How to Wash Wool Blankets

Fleece blankets and casual blankets are lightweight, durable, and easy to care for, just follow a few tips to prevent fluffing and pilling. Wool blankets are made of polyester, usually microfiber. This texture is created by weaving small, loose loops on one side of the fabric that are cut to create a soft, fleece surface. If the blanket is not washed properly, the fine fibers can stick to the fluff and knot. To avoid problems, sort your laundry correctly and avoid overheating and rubbing when washing and drying wool.

Learn how to properly wash your wool blanket.

What You’ll Need

Equipment/Tools

• 1 washing machine or large bathtub
• 1 Dryer or clothesline or drying rack
• 1 soft bristle brush
• 1 microfiber cloth
• 1 steamer

Material

• 1 container of mild or regular laundry detergent
• 1 container of enzyme-based detergent

How to Machine Wash a Wool Blanket

1. Read the care label

Before throwing your blanket in the washing machine or tub, take a moment to read the care label. Almost all wool blankets can be hand or machine washed, unless they come with materials or embellishments that only need to be dry cleaned.

2. Pre-treatment stains

Pre-treat the stain with an enzyme-based stain remover or a small amount of strong laundry detergent before washing. Oil-based stains on woolen fabrics are difficult to remove. Use a stain remover and apply it to the fibers with a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth. Allow the stain remover to take effect for at least 10 minutes before washing the blanket.

3. Choose the water temperature and washing machine cycle

If the blanket is not heavily soiled, use a gentle loop to prevent excessive wear and tear of the fibers. If the blanket is for pets or very dirty, choose the permanent press cycle, which has a cold rinse and a lower rotation speed to prevent excessive wear and tear of the fibers. Fixes wrinkles. Always wash wool with cold or lukewarm water (never hot water).

4. Choose a detergent

Do not use chlorine bleach or add fabric softeners during washing or rinsing. Mild detergents (Woolite, Hex Performance, Ivory Snow) are the mildest for wool fibers.

5. Sort your laundry before washing your wool

Do not wash the blanket with towels, sheets, or cotton clothing, and follow the tips for reducing and removing lint from clothing. Wool can attract fluff from fluff-producing fabrics such as cotton wool fabrics or terry cloths.

6. Dry the blanket

If possible, skip the automatic dryer and hang the blanket on an indoor drying rack or outdoor clothesline. This prevents electrostatic adsorption and friction that can lead to pilling. If you need a blanket quickly, dry it separately over low heat and add some wool drying balls to keep the fibers fluffy.

How to Hand Wash Wool Blankets

1. Use a large sink or bathtub

Choose a washing container that is large enough so that the blanket can be completely submerged in the water and has some room to move. A bathtub, laundry sink, or large plastic storage bucket is usually fine.

2. Follow the washing guidelines

Follow the same guidelines recommended for machine washing: pretreat stains, use a mild detergent, and cold water.

3. Immersion and soaking

Fill the bathtub with cold water and add detergent. Add the blanket and squeeze gently until it is completely saturated with water and submerged. Let it soak for about 20 minutes. Then, gently squeeze the fabric to help remove dirt. Drain the wash water.

4. Rinse well

Refill the tub with clean water, gently squeeze and lift the blanket into or out of the water to rinse the fibers. If foam is still visible, you may need to drain the water and repeat a second rinse. Don’t wring out the blanket to remove excess moisture, just squeeze gently.

5. Dry the blanket

Hang the blanket to dry. The weather can be very humid and the floor should be protected from excess water.

Ironing Wool Blankets

Wool blankets should not be ironed because if the iron is too hot, the fibers can become tangled or burn. If there are too many wrinkles, wet the blanket and hang it to air dry. You can also use a low-temperature steam ironer to remove wrinkles.

Store Wool Blankets

Wool blankets should be washed and completely dried before being stored. Roll up the blanket to prevent creases and store it in a cool, dry place.

Maintenance and Repair of Wool Blankets

The rips in the wool blanket can be sewn by hand or machine; However, the repair effect is visible. Due to the structure of the fabric, the holes or burns do not get bigger. If you want to hide them, sew them with decorative patches.

Tips to Keep Your Wool Blanket Clean

• When washing blankets, use cold water, mild detergent, and a gentle program.
• Wash the wool separately from the delinquished fabric.
• If the wool looks a little messy, carefully brush it with a soft-bristled brush while it’s still wet.
• If possible, use a front-loading or top-loading washing machine without a center stirrer to reduce friction that can lead to pilling.