cleaning

As more households opt for eco-friendly fabrics, such as wool. It’s essential to know how to appropriately care for this soft and cozy material to keep it in great condition. So, what is the best way to wash and care for wool to ensure it lasts a lifetime? While wool is naturally long-lasting, durable, and difficult to stain, the correct care is more demanding than it is for other fabrics. When properly taken care of, wool blankets can be enjoyed for a long time and even passed down to future generations. The good news is that wool blankets do not need to be washed very often. Actually, according to some manufacturers, it’s best to wash them once every three months. 

Woolen blankets and throws used to be common items in homes back in the day. Although manmade fibers replaced wool in many cases as they are machine washable, wool throws and blankets serve as an element of design in households today. 

Ready to wash your favorite wool blanket for the first time but not sure where to start? Learn how to properly wash and clean your woolen possessions with these simple steps.

Wool Washing Tips

So, where do do you start? Before you take your favorite wool blanket and chuck it in the washer, it’s important to note that there are other cleaning and refreshing steps you can (and should) take into consideration. Remember that washing wool frequently can often damage and shorten its lifespan, so it’s best to wash them once every three months. 

Freshen Up Your Wool Throw Without Washing

What if your blanket doesn’t need a wash yet? No problem! Refresh your woolen throw outside by hanging them in a place with great air circulation. This will ensure your blanket is free of any lingering dust or dirt and is the easiest way to freshen up your wool. 

When Shaking It Out Isn’t Enough

In the perfect world, shaking it out and letting it get some airflow would be enough. But we know better than anyone that some things (including washing wool) are simply inevitable. 

You will need the following items:
1. De-pilling wool comb
2. Wool brush
3. Gentle wool-safe soap
4. Distilled white vinegar

Step 1 – Brush Wool Blankets

After letting your blanket air out, lay it out on a flat surface and brush along the grain of the blanket’s surface. This step will remove surface stains and smooth the blanket, ensuring that the wool fibers are lying in the same direction.

Step 2 – Remove Stains

Although wool is typically repellent to liquids, if not cleaned right away, these liquids can seep deep into the fibers of your wool blanket. If you have any stains you want to get rid of, now is the time! You’ll need vinegar and water solution for this. One part vinegar and two parts water will do the trick. Simply soak the stains with this solution and watch them disappear by blot drying with a clean cloth or rag.

Step 3 – Wool Blanket Still Needs A Wash? Read This

If the above steps did not do the trick, it’s critical to follow the washing instructions for your specific blanket. Carefully read the tag or research the manufacturer’s care instructions to achieve the optimal result. Remember only to use wool-safe soap with cold water, and wash using the gentle wool cycle on your washing machine.

Step 4 – Time To Dry Your Wool Blanket

Don’t put it in the dryer! This can destroy your wool blankets completely. The best way to dry your clean wool blanket is to hang it outside or in a place with good airflow. It’s essential to hang wool away from direct sunlight to avoid the coarseness and fading of the fabric. Once the blanket is dry, put it back in its original spot or store it in an airtight container inside your closet to prevent moths from infesting.

Wool Washing 101

As you can see, washing wool blankets and throws are not necessarily a walk in the park. The longer you can keep your wool clean and fresh, the better off you’ll be. 

Are you in need of more washing? We’ve got you covered! Anthony’s Laundry is a safe, clean, and friendly laundromat that cares for its community and provides the supplies and tools needed to get your laundry done! Take a look at our website or stop by our laundromat to see exactly what we’re about!