Washing a Wool Blanket: The Ultimate Guide to Gentle Cleaning

Introduction

You love snuggling up under your cozy wool blanket, but dread the moment to wash it for fear of damaging it ? Don't panic! With the right gestures and a little delicacy, you will be able to enjoy the incomparable warmth of this exceptional natural fiber for a long time.

Discover in this complete guide all our expert advice for cleaning your wool throw with complete peace of mind.

Why specific maintenance for wool blankets ?

The unique properties of wool

Wool is a living material with unique properties. Thanks to its scale structure, this fabric is naturally anti-bacterial, temperature-regulating and dirt-repellent. However, these same scales make it sensitive to friction and heat which can cause irreversible felting.

The risks of poor maintenance

Overly aggressive washing, exposure to excessive heat or improper drying can all have disastrous consequences on your wool blanket. Shrinkage, felting, deformation, loss of softness are all risks to be absolutely avoided to preserve the quality of your favorite household linen.

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Before washing: the essential preliminary steps

Identify the type of wool in your blanket

Not all wools are washed in the same way. Check the composition label to see if it is virgin wool, merino, mohair or another type. If in doubt, follow the manufacturer's maintenance advice.

Test washing resistance on a corner

Before you start, test the color fastness and washing resistance of your blanket on an inconspicuous corner.Soak it for a few minutes in lukewarm water then press on a white cloth to see if it rubs off.

Treat stains gently

If there are stains, dab them gently with a cloth soaked in lukewarm water and Marseille soap. Above all, do not apply an aggressive stain remover which could discolor or weaken the fibers.

Also read: How much to wash a blanket ?

The different methods of washing wool blankets

Dry cleaning: the recommended method

If the label mentions it, always choose dry cleaning for your wool blanket. Professional dry cleaners will know how to take care of this delicate textile using suitable solvents and specific machines. This is the safest method for fragile or valuable items.

Hand washing: a gentle alternative

1. Prepare a lukewarm bath with a mild detergent: fill a basin or bathtub with lukewarm water (30°C maximum). Add a dose of gentle liquid detergent specially designed for wool and delicate laundry. Avoid powders that may dissolve poorly.

2. Let it soak without rubbing or twisting: immerse your blanket in the bath without rubbing it so as not to felt the fibres. Leave it to soak for ten minutes, turning it gently. Do not try to twist or wring it.

3. Rinse gently with clean water: empty the basin and rinse the wool blanket with clear water, always lukewarm. Repeat the operation until there are no more traces of detergent. Squeeze lightly to remove excess water without twisting.

Machine wash: only when necessary

1. Choose the wool or delicate program: some modern blankets can be washed in a washing machine, provided you scrupulously follow the manufacturer's instructions. Select the special cycle wool or failing that a short program at 30°C maximum, without spinning.

2. Use a special wool detergent: choose a liquid detergent suitable for wool and use it sparingly. Powdered or aggressive detergents may attack the fibers of your blanket and make it rough.

3. Opt for minimum spin: if your machine does not offer a program without spinning, make sure to choose the lowest speed. The ideal is to take out your wool blanket before this phase to prevent it from becoming deformed.

Washing methods depending on the nature of the wool

Wool type	Washing method	Temperature	Spin	Drying	Advice
Merino wool	Wool or delicate cycle machine	30°C max	Gentle spin 400 rpm	Flat on napkin	Wash inside out, do not rub
Alpaca wool	By hand or ultra-gentle cycle	Cold water	Spin prohibited	Flat, without twisting	Handle with care
Cashmere	By hand only	30°C max	Press without twisting	Flat, in the shade	Use special cashmere shampoo
Mohair wool	Wool program machine	Cold water	Gentle spin 400 rpm	Dry flat	Wash with same color laundry
Shetland wool	Wool cycle machine	30°C	Gentle spin 600 rpm	Dry flat	Iron with gentle iron if necessary

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Drying: a crucial step to preserve your blanket

Prefer flat drying

The secret to keeping a wool blanket soft and fluffy after washing is to dry it flat on a terry towel, away from heat sources. Place it gently without stretching it and let the water drain naturally.

At The Oversized Hoodie® we have tested many drying methods for our wool blankets. We can assure you that drying flat is by far the best option to preserve the softness and size of your beloved blanket, without risking damage.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Let it dry naturally in the open air

Ideally, place your blanket on a drying rack or chairs in a well-ventilated room. Avoid direct exposure to the sun which could cause the wool to yellow. Depending on the thickness of the wool, allow at least 24 hours for drying.

Avoid tumble drying and ironing

Heat is the number one enemy of wool. Absolutely ban the tumble dryer as it will definitely shrink your favorite blanket. Likewise, ironing is strongly discouraged, even at low temperatures, because it flattens the down and loses the natural loft of the wool.

Also read: How to Wash a Faux Fur Throw ?

