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Wool blankets are loved for their warmth, durability, and natural beauty - but many people aren’t sure how to properly care for them. Unlike synthetic materials, wool requires a gentler approach to cleaning. Whether you’re freshening up a throw or tackling a serious stain, this guide will show you how to care for your wool blankets step by step.

Key Takeaways:

• Wool blankets require special care to maintain their softness, shape, and durability. Avoid harsh detergents, high temperatures, and aggressive handling during cleaning.

• Frequent full washes aren’t necessary. For light freshening, simply shake the blanket outdoors, brush it gently with a soft garment brush, or air it out in a shaded, ventilated spot.

• Spot cleaning works for small stains. Use a damp cloth with mild soap or wool-friendly detergent, blot gently, and allow the area to air dry completely.

• Hand washing is safest for delicate wool. Use lukewarm water, gentle detergent, and avoid wringing or rubbing the material. Let it soak, rinse carefully, and dry flat or on a line.

• Machine washing is possible for some wool blankets, especially if the label says so. Use the wool or delicate cycle, cold water, and a wool-safe detergent. Never overload the machine or add other items.

• Never tumble dry wool blankets. Instead, roll in a towel to remove excess moisture, then air dry away from direct sunlight. Store blankets in breathable containers with moth repellents for long-term freshness.

How to Care for Wool Blankets

Wool blankets need regular care, even if they’re not being used every day. Natural fibres like wool can absorb moisture and odors over time, even when stored away. To keep your wool blanket looking and smelling fresh, follow these simple maintenance steps:

• Shake it out outdoors: Give your blanket a good shake outside every few weeks to remove dust and light dirt.

• Air it out: Hanging your blanket on a clothesline in a shaded area helps to eliminate musty smells without washing.

• Brush gently: Use a soft-bristle garment brush to smooth fibres and remove surface debris. Always brush in the same direction as the fibres.

These simple habits can reduce how often you need to wash your blanket and help it last longer.

How to Spot Clean Wool Blankets

If your blanket has only a small stain or bit of dirt, you might not need to wash the whole thing. Spot cleaning is fast, effective, and gentle on the wool:

• Use cold water and mild detergent: Dampen a soft cloth with cold water and add a tiny amount of wool-friendly detergent or soap.

• Blot the stain: Gently press and dab the cloth onto the stain — avoid rubbing, which can damage the fibres.

• Air dry: Hang the blanket in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.

For tougher stains, you can use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol and apply the same blotting technique.

How to Hand Wash a Wool Blanket

It's worth noting that both our pure new wool fluffy blankets and our waterproof wool picnic blankets are machine washable, however, you might not need to do that every time you find dirt on them.

Hand washing is the safest and most effective way to deep clean a wool blanket. It helps preserve the softness and structure of the fibres:

• Fill a bathtub or large basin with lukewarm (not hot) water.

• Add wool-safe detergent and mix it gently into the water.

• Submerge the blanket fully and allow it to soak for 20–30 minutes. Do not agitate or scrub.

• Rinse gently with cool water until no soap remains.

Avoid wringing or twisting the blanket, as this can distort the shape and damage the fibres. Instead, press out excess water with your hands.

Can You Machine Wash Wool Blankets?

Yes — but only if your wool blanket’s label says it’s machine washable (like ours). Here’s how to do it safely:

• Use a cold, gentle cycle: Select the wool or delicate setting if available.

• Use a wool-specific detergent: Avoid regular detergent, which can be too harsh.

• Wash one or two blankets at a time: Don’t overload the drum.

Never tumble dry wool in a dryer. The heat and agitation can shrink and damage the fibres.

How to Dry Wool Blankets Safely

Wool should always be air-dried to maintain its shape and texture. Here’s how to dry a wool blanket properly:

• Lay it flat: Place the blanket on a clean towel or drying rack. Avoid hanging it vertically when wet, as it may stretch under its own weight.

• Roll it in a towel: For faster drying, lay the blanket flat on a large towel, roll them up together tightly, and press to squeeze out excess water.

• Avoid direct sunlight and heat: Let it dry in a cool, shaded area to prevent fading or shrinkage.

Wool may take longer to dry than synthetic fibres, but the patience pays off in longevity and softness.

How to Store Wool Blankets Correctly

Storing wool blankets properly keeps them fresh and safe from damage while not in use. Here's how to do it:

• Use a breathable storage bag: Cotton bags are ideal. Avoid plastic, which can trap moisture.

• Keep them cool and dry: Store in a place away from sunlight, heat, and humidity.

• Add moth repellent: Natural options like cedar blocks or lavender sachets help prevent pests.

By following these tips, your wool blankets will remain in top condition for years to come.

FAQ

How do you wash a wool blanket without damaging it?

To wash a wool blanket safely, use a gentle wool-specific detergent and cold or lukewarm water. Either hand wash it in a tub or machine wash on a delicate/wool cycle. Avoid harsh rubbing or wringing, which can distort the fibres. Rinse thoroughly and handle the wet blanket gently.

Can you put a wool blanket in the dryer?

No, wool blankets should never go in the dryer. The high heat and tumbling action can shrink or warp the wool fibres. Instead, roll the blanket in a towel to remove excess water, then lay it flat or hang it on a sturdy clothesline out of direct sunlight to dry.

What’s the best way to dry a wool blanket?

The best way to dry a wool blanket is to lay it flat on a clean surface or hang it on a clothesline in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight and do not tumble dry. You can speed up drying by pressing the blanket between clean towels to absorb moisture.

Can you wash wool blankets in a washing machine?

Yes, but only on a gentle cycle with cold water and a detergent made for wool. Wash no more than one or two blankets at a time to prevent tangling. Avoid mixing with other laundry items that could bleed colour or cause friction damage to the wool.

How do you remove small stains from a wool blanket?

For minor stains, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Gently blot the stain without rubbing, then let the area air dry. For stubborn spots, use a wool-safe stain remover or rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad, then rinse and air dry.

How should you store wool blankets to keep them fresh?

Store wool blankets in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Use breathable containers like cotton storage bags or airtight bins with moisture-absorbing packets. To prevent moth damage, include natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets.