Wool is a natural, warm and comfortable fabric that is often used to make blankets and other clothing items.
However, delicate wool garments require special care to be washed and kept 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 ruining it, following some simple tips.
First of all, you need to check the label of the wool blanket, where the 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, aggressive detergents or excessive spin cycles. And in general, hand washing is always preferable to putting a woolen item in the washing machine.
If the wool blanket has indicated on the label that you can wash the wool without using the washing machine, therefore by hand, you can proceed as follows:
- Fill a tub or basin with cold water or lukewarm water and add a mild detergent for wool, or a neutral soap or bicarbonate of soda. Never use bleach or fabric softener, which can damage the fibers.
- Immerse the blanket in water and leave it to soak for about 15 minutes, without rubbing or twisting it. You can use a soft brush to remove stubborn stains, but gently.
- Empty the tub or basin of water and rinse the blanket with clean water, always cold or lukewarm. You can add a little white vinegar to remove soap residue and make the wool softer and shinier.
- Squeeze the blanket with your hands, without twisting it, to eliminate excess water. You can also wrap the blanket in a dry towel and press very gently to absorb moisture.
- Spread the blanket on a flat surface, such as a table or bed, and shape it back into shape with your hands. Avoid hanging the blanket, which could deform under the weight of the water. Also avoid exposing the blanket to direct sun or heat sources, which could dry it too much and fade it.
How to wash sheep wool blanket in washing machine?
If the wool blanket on the label indicates machine washing as the suitable method, you can proceed as follows:
- Select a delicate or specific program for wool, with a maximum temperature of 30°C and low or no spin. Place the blanket in the washing machine, without loading it too much, and add a delicate detergent for wool. Never use bleach or fabric softener.
- At the end of the wash, remove the blanket from the washing machine and wring it with your hands, without twisting it. You can also wrap the blanket in a dry towel and press gently to absorb moisture.
- Spread the blanket on a flat surface, such as a table or bed, and shape it back into shape with your hands. Avoid hanging the blanket, which could deform under the weight of the water.
Also avoid exposing the blanket to direct sun or heat sources, which could dry it too much and fade it.
If you can't do without it and the wool blanket needs to be dry cleaned, you can take it to a specialized laundry. As we wrote in another article, this operation is very delicate and must 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 detergent solution, to be placed in the dryer together 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 ruining it, preserving its beauty and quality for a long time.