Daily maintenance: the right actions to space out washings

Air your cover regularly

To get rid of odors and humidity, remember to air out your wool blanket as soon as possible on a drying rack or clothes rack, outside in good weather or near an open window. This simple habit will revive the wool and prevent it from smelling musty.

Brush gently to remove lint

Over time, your wool throw may become covered in small, unsightly lints called "pilling". To remove them, use a wool brush or a special anti-pilling razor. Proceed with a light and regular gesture, always in the same direction.

Use a flat sheet between you and the blanket

To space out washings, place a flat cotton sheet between you and your wool blanket when using it on the sofa or in bed. This will protect it from perspiration and stains while maintaining its insulating properties.

As experts in oversized blankets, we always stress to our customers the importance of washing their wool blanket with the utmost care. Following our advice will guarantee you enjoy your cover The Oversized Hoodie® for many years, without unpleasant surprises when washing!
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also discover: How to keep a blanket soft after washing ?

Optimal storage to preserve your wool blanket

Fold and store in a dry place

Once completely dry, gently fold your blanket and store it in a cupboard or trunk away from humidity and light. Avoid compressing it under a pile of other textiles to avoid flattening it.

Opt for a breathable, moth-proof cover

Moths love to nibble on wool, especially if it is dirty or damp. To avoid unpleasant surprises, place your blanket in a cotton or linen canvas cover which will allow the fibers to breathe while blocking pests.

Add sachets of lavender or cedar

Slip a few sachets of dried lavender or blocks of cedar into the cupboard where you keep your wool blankets. These natural repellents will effectively keep moths at bay thanks to their powerful odor while pleasantly scenting your household linens.

Also read: How to wash a Hoodie Blanket without damaging it ?

In summary: pamper your wool blanket to enjoy its softness for a long time

With these practical tips, you are ready to wash, dry and maintain your wool blanket like a pro!

Don't forget that gentle cleaning and careful storage are the keys to enjoying the unparalleled comfort of this noble material for a very long time.

Your little soft blanket will thank you for taking such good care of it every time you wash it!

FAQ

How to wash a wool blanket in the machine ?

To wash a wool blanket in the washing machine, choose the special wool or delicate cycle at 30°C maximum, with minimum spin . Use a detergent special mild liquid wool in small quantities. The ideal is to take out the blanket before spinning.

How to dry a wool blanket ?

The best way to dry a wool blanket is to lay it flat on a terry towel, out of direct sunlight. Let it air dry naturally, without twisting or wringing it. Absolutely avoid tumble drying which will irreparably damage the fibers.

How to wash a large blanket ?

To wash a large wool blanket, wash by hand in a bathtub or basin. Use lukewarm water and a special detergent wool. Leave to soak without rubbing then rinse gently. If the blanket is too bulky, take it to a dry cleaner.

How to wash 100% wool ?

The washing of a garment or textile made from 100% wool requires great precautions. Always wash by hand or in the machine with the special program wool, in lukewarm water (30°C max). Choose a suitable mild detergent and ban spinning and tumble drying.

How often should I wash my wool blanket ?

Thanks to the self-cleaning properties of wool, it is not necessary to wash very often your blanket. In general, cleaning every 2-3 months is sufficient, unless there are stains. In between, air it out regularly to freshen it up.

How to remove odors from my wool blanket ?

To remove bad odors from your wool blanket, air it outside for a long time if possible. You can also sprinkle it generously with baking soda, leave it to act overnight then brush. Another tip: spray a mixture of water and vodka then let it dry.

Can I use fabric softener on my wool blanket ?

It is strongly recommended not to use softener for washing a wool blanket. Indeed, the chemical agents in the softener risk attacking the delicate fibers and making them sticky or sticky. They also cancel out the breathable and insulating properties of wool.

How to prevent my wool blanket from shrinking when washed ?

To avoid any shrinkage problem when washing your blanket in wool, it is preferable to follow a few simple rules. First of all, opt for washing cold or at a maximum temperature of 30°C. Then choose a delicate program specially designed for wool. Finally, absolutely avoid the tumble dryer which has a tendency to cause the fibers to shrink. By following these tips, your wool blanket will remain soft and fluffy without losing size.

What are the signs that it is time to wash my wool blanket ?

With regular use, your wool blanket will inevitably accumulate dust, odors and stains. Here are some telltale signs that cleaning is necessary to find a clean and fresh blanket. If unpleasant odors emerge despite ventilation, it is high time to wash it. Likewise, the presence of visible stains requires the use of a suitable product cleaner. Finally, a stiff texture and dull fibers indicate a need to revive the wool.By paying attention to these details, you will know when to wash your precious blanket to extend its life.

References

[1] "Washing a wool blanket: our advice for doing it right", Toplaid

[2] "How to clean a raw wool blanket ?", Filature Longo Maï

[3]  "Blanket care guide", Blancollection