How To Wash Wool Blankets - DIY Projects & Blog

Don’t know how to wash wool blankets? Then this guide is for you. Follow this guide to learn about washing wool blanket or, how to wash and care for wool blankets?

Wool is delicate and needs special care to maintain its quality and softness. Following some DIY methods, you can keep your wool blankets clean and cozy for years to come. Wool is a natural fiber known for its warmth and durability, making it a popular choice for blankets.

However, improper washing and care can lead to shrinkage and damage. We will explore two DIY methods to help you properly clean and maintain your wool blankets.

1. Understanding Wool Blankets:

1.1. Properties Of Wool

Wool is a natural fiber that comes from the fleece of sheep. It is made up of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails. Wool fibers are naturally crimped, which gives them elasticity and resilience. Wool is an excellent insulator, which makes it ideal for blankets and other bedding.

1.2. Benefits Of Using Wool Blankets

Using wool blankets has several benefits, including:

Warmth: Wool blankets are excellent at trapping heat, making them ideal for cold winter nights.
Breathability: Wool fibers are naturally breathable, which means they can regulate your body temperature and prevent you from overheating.
Durability: Wool is a strong and resilient fiber that can withstand wear and tear.
Moisture-wicking: Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, which makes it ideal for people who sweat while they sleep.
Hypoallergenic: Wool is naturally resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew, making it a great option for people with allergies or asthma.

2. How to Wash Wool Blankets: DIY Methods:

2.1 Hand Washing Wool Blanket

2.1.1. Materials Needed:

Mild detergent: Choose a gentle, pH-neutral detergent specifically designed for wool.
Large basin or tub: Use a clean basin or tub that is big enough to comfortably accommodate the blanket.
Cool water: Make sure the water temperature is lukewarm or cool to prevent shrinking or felting.
Soft towel: Prepare a soft, clean towel for drying the blanket.

2.1.2. Step-by-step Guide To Hand Wash Wool Blankets:

Fill the basin: Fill the basin or tub with cool water and add the mild detergent according to the instructions on the label.
Submerge the blanket: Gently submerge the wool blanket into the water, making sure it is fully immersed.
Soak the blanket: Allow the blanket to soak for about 10-15 minutes to ensure the detergent penetrates the fibers.
Gently agitate: Gently agitate the blanket in the water, avoiding any harsh wringing or twisting that could damage the fibers.
Drain and rinse: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cool water. Gently rinse the blanket until all the detergent is removed.
Remove excess water: Carefully squeeze out excess water from the blanket without wringing it, and then roll it in a clean towel to absorb more moisture.
Drying: Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface to air dry. Avoid hanging the blanket, as this could cause stretching or distortion of the shape.

2.2. Machine Washing With Care

2.2.1 .Precautions Before Machine Washing

Before proceeding with machine washing your wool blankets, it’s crucial to take certain precautions to prevent any damage or shrinkage. Here are the key precautions to consider:

Avoid using hot water as it can cause wool fibers to shrink and felt.
Use a gentle, wool-friendly detergent to maintain the softness of the fabric.
Check the blanket’s care label for specific instructions and any restrictions on machine washing.
Ensure that the washing machine is set to a delicate or wool cycle with a low spin speed.
Consider using a mesh laundry bag to provide extra protection for the wool blanket during the washing process.

2.2.2. Step-by-step Guide To Machine Wash Wool Blankets

Now that you’ve taken the necessary precautions, you can proceed with machine washing your wool blankets. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure proper care:

Place the wool blanket in the washing machine, ensuring that it has enough space to move freely without being compressed.
Add a small amount of gentle, wool-friendly detergent to the machine, following the manufacturer’s recommended dosage for the load size.
Select the delicate or wool cycle on the washing machine, and opt for a cold water setting to prevent shrinkage and maintain the blanket’s softness.
Start the washing cycle, allowing the machine to complete the gentle washing process without any additional agitation.
Once the cycle is complete, remove the wool blanket promptly and avoid leaving it in the machine for an extended period.
Gently press the blanket to remove excess water without wringing or twisting, as this can cause damage to the wool fibers.
Finally, lay the wool blanket flat on a clean surface or air dry it with proper ventilation to ensure even drying without causing any distortion to the fabric.

