Although it may seem difficult, washing a sheepswool blanket in a washing machine can be done safely and effectively if the proper technique is followed. Sheep wool is a common material for blankets because it is a naturally occurring substance that is soft and warm. But wool can be delicate, and washing your blanket incorrectly can cause damage.
It’s crucial to adhere to a few essential procedures to guarantee your wool blanket remains in excellent shape. You’ll need to use caution when selecting the detergent, the washing settings, and the water temperature. You can preserve the new-like appearance and feel of your blanket for many years to come by following these precautions.
This tutorial will show you how to wash your sheepswool blanket in a washing machine and offer you easy pointers and advice on how to do the task correctly. These steps will help you preserve the quality of your blanket, regardless of whether you’re washing it for the first time or just want to brush up on your skills.
If you take the proper precautions to keep the blanket clean and retain its quality, washing a sheepswool blanket in a washing machine can be an easy task. To start preventing damage, use your machine’s delicate or wool cycle and choose a mild, wool-friendly detergent. As hot water can shrink or felt the wool, make sure the water is cold or just barely warm. To enable the blanket to move freely, avoid overloading the machine. Rinse well to get rid of all of the detergent. Your wool blanket will stay cozy and plush for many years if you wash it with care.
To wash or not to wash?
Dust collects and perspiration seeps into the blanket as it works on this bedding, meaning that a woolen item will eventually need to be washed. These blankets vary in appearance due to the various technologies used in their production. Furthermore, the processing and sewing techniques employed will determine how long the blanket can resist washing.
Sheep wool is used to make the following kinds of blankets:
- quilted – in such blankets, the wool is placed in a fabric cover, and then stitched with a special stitch over the entire surface of the blanket. This sewing method prevents the wool from clumping. Therefore, manufacturers allow washing not only by hand, but also in the machine;
- solid-woven – these are blankets that are a single piece of fabric, strong enough, but not thick. Solid-woven blankets are recommended to be cleaned, in extreme cases, washed by hand;
- fur – these are blankets in which sheep wool fibers are fixed on one or both sides of the fabric, which makes it voluminous and attractively fluffy. It is forbidden to wash such blankets, but you can subject dry cleaning.
Crucial! Check the label with the symbols to make sure you can wash a sheepskin blanket. You will learn how to wash the blanket as well as whether it can be dried, bleached, and wrung out.
Washing rules
Wool blankets can be washed by hand or automatically in a washing machine. Verify that the blanket fits easily in the washing machine’s drum if automatic washing is acceptable. It is best to decline such washing if the item only just barely fits into the machine in order to avoid overloading it. A load of at least 6 kg should be in the machine for optimal washing results. It’s still a good idea to make sure a double blanket will fit in it even in this situation.
Therefore, in order to wash this bedding in an automatic washer, you need to:
- load the blanket;
- pour a gel in a ditch, designed specifically in order to wash woolen things;
- select the washing program called "Wool", checking that the machine does not heat the water more than 30 degrees;
- turn off the spin;
- start the wash.
Kindly take note! A large blanket will require you to stop the spin because a wet blanket is too heavy and could cause an overload or imbalance, which will prevent the machine from spinning it.
You can allow the blanket to remain in the drum for a few minutes after turning off the washing machine to allow some of the water to drain into the tank. After that, remove it, arrange it properly, and hang it to dry, turning it over as it dries. To prevent the product from being exposed to direct sunlight, it is recommended to dry it outside in a shaded area.
Should washing the blanket in a machine be forbidden, hand washing is required. Because wool absorbs more water than polyester does, carry out this process in the bathroom and fill it to the brim with cool water. To wash your hands, do the following:
- A special tool or ordinary shampoo is dissolved in water, whipping the product well in foam;
- immerse the product in water and leave it for a few minutes;
- then turn it over, carefully lift it and lower it so that dirt and dust come out of the product into the water, but you should not rub the blanket, otherwise it will lose its shape;
- then rinse the product, changing the water several times;
- drain the water from the bathtub and let the water flow out of the woolen product. In this case, do not wring out the item, crumple it strongly or twist it;
- then lay it out to dry in a horizontal position and let it dry, when the blanket stops dripping, you can hang it on a rope.
Keep in mind that this process calls for physical exertion; lifting a damp blanket is challenging, and hanging it is even more so. If you take it to a dry cleaner, you can save yourself this labor. They won’t ruin the look by washing and drying it there.
Cleaning
Sometimes cleaning at home can take the place of professional dry cleaning. It is simpler to do than a full wash. To accomplish this, you must purchase a lanolin-containing gel. This is how we clean the blanket:
- in a small amount of water, foam the detergent into a thick foam;
- apply the foam to the dirty areas;
- after a couple of minutes, remove the foam clouds with a clean cloth or sponge;
- dry the blanket in the fresh air.
Both the dirt and the smell will be eliminated by this process. Naturally, you won’t be able to get rid of a coffee stain if you unintentionally spilled a mug, but you can still revive the blanket in this way.
Products
Such blankets can only be washed with specific products. The material known as lanolin, which keeps the structure of wool fibers intact, is typically found in them. These are a few well-liked items:
- Laska for wool from Henkel – a liquid for washing wool, allowing you to maintain softness and airiness, easily rinsed out.
- Wool Care by Miele is a conditioner for washing woolen items from a well-known manufacturer of washing machines. It prevents wool fibers from rolling, is effective for washing in cold water.
- Vorsinka is an inexpensive liquid detergent of Russian manufacture, suitable for hand washing, as well as washing in an automatic machine.
- AlmaWin is a concentrated product, plant-based. It is suitable not only for washing a wool blanket, but also delicate clothes.
- Domal is a balm for washing with lanolin.
| Step | Instructions |
| 1 | Check the care label on your blanket for specific washing instructions. |
| 2 | Place the blanket in the washing machine. Ensure it"s not too bulky for your machine. |
| 3 | Use a gentle or wool-specific detergent to avoid damaging the fibers. |
| 4 | Select a cold water setting. Hot water can shrink or damage wool. |
| 5 | Use the delicate or wool cycle if available. Avoid the spin cycle if it"s too harsh. |
| 6 | After washing, lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry. Avoid hanging it up to prevent stretching. |
| 7 | Ensure the blanket is completely dry before using or storing it. |
If you follow a few important steps, washing a sheepswool blanket in your washing machine can be a simple process. First, for detailed instructions, always refer to the care label on your blanket. To avoid damage, many wool blankets should be washed by hand or on a gentle cycle.
Make use of a gentle detergent meant for wool. Wool that has been exposed to harsh chemicals may lose its natural oils and shrink. Additionally, it is advisable to use cold or lukewarm water to prevent the wool from becoming overheated.
Don’t twist or wring the blanket after washing. Instead, let it air dry after gently squeezing out any extra water. This will assist in preserving the softness and shape of the blanket.
You can prolong the appearance and comfort of your wool blanket for many years by adhering to these easy guidelines. Just keep in mind to proceed with kindness and patience.
