How to Care for Your Wool Blankets

How to Care for Your Wool Blankets

At Traceable Textiles, our wool blankets are crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring they are both luxurious and durable. To keep your blanket looking beautiful and feeling soft for years to come, follow these simple care instructions.

1. Regular Airing and Spot Cleaning

Wool is a natural fibre that benefits from regular airing. Every few weeks, take your blanket outside and let it breathe in fresh air. This helps to refresh the fibres and maintain the blanket's natural loft.

For small spills or stains, gently blot the area with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause the wool fibres to felt. For best results, use cold water and a mild wool-safe detergent.

2. Hand Washing

If your blanket needs a more thorough cleaning, we recommend hand washing it with care:

  1. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of wool-safe detergent.
  2. Submerge the blanket and gently agitate the water to allow the detergent to penetrate the fibres.
  3. Soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water until all detergent is removed.
  4. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting the blanket.
  5. Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry towel, and roll it up to absorb additional moisture.
  6. Unroll and reshape the blanket to its original dimensions, then lay it flat to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause shrinkage.

3. Machine Washing

Our wool blankets are designed to be machine washable, making them easy to care for while preserving their natural qualities.

  1. Use a gentle cycle: Set your washing machine to a gentle or wool cycle, and use cold water to prevent shrinkage.
  2. Select a wool-safe detergent: Choose a detergent specifically formulated for wool, as regular detergents can be too harsh.
  3. Wash the blanket alone: To prevent friction and pilling, wash the blanket separately from other items.
  4. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach: These products can damage the wool fibers.
  5. Remove promptly: Once the cycle is complete, remove the blanket from the machine immediately to avoid wrinkles and creases.

4. Storage

When not in use, store your wool blanket in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Instead, opt for a breathable cotton storage bag or a clean, dry linen closet.

If you plan to store the blanket for an extended period, consider adding a natural moth repellent, such as cedar chips or lavender sachets, to protect against pests.

5. Avoiding Excessive Wear

To preserve the longevity of your blanket, avoid excessive friction and heavy use in areas prone to wear. Rotate the blanket regularly if it's used on a bed or sofa to ensure even wear across its surface.

6. Professional Cleaning

For a deep clean, or if your blanket has significant stains, we recommend taking it to a professional cleaner who specializes in wool. They will have the expertise and equipment to clean your blanket safely without damaging the fibres.

7. Handling Pilling

Over time, natural wool fibres may form small pills on the surface of the blanket. This is a normal occurrence and can be easily managed. Use a wool comb or a fabric shaver to gently remove the pills, being careful not to damage the surrounding fibres.

8. Enjoy the Unique Qualities of Wool

Remember, wool is a natural, renewable resource with unique qualities. It’s warm, breathable, and resistant to odours and dirt, making it a perfect choice for cozy blankets. With proper care, your Traceable Textiles wool blanket will remain a cherished part of your home for generations.