How to Wash, Dry, and Store a Wool Blanket?

Wool blankets need proper care to last longer. Read and learn how to wash, dry, and store a wool blanket.

A soft wool blanket is the epitome of warmth and comfort. You might use your wool blanket more frequently as the winter months approach and the days and nights become chillier. Wool needs to be cleaned occasionally even though it is noticeably more durable than some other textiles and may not stain easily.

Wool blankets can be cleaned in a home washing machine, but handwashing or dry cleaning wool is the most secure method. The blankets should be washed with wool-safe detergents in cold water on a gentle cycle. Wool should be air-dried rather than put in a dryer.

Learn how to maintain the beauty of your blankets and scarves so they last as long as possible.

Things You’ll Need

• Soft-bristled brush
• De-pilling comb
• Sewing repair kit (optional)
• Vinegar and water
• Wool-safe gentle soap
• Washing machine
• Towels
• Drying rack or clothesline

How to Wash a Wool Blanket?

Here are the steps for washing a wool blanket:

Step One: Shake It Off

Take your wool blanket outside to shake it out and let it air before you start cleaning it. When you’re finished, your blanket might feel cleaner and have lost the majority of its dirt, so it won’t necessarily need to be washed.

Step Two: Brush and Comb

Does your wool blanket still require some maintenance? Use your soft-bristled brush to get rid of any remaining dirt, and then let’s move on. Make sure that all of your brushstrokes are going in the same direction.

Step Three: Mend Any Holes

It’s critical to repair or patch any holes before continuing because washing a wool blanket with holes will only make them worse. In order to patch up larger holes, think about using a patch rather than a patching kit.

Step Four: Don’t Forget Stain Removal

Now is the time to remove any significant stains from your wool blanket. A solution of one part vinegar to two parts water is required for this. Apply the solution to the stain, then blot it dry with a cloth.

Step Five: Time to Wash

Check the care label on your blanket before continuing, just in case. Let the experts handle this next step if it specifies dry cleaning only. Continue reading if the label does not specify that (or if there is no label present).

The most challenging step in washing your wool blanket is this one. The blanket and your wool-safe gentle detergent must first be placed in your washing machine. Then, set the machine to soak in cold water for 15 minutes. Do not use any warm or hot water on your wool blanket, as it will cause it to shrink and warp.

Once the blanket has had time to soak, start the washing machine on the delicate cycle while using cold water. The majority of delicate cycles do not include a spin cycle but make sure it is turned off because a rough spin cycle can severely damage your blanket.

Step Six: Dry It Out

After soaking, washing, and rinsing your blanket, place it flat on a bed of towels. Avoid stretching, twisting, or wringing the blanket out in any way as you roll the blanket and towels up to get rid of extra moisture.

It’s time to let your wool blanket dry after the excess water has been wiped away. Wool blankets cannot be dried in a dryer; air drying is required. On a clothesline outside, away from the sun, this can be accomplished. Enjoy your freshly cleaned wool blanket by cuddling up once it has dried.

How to Dry Wool Blankets?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: never use heat on a wool blanket. Due to shrinkage or fiber mating, this will almost always ruin the fabric. Instead, make an effort to let it air dry.

To dry, hang your wool blanket or place it flat. As with a dryer, take care not to place it in direct sunlight as this could also result in damage. Although air drying takes longer, if it means keeping your blankets, it is worthwhile.

How to Store Wool Blankets?

A wool blanket can be stored most effectively by waiting until it is fully dry before folding it up. Put it somewhere cool and dark after that, preferably inside a breathable storage container like a cotton bag. Similar to drying, choosing a location away from direct sunlight will help you avoid bleaching.

Always clean your wool blankets before storing them to prevent clothes moths. If you are worried about pests bothering your blankets in storage, you can always hang some clothes moth traps for peace of mind.

You can also use cedar shavings since they will repel insects while adding a pleasant scent to any woolen clothing or bedding you have stored away.

Use some white vinegar if you smell musty.

How Often Should I Wash a Wool Blanket?

Surprisingly, wool blankets don’t need to be washed that frequently. In fact, you can wash them about once every three months and be perfectly okay. Why is this?

Wool fabrics naturally have a high resistance to bacteria, mold, and mildew. This is so because animals like sheep, who need wool to protect their skin from moisture and dirt, naturally produce it. These advantages accrue to you as the blanket owner, and you’ll discover that as a result, you don’t need to wash wool as frequently.

Although we frequently view washing as a good thing, too much washing can harm wool. The more times you wet the fabric, the greater the likelihood that it will shrink or that the fibers will cling to one another. Waiting and only washing your blankets occasionally throughout the year is preferable.

The only exception to this rule is if your blanket has spilled something on it or is stained. To stop the stain from setting in, you should wash it as soon as possible. To avoid washing the entire blanket, you can spot-treat it with soda water, vinegar, or a wool-safe detergent.

What Detergents Are Safe for Wool Blankets?

Wool textiles must be washed with gentle detergents made specifically for wool that won’t harm them. Pick one that is gentle and preferably free of many dyes and chemicals. Heavy-duty cleaners, enzyme-based products, and bleach-based items should all be avoided.

On their labels, many detergents that are safe for wool will state as much. These products may refer to themselves as a “wool wash” or another similar description. To ensure you are using a product correctly and won’t unintentionally damage your wool, always read the label completely and follow the instructions provided.

Read More: 6 Best Wool Slippers in 2023: Make Your Feet Dry

Final Thoughts on Washing Wool Blankets

Now you know the answer to the question “How to wash a wool blanket?” Yes, that is the answer. Wool requires a little extra care when being hand- or machine-washed, but as long as you proceed slowly and use gentle detergents, your wool blankets will smell great and feel soft after washing.

I hope that you feel confident doing so on your own now that you are more familiar with how to wash your wool blankets properly. Keep a copy of this guide close at hand while working, and don’t hesitate to refer to it again if necessary.

FAQs