Care for Wool Blankets

"How to Clean Wool Blankets..."

Woolen bed blankets need extra attention as they can become stiff and harsh if you don't clean them in a correct way.

Pay attention to this how to care for wool blankets guide and they will last longer and remain soft and comfortable.

I will explain how to clean wool and Orlon blankets as well as how to clean electric blankets? 

But please, only follow these directions if they agree with the cleaning directions that came with your blankets. 

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Wool Blankets 

Wool requires special care. It is important to read the care label of your wool blankets. Some wool blankets are washable.

Others will need to be dry cleaned. Once wool has been shrunk, there is no way to retrieve the original size - so be careful! If your wool blanket's care label says that it is machine washable, wash in cold water and lay flat to dry, unless otherwise stated.

Yes, they can be dry cleaned if you prefer. All of them can be washed, but the technique for washing has changed in the last few year. 

Easy Soak

If your wool blanket is washable you may wish to try the easy soak method.  It that saves energy and prevents shrinkage. Use lukewarm water and an unbuilt synthetic detergent. Unbuilt detergents are those are those containing no soap and no builders such as washing soda, borax, and other chemical compounds that are alkaline.  All soaps and all water softeners contain alkalis, which are damaging to wool.

First pretreat any spots or especially soiled areas with detergent. Dampen the area and apply the detergent with a soft brush or sponge. You can use the easy soak method in either tub or washing machine.

1. Fill the washer with lukewarm water, add the detergent, then put your blanket in.

2. Without operating the washer, let the blanket soak for 15-20 minutes.

3. Then turn it over once or twice by hand and spin off the water.

4. Refill the machine with lukewarm water and with washer off  let the blanket soak-rinse for 5 minutes.

5. Spin out the water.  Dry by hanging the wool blanket on a taught line with a fold in the middle.   Or hang the blanket over parallel lines placed about a foot apart for quicker drying.  The blanket should be in the shade.

Do not use clothes-pins; they will leave a mark. When the blanket is thoroughly dry, fluff the nap up with a stiff brush and press the bindings, but not the blanket.

A moth-proofing mixture (EQ-53) can be added to the second rinse if desired. The blanket can then be stored safely in the linen closet without wrapping. This method of washing blankets gives fine results. The detergents rinse out easily, leaving the blankets soft and fluffy.  There is less shrinking, matting, or stretching than if the blanket was agitated in a washer or squeezed and rubbed by hand.

To store your clean wool blankets, fold neatly and place in a dry linen closet or inside airtight plastic bags. You can place cedar blocks inside the closet or bag to help prevent moths.

ELECTRIC BLANKETS

Electric blankets can be washed the same way. They should not be dried in mechanical driers and they should not be dry cleaned unless the manufacturer's instructions stipulate that this is safe.

Agents used in dry cleaning may damage the insulation of the wires inside the blanket. Moth proofing substances are generally ruled out for the same reason.

Store the clean blanket in a suitable box, preferably the one it came in, and arrange the electrical parts as they were when the blanket was originally packed to prevent damage to the wiring. You can then wrap the box securely with paper and seal all the openings and folds with gummed tape to frustrate moths.

When in doubt, dry cleaning is always the safest route to take.

Orlon Blankets 

Blankets made of 100 per cent Orion fiber, can be either dry cleaned or washed. If they are to be washed, pretreat spots or very soiled bindings by brushing them with a detergent or soap solution. Wash one blanket at a time in warm suds (100° F.) either by hand or in a washing machine.

For machine washing use a synthetic detergent, or soap and a water softener. Wash the blanket for five minutes and stop the machine after two or three minutes of the final spin dry cycle, or use the complete special fabric cycle if it is available.

Dry the blanket in the air, hung evenly over a clothesline; smooth the bindings. Or use a tumble dryer at low heat (120-140° F.) for about twenty minutes. Don't get it too dry. If desired the bindings can be pressed with a steam iron, or with a dry iron set for rayon. Brush up the nap.

You can have Orlon blankets dry cleaned if you prefer.

Cotton and Synthetic Blankets

The majority of cotton and synthetic fiber blankets can be washed on a normal cycle in the washing machine. Be sure to not over crowd the washer to allow full movement of the water. Place clean blankets in the dryer, using the Permanent Press cycle, or the highest setting available. Use dryer sheets to prevent static cling and make your blankets softer.

To store your cotton blankets, fold neatly and place in a dry linen closet or blanket chest. Prevent moths by placing blocks of cedar wood inside the closet or chest. Always wash before storing.

Always follow the cleaning directions that came with any bed blanket if you have them.  With careful cleaning your blankets should last for decades. 

About the Author: Mitch Johnson is a regular writer for Curtain and Drapes.

 Our thanks to Mitch for tips on cleaning our favorite blankets.  Don't take your blankets for granted!  If you've had them for years perhaps it's time for something new and
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  Patricia Taylor
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   Care for Wool Blankets