Blankets made of natural fabrics, such as wool, are very delicate. They have gone through very few industrial processes to obtain the final product. In general, they are of excellent quality and very fragile in the face of frequent cleaning. On this occasion, we will be reviewing how to wash a wool blanket and keep it intact.
Do they wash by hand or in the washing machine? Do they require dry cleaning? What is the best way to wash it without damaging its natural fibers? We are going to answer all these questions, so you can make sure they are clean and like new.
Is it necessary to wash wool blankets every year?
The answer is no. We will explain why.
It happens that the wool goes through a self-cleaning process. This means that it naturally repels dirt, without the help of any kind of cleaning product. In this context, what is recommended is to air it frequently.
Now, sometimes it happens that we have a down or a duvet that is filled with wool; and the fabric that covers this wool gets dirty and must be washed because there is no other alternative. In such a case, when washing is imminent, let’s see how it can be done.
Nordic blankets can get dirty in daily use, even if they are only decorative. Therefore, sometimes you have to wash them.
How to wash wool blankets by hand?
Before, read the label of the blanket carefully, because there you will find information on what type of washing is the most suitable, the water temperature, and the recommended type of soap.
Then, you will be able to wash it, by following these steps:
- You will need to use the bathtub or a large container so that it fits easily and is not too tight. Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and add neutral soap or a mild detergent. Next, you have to completely submerge the blanket. It does not have a softener; just soap.
- Let rest for two hours, more or less. Do not try to scrub it or use a brush or sponge to remove a particular stain.
- To rinse it, you have to empty the bathtub and refill it with clean water. It is not necessary to wring out the blanket, as this could damage its structure. If there is any remaining product, the wool itself will come off it through a natural process.
- To dry it, empty the tub and let it sit there without wringing. Once again, the wool alone will release the water from its fibers. It may take 2-3 hours for the blanket to stop dripping and is just slightly damp.
- Finally, you have to let the blanket dry in the open air, but not in direct sunlight, because the original colors could be affected.
How to wash wool blankets in the washing machine?
It is not the first and not second option to wash the wool blanket. However, if you decide to continue, try to use a program for woolen clothes, and cold water, and eliminate the spin.
Wool clothes tend to shrink if a spin is used, so remember to remove them. If the machine does not have a program for wool, then choose one for delicate clothes.
Another suggestion is that you store it on a flat surface overnight, to prevent it from deteriorating in direct sunlight. Avoid hanging it, as it could be deformed.
Dry cleaning
This is undoubtedly one of the safest alternatives to wash wool blankets and keep them intact. They are supposed to be professionals and know what they are doing, so you can leave it with confidence.
Other alternatives to clean wool blankets
As we have already mentioned at the beginning, washing a woolen blanket should be avoided as much as possible. To do this, we will share with you some tips to keep it clean:
- Aerated: airing or ventilating the wool blanket is essential to keep them in optimal conditions. Ideally, you should shake it daily and hang it in a place where it gets air for a few hours.
- Removes stains: in the event that it stains in a particular area, it is not necessary to wash the entire blanket, but we can work locally. The wool fiber repels water; it is hydrophobic. The natural components of this fiber work to loosen dirt particles. If it’s stained, try spraying it with soapy water to see if it comes off. You never have to rub.
- Steam cleaning: this option is optimal, especially if the blanket has accumulated a strong odor, such as food or moisture. If you have a steam cleaner at home, you can add essential oils to scent it.
With great care, it is possible to wash a wool blanket
We hope that you can use all this information to ensure that your woolen garments always remain as new. Remember that the woolen blanket has two enemies that can be fatal: wringing it out and hanging it vertically.
If you notice that there is excess water left, you can use towels to absorb it. On the other hand, never hang it vertically, as it will completely deform.
