A wool blanket is a timeless addition to any home. Naturally warm, comfortable and beautifully versatile, it can be draped over a sofa, layered across a bed or kept close by on chilly evenings. With the right care, you can keep your wool blanket looking its best season after season.
If you’re wondering how to wash a wool blanket, whether it can go in the washing machine or how best to store it between seasons, this guide covers the essentials. The most important rule is to check the care label first, as washing instructions vary depending on the type of wool and how the blanket has been made.
Can You Wash a Wool Blanket?
Whether you can wash a wool blanket depends on its material, construction and care instructions. Some wool blankets can be carefully hand-washed or machine-washed on a suitable wool cycle, while others require specialist cleaning.
Always read the manufacturer’s care label before cleaning your blanket. Using the wrong temperature, washing cycle or detergent can cause wool fibres to shrink, felt or lose their original texture.
For blankets containing delicate fibres, such as cashmere, take particular care and follow the specific cleaning instructions supplied with the product.
How to Wash a Wool Blanket
If your blanket’s care label confirms that washing is suitable, follow the recommended method carefully. These general tips can help you avoid unnecessary wear.
1. Check the care label
Before washing, check whether your blanket is suitable for hand-washing, machine-washing or specialist cleaning. If the label recommends dry cleaning, don’t attempt to wash it at home.
2. Use a suitable wool detergent
Choose a detergent specifically designed for wool and delicate natural fibres, following the product’s instructions. Avoid harsh cleaning products that could damage the fibres. Our Wool & Sheepskin Wash is appropriate for wool blankets.
3. Use the recommended water temperature
Wool can be sensitive to changes in temperature. Follow the care label and avoid exposing the blanket to sudden temperature changes, which may contribute to shrinkage or felting.
4. Handle the blanket gently
Avoid vigorous rubbing, twisting or wringing. Excessive agitation can affect the texture and shape of wool fibres. If hand-washing is permitted, handle the blanket carefully and support its weight when moving it.
5. Avoid unnecessary washing
Wool blankets don’t always need frequent washing. Regular airing and promptly dealing with small marks, where the care instructions allow, can help keep your blanket fresh between washes.
How to Dry a Wool Blanket
Drying is just as important as washing when it comes to caring for wool. The wrong method can cause a blanket to lose its shape or damage its fibres.
- Avoid wringing: Gently remove excess water only as recommended for your blanket.
- Support its weight: Wet wool can become heavy, so handle your blanket carefully to avoid stretching.
- Keep away from direct heat: Avoid radiators, tumble dryers and intense direct sunlight unless the care label specifically permits the method.
- Dry according to the care label: Some blankets need to dry flat, while others may have different instructions.
Don’t tumble dry a wool blanket unless its care label specifically permits it. Heat and agitation can cause shrinkage or felting, so follow the manufacturer’s drying instructions.
Allowing a blanket to dry correctly helps preserve its shape and feel, ready for the next time you want to curl up beneath it.
How to Keep a Wool Blanket Fresh Between Washes
Looking after your wool blanket doesn’t have to involve frequent washing. A few simple habits can help keep it fresh and comfortable throughout the year.
Air it out regularly
Give your blanket an occasional airing in a well-ventilated space, following its care instructions. This can help freshen it without putting the fibres through a full wash.
Deal with spills promptly
If you spill something on your blanket, check the care instructions before treating the mark. Where suitable, gently blot the affected area with a clean cloth rather than rubbing, which can push the spill further into the fibres.
For stubborn stains or delicate wool and cashmere blends, professional cleaning may be the safest option.
Store it carefully
When your blanket isn’t in use, make sure it’s clean and completely dry before storing it. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from damp, and avoid storing it in a way that could crush or distort its natural texture.
How to Store Wool Blankets Over Summer
When warmer weather arrives, you might want to put your winter blankets away until the temperature drops again. Proper storage helps protect them while they’re not in use.
- Make sure the blanket is clean and completely dry before putting it away.
- Choose a cool, dry storage space away from direct sunlight.
- Use a breathable storage bag or clean cotton covering where appropriate.
- Avoid damp cupboards, plastic storage that traps moisture and areas prone to temperature fluctuations.
- Check stored blankets occasionally to make sure they remain dry and in good condition.
With a little preparation, your favourite blanket will be ready to bring back out when autumn arrives.
Does Wool Need Special Care?
Wool is a natural fibre with properties that make it particularly well suited to blankets and other home textiles. However, different types of wool and different blanket constructions can have different care requirements.
Merino wool is valued for its fine fibres and soft feel, while cashmere is known for its luxurious softness. Wool blends may also contain other fibres that influence how a blanket should be cleaned and stored.
Rather than assuming all wool blankets can be treated in the same way, always follow the care instructions for your particular product.
If you’re choosing a new blanket, explore our wool blanket collection to discover styles for your home, from versatile everyday designs to luxurious options for colder evenings.
Find Your Perfect Wool Blanket
A little care goes a long way towards helping you enjoy your wool blanket for longer. By following the correct washing instructions, drying it carefully and storing it properly between seasons, you can help preserve its appearance and feel.
Whether you’re looking for a lightweight layer or something to make winter evenings feel more comfortable, discover the Simply Sheepskin blanket collection and find a style to suit your home.
For other ways to make your home cosier, read this blog.
