Wool is perfect for blankets because it’s durable, hypoallergenic, and temperature-regulating. Wool blankets are also odor and stain-resistant and can last a lifetime when properly cared for. Read our guide to learn more about how to clean woolen blankets and other helpful tips for keeping your blanket looking and feeling fresh.
Why Wool?
Wool is perfect for blankets because it’s durable, hypoallergenic, and temperature-regulating. Wool blankets are also odor and stain-resistant and can last a lifetime when properly cared for. So, how do you care for it? Can you wash a wool blanket?
Read our guide to learn more about how to clean woolen blankets and other helpful tips for keeping your blanket looking and feeling fresh.
How to Wash Wool Blankets
Recommended Detergents to Use for Wool Blankets
Using a wool-specific detergent when washing woolen blankets will protect them from damage caused by harsh detergents. If you don’t have wool detergent, you can use a mild fragrance-free soap to clean your blanket.
How to Clean Woolen Blankets
Some people are intimidated by the thought of cleaning a wool blanket, but it’s much easier than you might think. Here’s how to clean a wool blanket to keep it looking its best.
Check the Label
Before you do anything to clean your wool blanket, be sure to check the care label. Many blanket manufacturers will provide cleaning instructions to ensure your blanket is cared for correctly.
Tools Needed
Before you start cleaning and caring for your wool blanket, you’ll need some supplies. The tools you’ll need include
- Clean cloth
- Soft-bristled brush
- Washing machine
- Wool-specific detergent or gentle soap
- Towels
- Clothesline or drying rack
- Iron (optional)
Shake off the Blanket
The first step in washing a wool blanket is to shake it off and let it air outside or in a well-ventilated area. Doing so can make your blanket feel fresh, and you may not need to wash it.
Brush
Lay your wool blanket on a flat surface and use a soft-bristled brush to brush it out. Make sure each brush stroke goes in the same direction to remove any stubborn dirt.
Remove Stains
If you spill something on your blanket, try wiping it off immediately to avoid stains. For stains that have set in, you can use seltzer water or a vinegar solution (⅓ vinegar with ⅔ water) to remove them. Gently blot the stain with either the seltzer water or vinegar solution until the stain is removed.
Pre-soak in Cold Water
Fill your washing machine with cold water and gentle detergent, put your blanket in, and soak it for 15 minutes. Make sure to avoid using hot water because it can cause wool blankets to shrink.
Wash
After soaking, set your washing machine to the delicate cycle with cold water. Most delicate settings won’t use a spin cycle but make sure it’s disabled to avoid harming your blanket.
Roll the Blanket in a Towel
Take your blanket out of the washing machine and lay it flat on some towels. Roll the wool blanket with the towels to squeeze out excess water. While doing this, make sure not to twist or wring the blanket.
Air-Dry Your Wool Blanket
Once you’ve removed the excess water, it's time to dry your blanket. Avoid tumble-drying wool, as this can cause significant damage. Instead, hang your blanket outside on a clothesline and let it completely air-dry. Keep your blanket out of direct sunlight to avoid sun damage.
Spot Cleaning for Wool Blankets
Due to its natural waxy coating, wool is resistant to soiling and most liquids. However, if a spill sits too long, staining can set in. Immediately blot a fresh stain or spill with a clean rag, cold water, and mild soap. By blotting quickly, you can prevent liquids from soaking into the blanket and turning into stains. You can also use club soda to remove spills.
How Often Can You Wash a Wool Blanket?
Wool blankets are stain and odor-resistant, so they don’t need to be washed very often. Many linens require weekly or monthly washing, but experts recommend washing wool blankets only once every three months. Washing wool blankets too much can damage the fibers and shorten their lifespan.
Wool Blanket Care and Repairs
Wool blankets are known for being durable, but some additional care is still needed to keep your blanket looking its best. Here are some care and repair tips to try to ensure your blanket lasts.
How to Wash a Wool Blanket
Most of the time, you’ll only need to spot-clean your blanket. However, if you use your blanket daily, wash it once every three months with a gentle, wool-specific detergent. Don’t use hot or warm water when washing because this can cause wool to shrink or warp — instead, hand-wash or machine-wash with a gentle, short, cold-water cycle.
If your blanket’s care label states “dry-clean only,” make sure only to have it cleaned by a professional dry-cleaning service.
Drying a Wool Blanket
If you don’t have anywhere to hang it outside, you can hang your blanket on a drying rack, over a door, or on a clean, rust-free shower bar. When hanging a wool blanket inside your home, keep it away from heat sources and ensure it's in a well-ventilated area to get good airflow.
Ironing Wool Blankets
Although wool blankets typically don't need ironing, some wrinkles need help to remove. Most of the time, an iron’s steam is enough to eliminate wrinkles without ever needing to touch the iron to the fabric.
If you need to remove wrinkles, use your iron on the wool setting and a pressing cloth underneath the iron to avoid damaging the wool.
Wool Pilling
Another option for removing pills is to buy a de-pilling comb or a sharp razor. Lay your blanket flat and spread the sides until it’s taut. Gently rub the comb or razor across the pills. Make sure not to pull too hard if the pills get stuck in your comb. If they get stuck, remove them from the comb and run over the pills from a different angle.
Tears
If you find a small tear in your blanket, you can fix it with a needle and thread. Use a thread color that matches your blanket and repair the small hole using a single or double stitch.
Shrunken Wool Blanket
Wool blankets can shrink if not washed and dried correctly. Fortunately, you may be able to shape it back to its original size. Here’s how.
- Fill a tub with lukewarm water and add a wool conditioner.
- Let your wool blanket soak for 10-30 minutes.
- Remove your blanket and gently squeeze out any water. Be careful not to wring or twist your blanket.
- Roll the blanket in a towel, sheet, or non-wool blanket to absorb excess water.
- Lay the blanket flat and gently stretch it in small sections to shape it to its original size.
- Let your blanket dry completely on a towel, sheet, or non-wool blanket.
How to Soften a Wool Blanket
Improper washing, high heat, or harsh chemicals on your wool blanket can cause it to lose some of its softness. Thankfully, you don't have to toss the blanket and buy a new one! You can soften a wool blanket with this simple trick.
- Fill a container with lukewarm water.
- Add a no-rinse wool detergent with lanolin.
- Add a drop of leave-in hair conditioner.
- Let your blanket soak for 20 minutes.
- Remove the blanket and roll it in towels to soak up excess water.
- Hang your blanket outside or in a well-ventilated area to air-dry.
Find the Perfect Wool Blanket
Knowing how to wash wool blankets isn’t helpful if you don’t own one. It’s time to add a cozy new wool blanket to your collection!
At Woolroom, we have a blanket for everyone. We use only the finest wool to keep you warm and comfortable through cold winter nights. Grab one of our wide throws to add warmth at night, or choose one of our patterned blankets to snuggle up with on the couch. Browse our selection of wool blankets to find the perfect one for every room of your home!
