanent staining on delicate fibres that if a spillage or stain occurs that any spot cleaning is carried out almost immediately so the stain does not set. Please unless advised also never use harsh chemicals such as bleach or stain rid for these natural fibres as this will almost always likely damage your wool blanket.

Washing Your Wool Blanket

Selecting the right detergent is crucial for maintaining the quality of your wool blanket. Always use a mild, wool-safe detergent or specially formulated wool wash products. These detergents are designed to clean wool fibres gently without causing damage or stripping away the natural essence of your wool blanket. Avoid regular laundry detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners, as they can harm the delicate wool fibres.

Bemboka highly recommends using organic detergents as they eliminate all the harsh chemicals that could potentially and unknowingly cause damage.

Hand Washing Your Wool Blanket

1. Fill the Basin: Fill a basin or sink with cold or lukewarm water. Add a small amount of gentle laundry detergent specially formulated for wool and mix until it’s well-dissolved.
2. Submerge the Blanket: Gently submerge the wool blanket in the water, ensuring it is fully soaked.
3. Soak: Allow the blanket to soak for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Gently Agitate: Swirl the blanket gently in the water to help release dirt and oils. Avoid rubbing or wringing the fabric.
5. Rinse: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with cold water. Rinse the blanket thoroughly, repeating as necessary until all detergent is removed.
6. Remove Excess Water: Press the blanket gently against the side of the basin to remove excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing.

Machine Washing Your Wool Blanket

1. Check Care Label: Ensure your wool blanket is machine washable by checking the care label.
2. Select the Right Cycle: Use the gentle or wool cycle on your washing machine.
3. Use Cold Water: Set the water temperature too cold to prevent shrinkage and damage.
4. Add Detergent: Add a small amount of wool-safe detergent to the machine.
5. Load the Blanket: Place the blanket in the washing machine, making sure it is evenly distributed.
6. Avoid Overloading: Do not overload the machine; the blanket should have enough room to move freely and you do not want to risk colour transfer from other products.
7. Start the Cycle: Start the gentle or wool cycle and let the machine run its course.
8. Remove Excess Water: Once the cycle is complete, remove the blanket and gently press out any excess water. Avoid wringing and stretching if possible.

Drying Your Wool Blanket

Proper drying techniques are essential for preserving the quality of your wool blanket. Air drying is the most common and usually most preferred method, as it helps maintain the blanket’s shape and texture.

After washing, lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry towel or drying rack, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Place it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can cause fading and damage. Air drying is gentle on the fibres, preventing stretching and maintaining the softness and natural texture of the wool.

Here at Bemboka however, as our angora & merino wool blankets are heavily pre-shrunk in the production process we find that machine drying is the best way to dry after washing. Machine drying offers convenience and speed, it poses a higher risk of damage if not done correctly or not recommended. If your care instructions permits, always use the lowest heat setting and include a few clean, dry towels to absorb moisture. This also helps to keep the fluffy, hairy fibres at bay and your throw or blanket looking as cosy as ever.

Additional Tips for Wool Blanket Care

Proper care for your wool blanket extends beyond washing and drying. To protect it from environmental factors, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as it can cause fading and weakening of the fibres.

Store wool blankets in a cool, dry environment to prevent mould and mildew growth, ensuring it gets adequate ventilation to keep the blanket feeling fresh and odour-free. Always clean your wool blanket before storing it for extended periods, using breathable cotton bags or pillowcases instead of plastic to prevent moisture buildup.

Protect your blanket from pests by using cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or a natural flying insect repellent and store it flat to avoid creases and folds. If you must fold it, do so loosely and with minimal pressure. Ideally, store your wool blanket in a climate-controlled area to safeguard it from temperature and humidity fluctuations.

By following these additional wool blanket care tips, you can maintain the quality and longevity of your wool blanket, keeping it cosy and beautiful for years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, caring for your wool blanket involves gentle washing with wool-safe detergents, proper drying techniques such as air drying or low heat tumble drying to maintain shape and texture, and mindful storage in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and pests when not in use. These practices help preserve its softness, colour vibrancy, and overall quality for prolonged enjoyment. Wool is viewed as a luxury item, so investing in its easy care is crucial to get the most out of your blankets & throws.