A blanket made of natural wool fibers is the perfect companion during long autumn and winter evenings. Paired with a hot cup of tea and a good book, it creates a magical atmosphere, making everyday challenges quickly fade away. It brings a smile to our faces, evoking a pleasant feeling of warmth. The subsequent chapters of the book vanish in a sense of bliss. This is your moment, but for it to last long and unhindered, proper care for your wool blanket is essential. Here are some practical tips on how to care for your natural fiber covering, answering questions about how to maintain and wash a wool blanket to preserve its properties for as long as possible.
Airing
The first maintenance task to perform is regular airing of the material. The simplest way is to hang the blanket outdoors regularly. Be cautious to avoid prolonged exposure to UV radiation, as it can cause fabric fading. Sunlight can affect the durability and color intensity of wool. We don’t want our wonderful woolen blanket to lose its vibrant colors. This simple outdoor airing procedure helps eliminate unpleasant odors.
Washing
Our favorite woolen blankets excel in maintaining cleanliness due to the presence of lanolin in the fibers, providing natural dirt and dust-repelling properties. Unfortunately, they are not fond of water. It’s advisable to wash a woolen blanket as infrequently as possible, following the manufacturer’s recommendations when necessary. Examine the care label and follow the guidelines to avoid voiding the warranty and ensure the blanket retains its properties. There are several basic ways to wash a blanket:
- Handwashing
- Machine washing
Handwashing
During handwashing, avoid soaking the blanket for too long. The optimal working time is around 10 minutes. Use gentle detergents with lanolin additives. The water temperature should not exceed 30°C unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer. Handle the blanket delicately, kneading the fabric slowly to avoid stretching it. Avoid wringing and friction. Naturally, do not use bleach or strong stain removers. After finishing, rinse the blanket thoroughly, using lukewarm water to ensure detergent residues are removed.
Machine washing
If the manufacturer does not prohibit it, a wool blanket can be washed in an automatic washing machine. In such cases, use gentle programs designed for woolen products. If your washing machine has a handwashing simulation option, it’s the best choice. Before starting, check the instruction manual for temperature, wash duration, and spin speed.
A good practice is to fold the blanket into a square before placing it in the drum to prevent fabric distortion. Like in handwashing, use detergent with lanolin specifically designed for wool products. Avoid low-quality products from unknown sources and do not add fabric softeners. Remember that wool blankets are not washed frequently, so it’s not worth skimping on cleaning products.
After washing, what’s next?
After washing, the wool blanket should be dried. You can spin the blanket after machine washing, but use a speed not exceeding 400 revolutions. If washed by hand, do not wring out excess liquid, as it may damage the fabric structure. Lay the washed blanket flat on a drying rack. Leave it in a well-ventilated place and, if necessary, protect the floor from dripping water. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as wool blankets can shrink under temperature influence, and their fibers may become rough.
Care after washing and drying
Once your wool blanket is dry, it’s worthwhile to subject it to additional care procedures. Remove pilling and unnecessary fibers using a clothes shaver. Be gentle to avoid damaging the material. This process will restore the original softness and appearance of the fabric. Additionally, you can use a special wool brush to remove any dust generated during shaving. Perform this task regularly to eliminate dust and other contaminants. This way, your beloved wool blanket will stay clean for much longer.
Storage
Storage is important if you don’t plan to use your wool blanket for an extended period. It’s best to use a special bag for this purpose. Avoid crumpling or squeezing the blanket into tight spaces, as creases may damage the surface and affect its shape. Remember that wool likes to breathe, so storing a wool blanket in plastic bags is not recommended.
Things to Avoid
- frequent washing instead of airing,
- washing at temperatures higher than 30°C
- using strong detergents of unknown origin,
- friction and wringing during handwashing,
- spinning at speeds exceeding 400 rpm,
- drying in an electric dryer
- drying directly in the sun
- drying on the radiator
- drying in a vertical position
Summary
A wool blanket is a unique item, warm, pleasant, and often accompanying us during relaxing moments. It patiently awaits us at home, serving as a wonderful addition to the interior. Taking care of such a good friend is almost a duty. By following the above tips, your wool blanket will serve you for many years, maintaining its properties, and the material will remain beautiful and comfortable. Proper washing of the wool blanket ensures freshness and elegance. Additional care procedures will refresh the surface, restoring the blanket’s original luster.