People have been using wool for warmth and comfort for thousands of years. According to Lands’ End, the fibrous structure has many tiny air pockets that retain and circulate heat. This breathable insulation makes it the perfect material for a comforter.
When it comes to wool blankets, it’s not just the temperature and breathability that deserve praise. Since the material is made from natural fibers, it is hypoallergenic and odor resistant, according to Woolmark. In addition to being lightweight, wrinkle resistant and soft, wool blankets have many uses.
However, when it comes time to wash your wool blanket, there comes a stressful moment – most likely, you or your family have already begun to experience strong positive emotions about this! If you wash it incorrectly, it will shrink a lot and lose its texture. As explained in Harvard’s Journal of Science, the fibers that create tiny air pockets in wool are a bit like a spring, and if they get too wet, too hot and aroused, they fill with water and tangle with each other. This compresses the wool into felt and shrinks the garment or blanket associated with it.
First, check the label to make sure your duvet is dry clean only. There have been huge advances in fiber processing technology and it is possible to wash a large number of wool blankets at home, but if the label says “no” then trying to wash it yourself can suck, so take it to the dry cleaners.
Now prepare a cool blanket bath. If you have a top-loading washing machine, use it and set it to the coldest setting possible. If you don’t have a top load, a tub or sink will work better than a front load. The bath should be below 85°F and mixed with the right amount of wool-safe detergent, according to The Wool Company. Soak the blanket in the bath and move it around to make sure all air bubbles have escaped so the material stays submerged during the soak. Leave for at least 30 minutes.
Rinse the duvet with minimal rotation or clean cold water. It is important to start drying your duvet as soon as the wash phase is over. The British Blanket Company recommends placing the damp material between two clean towels and rolling it out to gently comb out any excess moisture. Then spread it out of direct sunlight and dry completely before use.
With all the extra stress and practical steps involved, the good news is that having to wash wool blankets should be rare! Accidents are inevitable, but unless something bad happens, you can avoid having to wash your wool blanket as often as possible by taking care of it as carefully as possible.
Foxford Woolen Mills recommends the traditional Irish “good day dryer”, also known as wool drying. It depends on the breathability of the wool fibers and the airflow that shakes off dirt and odors. Luvian Woollens agrees that ventilation is the best way to keep wool blankets fresh. They also recommend using a soft-bristled brush to enhance the look and remove dirt or lint that may have accumulated on the surface.
For more stubborn stains that are still small enough to avoid scrubbing the entire pig and soaking the blanket, Atlantic Blanket recommends a sponge dipped in cold water and a mild detergent. Keep in mind that cleaning in place still requires care in all cleaning, rinsing and drying steps to avoid shrinkage or stretching of the material.
It is best to wash a wool blanket before storing it, let it dry completely before folding it, and then put it in a cotton bag in a cool, dark place (moth proof recommended). That way, the remaining organic matter won’t attract moths, and sunlight won’t bleach the color.