How to Wash a Wool Blanket?
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In this article, we'll tell you how to wash a wool blanket without damaging or shrinking it. Wool generally keeps itself clean. That’s probably because it does not like to be cleaned too often! Wool shrinks when it’s washed.
If the fibers are rubbed together too much, they start to slide underneath one another and make tight links of fiber that result in the shortening of the overall length of the woven yarn.
Of course, these are things someone only discovered with the help of a microscope thanks to the tiny size of the fibers. Ironically, this shortening goes hand in hand with the visible felting that can happen. This felting appearance is unfortunately permanent and irreversible.
So, to prevent any of this from happening, you need to not only be aware of the proper methods to clean your wool blanket, but follow them step by step. There are two ways to wash your wool blankets.
You can go the route of washing it mechanically in your washer, or you can rather wash it manually with your own hands. Let’s talk about the methods involved in both so you can choose whichever way you want:
Washing Wool Blankets in a Washing Machine
If you don’t have time to manually wash or your wool blanket is heavily soiled, you can wash it in a washing machine in cold water. Because of the delicate fibers, you must always use a wool-safe, mild detergent.
Washing Wool Blankets Manually
To wash your wool blankets by hand, you need to:
What's the best detergent for wool blankets?
The best detergent for a wool blanket is any detergent that does not contain bleach or bleach activators. These are strong alkalies that damage the structure of wool fibres. Some wool-safe detergents contain silicone to coat the fibers during washing and aid in preventing the rubbing and shrinking of the fibers.
However, if you’re unsure of the safety standard of the silicone in the product, rather be safe than sorry and go with a non-toxic option instead. We recommend this natural, non-toxic detergent because of its plant-based delicate ingredients:
A delicate and hypoallergenic laundry detergent free from toxic chemicals: no phosphates, sulfates, petrochemicals, animal by-products, chlorine, perfumes, gluten, tree nut-based ingredients, dyes, allergens.
The Puracy Liquid Laundry Detergent is hypoallergenic, enzyme-based, and safe for septic and greywater systems. It’s designed to be gentle on sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
There are absolutely no phosphates, sulfates, perfumes, dyes, petrochemicals or bleaches in this mild detergent. There is no added scent, only nature’s goodness.
Read More: Wool or Fleece Blanket, Which One Should You Choose?
Conclusion
Washing your wool blankets requires extra care due to the natural properties of wool. It also takes some effort to maintain your wool blanket in a tip-top shape for years to come.
But it's so worth it. A wool blanket will keep you warm, it feels soft on your skin and it looks beautiful.
Apart from getting a natural wool blanket, consider investing in natural, organic sheets, pillows, and wool comforters to keep your house free from unnecessary toxic chemicals released by conventional, synthetic fabrics.
Read More: Best Tips for Washing Wool Duvets