2.3. Proper Drying And Storage Tips:

Proper drying techniques: To maintain the quality of your wool blankets, air dry them flat to prevent stretching. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent color fading.

Tips for storing wool blankets: Fold your wool blankets neatly to prevent creases. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture to prevent mold growth.

3. How to Care For Wool Blanket At Home:

3.1. Dealing With Common Wool Blanket Issues

Shrinking

To prevent shrinking, hand wash the wool blanket in cold water.

Pilling

To tackle pilling, gently remove the pills with a fabric shaver.

Odors

For odors, air out the wool blanket in fresh air or sprinkle with baking soda.

Repairing Holes And Tears

Fix holes and tears by sewing them with a matching thread for a seamless repair.

3.2. Maintaining Wool Blankets For Longevity

Frequency of washing:

To maintain the longevity of your wool blankets, it’s recommended to wash them every 3-6 months. This frequency ensures that the blankets stay clean without undergoing excessive wear and tear from frequent washing.

Avoiding common mistakes:

Firstly, never use hot water or harsh detergents as they can cause the wool fibers to shrink and become damaged.
Instead, opt for a gentle wool wash detergent and use cold water for washing.
Additionally, avoid wringing or twisting the wool blankets as this can misshape the fibers and cause them to lose their softness.
Instead, gently press out the excess water and then lay the blanket flat to dry, ensuring it retains its original shape.
In summary, maintaining the longevity of your wool blankets involves washing them every 3-6 months using gentle detergent and cold water.

4. How To Wash A Wool Blanket In 7 Steps At Home:

4.1. Shake The Blanket

Before washing your wool blanket, shake it vigorously to remove any loose dirt and debris. This will help to prevent the dirt from embedding further into the fibers during the washing process.

4.2. Brush The Blanket

Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any remaining dirt or pet hair from the surface of the blanket. This step will help ensure that the blanket is thoroughly clean before proceeding to the washing process.

4.3. Treat Stains

If there are any stains on the wool blanket, spot treat them with a mild detergent or a specialized wool stain remover. Gently blot the stained area with a clean cloth to lift the stain without spreading it further.

4.4. Pre-soak The Blanket In Cold Water

Fill a bathtub or large basin with cold water and add a small amount of gentle wool detergent. Submerge the wool blanket in the water and allow it to pre-soak for 15-20 minutes to loosen any dirt and residue.

4.5. Wash For A Couple Of Minutes

Gently agitate the wool blanket in the water for a couple of minutes, being careful not to agitate too vigorously. This will help to further loosen dirt and allow the detergent to penetrate the fibers.

4.6. Roll The Blanket In A Towel

After washing, carefully roll the wool blanket in a clean, dry towel to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the blanket, as this can distort the fibers and cause the blanket to lose its shape.

4.7. Air-dry The Blanket

Lay the wool blanket flat on a clean, dry surface to air dry. Avoid hanging the blanket, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape. Ensure the blanket is completely dry before storing it to prevent mildew or musty odors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Do You Wash A Homemade Wool Blanket?

To wash a homemade wool blanket, use cold water and a gentle wool detergent. Hand wash or use a delicate cycle in the washing machine. Avoid wringing or twisting the blanket. Gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat to air dry.

What Detergent To Use For Wool Blanket?

Use a mild detergent specifically made for wool blankets to maintain their softness and quality.

Can I Put A Dry Wool Blanket In The Dryer?

Yes, you can put a dry wool blanket in the dryer on a low heat setting.

How To Wash 100% Wool?

To wash 100% wool, hand wash in cold water with mild detergent. Gently agitate and rinse thoroughly. Avoid wringing or twisting. Lay flat to dry away from direct heat and sunlight. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Can also be dry cleaned.

How Often Should I Wash My Wool Blanket?

To maintain freshness, wash wool blankets every 3-6 months, or as needed.

Conclusion:

So, we believe that people who find it tricky and difficult and don’t know the process of ‘how to wash wool blankets?‘ is no more a bigger problem. And now, this article has cleared all the probable and necessary questions of the DIYers.

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