Wool is a natural, warm, and comfortable fabric often used to make blankets and other clothing items.
However, delicate wool garments require special care to be washed and maintained in good condition; otherwise, they may felt, shrink, or lose their softness. In this article, we will see how to wash a wool blanket without damaging it, following some simple tips.
First of all, you need to check the wool blanket's label, where washing instructions and any restrictions are indicated.
Some wool blankets can only be dry cleaned, while others can be washed by hand or in the washing machine, but with precautions.
In general, wool should never be exposed to high temperatures, harsh detergents, or excessive spinning. As a rule, hand washing is always preferable to putting a wool garment in the washing machine.
If the wool blanket's label indicates that wool can be washed without using a washing machine, i.e., by hand, you can proceed as follows:
- Fill a tub or basin with cold or lukewarm water and add a gentle wool detergent, or a neutral soap or baking soda. Never use bleach or fabric softener, as they can damage the fibers.
- Immerse the blanket in water and let it soak for about 15 minutes, without rubbing or twisting. You can use a soft brush to remove the most stubborn stains, but gently.
- Empty the tub or basin of water and rinse the blanket with clean, always cold or lukewarm water. You can add a little white vinegar to remove soap residues and make the wool softer and shinier.
- Squeeze the blanket with your hands, without twisting, to remove excess water. You can also wrap the blanket in a dry towel and press very gently to absorb the moisture.
- Lay the blanket on a flat surface, such as a table or bed, and reshape it with your hands. Avoid hanging the blanket, as it could deform under the weight of the water. Also avoid exposing the blanket to direct sunlight or heat sources, which could dry it out too much and fade it.
How to wash a sheep wool blanket in the washing machine?
If the wool blanket's label indicates machine washing as a suitable method, you can proceed as follows:
- Select a delicate or wool-specific program, with a maximum temperature of 30°C and a low or no spin cycle. Place the blanket in the washing machine without overloading it, and add a gentle wool detergent. Never use bleach or fabric softener.
- At the end of the wash, remove the blanket from the washing machine and gently squeeze it with your hands, without twisting. You can also wrap the blanket in a dry towel and press gently to absorb the moisture.
- Lay the blanket on a flat surface, such as a table or bed, and reshape it with your hands. Avoid hanging the blanket, as it could deform under the weight of the water.
Also avoid exposing the blanket to direct sunlight or heat sources, which could dry it out too much and fade it.
If it is absolutely necessary and the wool blanket must be dry cleaned, you can take it to a specialized laundry. As we have written in another article, this operation is very delicate and should be done by a specialist who will use products and techniques suitable for this type of fabric.
Alternatively, you can use home dry cleaning kits, which consist of bags and cloths soaked in a cleaning solution, to be placed in the dryer along with the blanket.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and check that the blanket is suitable for this type of treatment.
By following these tips, you can wash a wool blanket without damaging it, preserving its beauty and quality for a long time.
