Helpful tips on how to properly wash a wool blanket

A wool blanket is very warm, breathable, absorbs moisture, and has healing properties.

Before you begin removing stains or washing blankets, you should understand exactly what wool is included in its composition, check the washing instructions on the label.

In the sections of the article you can learn how to wash a wool blanket by hand and in an automatic washing machine, how to properly clean the product and keep the item in its original form.

Can it be washed?

Washing a wool blanket should be carried out in compliance with temperature conditions, selecting delicate programs in the washing machine, using special detergents.

Wool blankets differ in their type, composition, and raw materials used. They are divided into three types:

• quilted with wool filling;
• entirely woven from wool;
• double-sided - one side is wool (fur), the second is made using other materials (satin, cotton, knitwear).

Wool or undercoat is used as raw material:

• sheep,
• camels,
• mountain goats,
• lam.

Fillings are made from 100% wool and wool mixture. The choice of processing method for a wool blanket depends on its type.

Choice of product

First of all, your wool blanket detergent must be designed for wool. Its choice depends on how the washing will be done.

For an automatic machine it is better to use gels, since they dissolve well at low temperatures, do not damage the fiber structure, and are easier to wash out of the fabric. For manual cleaning methods, both gels and washing powders are used.

The solution with the powder can be prepared in advance so that all the grains are well dissolved. It is necessary to change the water several times to rinse thoroughly.

The most famous liquid detergents for washing woolen items include:

The use of special detergents for washing woolen products requires strict adherence to the instructions for use.

Laundry soap will be an alternative to expensive powders and gels. The positive aspects of the product include:

• low cost,
• composition made from natural ingredients,
• hypoallergenic,
• removes dirt well
• fights infection
• adds fluffiness to the coat
• original appearance.

Processing in a washing machine

When wet, a wool blanket becomes very heavy. The washing machine must be designed for a maximum load of laundry of more than 6 kg.

Before loading, shake out any dust and debris from the cover, check its integrity, set the following parameters:

1. Depending on the model of the washing machine, select the “wool”, “delicate” or “hand wash” mode. It is also possible to independently adjust the washing parameters according to the following points.
2. The water heating temperature should not be more than 30°C.
3. Fill the powder compartment with the required amount of detergent. On the back of the packaging unit, the manufacturer indicates how much powder or gel should be used.
4. It is advisable to include an “extra rinse” in the selected program or run a repeat rinse cycle.
5. Do not use the “spin” or “dry” modes. If it is impossible to completely turn off the push-up, set the speed to minimum.

After completing the washing cycle, remove the product from the machine, using gentle pressure with your hands, to remove excess moisture. Strongly twisting a wool blanket will change its original appearance and shape.

How to wash a product by hand?

It should be borne in mind that hand washing will require more time and effort. However using this method leaves a better chance of keeping the bedspread in its original form:

1. Select a container for manual removal of contamination; it is more convenient to use a bath.
2. Take water with a temperature of up to 25-30°C; it should feel like room temperature.
3. Add washing powder or gel to the water and leave for a few minutes to completely dissolve. If there is no special product, you can use shampoo.
4. Soak the blanket so that the water covers it as much as possible. Leave for up to half an hour.
5. Carry out the wash by gently pressing and turning the blanket in different places. Do not lift it high so that it does not stretch under its own weight. Do not scrub or use hard brushes. Contamination in the form of stains must be cleaned dry or gently rubbed with a soft brush or sponge.
6. It is advisable to carry out the rinsing stage 3-4 times. To do this, the blanket is slightly wrung out and moved to the edge. Dirty water is drained and clean water is collected, observing temperature parameters.

Dry cleaning method

Under dry cleaning understand cleaning the product using a soft bristle brush or cleaning with foam. Light stains can be cleaned by lightly rubbing them with a brush.

If this method does not help, You need to dilute a small amount of wool product in water and foam it. Then apply to the stain and scrub using a brush.

Wipe with a clean damp cloth. After drying, the pile can be combed to restore its lush volume.

When you cannot get rid of the dirt, you need to wash the bedspread or turn to dry cleaning services.

Removing stains

Dry dirt stains can be removed by dry cleaning. To do this, the area with the stain must be thoroughly dried, then cleaned with a soft bristle brush.

Grease stains are the most common. Substances from fatty foods or sauces penetrate deeply into the material; they must be removed using hand or machine washing methods.

Paint or varnish is removed using a solvent. However, this method can lead to discoloration of dyed wool.

The longer a stain goes on, the more difficult it is to remove it in the future.

In order to get rid of stains, you need to:

• foam the soap solution well;
• apply foam to the contaminated area;
• rub with a soft brush or sponge;
• remove remaining foam in the cleaned area using a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth;
• After drying, you can restore the fluffiness of the villi using a comb (for fur fabrics).

Drying process

The process of drying a wool blanket also needs to be approached very carefully. After the water has completely drained from washing, the item is still wet and heavy.

For that, to absorb residual moisture, the product is wrapped in terry towels or duvet covers. Then they hang it outside in a horizontal position, or leave it to dry on the dryer at home.

When drying at home, it is necessary to provide a well-ventilated area. This will speed up the drying process and prevent the item from acquiring a musty smell.

Avoid contact with batteries and direct sunlight.

Dry cleaning – price issue

In cases where it is impossible to remove dirt on your own, there is a fear of ruining an expensive item, a blanket of such a size that it is impossible to wash and dry it yourself - dry cleaning services will provide help.

The positive aspects will be:

• consultation of specialists;
• professional cleaning;
• mobile service - the blanket will be taken to the dry cleaner directly from your home.

Useful tips

In order for the product to retain its original appearance and properties for a long time, it is necessary:

1. Try to wash the bedspread as little as possible.
2. Ventilate and drain it during warm periods.
3. Store without plastic bags to avoid a musty smell.
4. You can restore the color of yellowed wool by leaving it in water with lemon for several hours.

With proper care and respect, the blanket will provide warmth for a long time on cold winter evenings.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that products made from natural wool are very warm, have healing properties and practically do not get dirty, they require special care. They often become a source of dust mites and cause allergies.

Be sure to regularly drain and ventilate the bedspread. Compliance with all the above recommendations will help keep your item healthy and in good condition.