How do you wash wool without ruining it?

When washing wool, it is important to limit agitation and avoid wringing or twisting the material to prevent felting or shrinkage. For smaller wool items, like sweaters, handwashing is the ideal method, but you’ll need to use your washing machine for a wool blanket due to its size, says Gagliardi. Remember to always use cool water and a gentle cycle.

What types of detergent are safe for wool?

The ideal detergent for wool is one that is low-sudsing and disperses easily into the wash water because they rinse out easily, says Gagliardi. Look for mild and wool-safe detergents or one specifically designed for washing wool, like Wool and Cashmere Soap from The Laundress.

Can I put a wool blanket in the dryer?

Whether or not you can put your wool blanket in the dryer depends on its care instructions. While some lightweight wool blankets should only be air-dried, heavier ones may need to be tumbled in the dryer. Wool is prone to shrinking, says LaLonde, so it’s important to stick to cooler temperatures and avoid heat.

How to Wash Wool Blankets—Plus Tips for Drying and Storing Them Correctly

Washing wool blankets takes a bit of care, but with the right steps, you can keep your wool blankets in great condition for a lifetime.

By

Nina Derwin

Updated on July 29, 2024

When you’re ready to curl up on the couch with a book or your favorite movie, there’s nothing cozier than breaking out a soft wool blanket. Wool is warm and hearty, and with proper care, a wool blanket can last for many years.

Keeping your wool blankets clean is key to ensuring a long lifespan. The more often you use one, the more often it will need laundering. Fortunately, it’s easy to wash a wool blanket at home; you only need a few simple tools. Ahead, we turned to laundry care experts to find out the best way to clean wool blankets and how to store them so they can keep you warm year after year.

Mary Gagliardi (aka "Dr. Laundry"), Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert
Kim Romine, fabric care scientist at P&G
Morgan LaLonde, Whirlpool laundry brand manager

Materials You’ll Need

Soft-bristled brush
Mild and/or wool-safe laundry detergent
Washing machine
Drying rack
Large bath towel (optional)
Wool dryer balls (optional)
Iron (optional)
Pressing cloth (optional)
White vinegar (optional)
Club soda (optional)

It’s important to keep in mind that not all wool blankets are machine washable. "Always check the care label on your blanket first because wool can be dry-clean only," says Kim Romine, a fabric care specialist at P&G. If your blanket is labeled dry-clean only, take it to the dry cleaner because even the gentlest cycle can cause felting.

Instructions

To give your wool blankets a thorough clean, follow this gentle yet effective method:

Check the care label to ensure the blanket is machine washable and for the recommended settings.
Shake out any crumbs, dirt, or loose debris.
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush the blanket to remove any additional dirt, applying each stroke in the same direction.
Pre-treat any stains using cold water and a mild detergent, soaking the area and then blotting with a clean, soft towel. Treat stains right away to prevent them from setting.
Fill your washing machine with cold water and mild detergent, allowing the blanket to soak for 15 to 30 minutes before running the machine.
Select cold water and a delicate, gentle, or wool cycle, depending on your washing machine. Then, start the cycle.

How to Remove Stains From a Wool Blanket

Wool is naturally resistant to staining, as it repels liquids due to its natural waxy coating. In the event of a spill, blot it with a paper towel or clean cloth immediately to soak up as much liquid as possible.

While it may be tempting to try to scrub a stain away with a towel or brush, doing so can actually make the stain worse. Instead, treat stains with a solution of cold water and mild detergent. The sooner you treat stains, the better. (If a stain remains, pre-treating it depends on the type of stain.)

A club soda and a white vinegar solution made from one part white vinegar and two parts club soda are also effective for treating stains on wool.

How to Dry a Wool Blanket

Just like with washing, it’s important to check your wool blanket’s care instructions before drying. If your blanket has specific drying instructions, follow them accordingly, says Morgan LaLonde, a Whirlpool laundry brand manager.

If it does not come with drying instructions, follow these steps to dry your wool blanket:

Spread a large, dry bath towel flat on a table or the floor, then lay your wet blanket on top of the towel. Roll the blanket up in the towel to soak up excess water. Gently squeeze the towel to help absorb water, careful not to wring it out, as this can damage the wool or ruin its shape.
Hang lightweight wool blankets on a drying rack, allowing them to air dry. Be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight to help avoid fading and damage to the fibers, which can diminish its softness.
Some heavier wool blankets may require tumble drying in your dryer at a cool temperature before air-drying. You can add wool dryer balls to the drying cycle if you prefer. Be sure to use cool temperatures only, as heat can damage and shrink your blanket.
More often than not you won’t need to iron your blanket, but if you find it has a few wrinkles you can use an iron to remove them. Be sure to keep the heat low—300 degrees or less—to protect the wool, and use a pressing cloth under the iron to prevent damage.

How Often to Wash a Wool Blanket

How frequently you need to wash your wool blankets depends on how often you use them. If they’re purely decorative you won’t need to wash them very often, however, if you use them every day you’ll want to clean them every few months. You can also spot-treat them if necessary in between washes.

How to Store a Wool Blanket the Right Way

Storing your wool blanket properly helps protect it from moisture and pests, like moths. Mary Gagliardi (aka "Dr. Laundry"), Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert, recommends keeping wool blankets in an airtight storage container only after they have been thoroughly cleaned. Additionally, keeping cedar heartwood in the container with your blankets can help deter moths and adds a nice fragrance, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you wash wool without ruining it?

When washing wool, it is important to limit agitation and avoid wringing or twisting the material to prevent felting or shrinkage. For smaller wool items, like sweaters, handwashing is the ideal method, but you’ll need to use your washing machine for a wool blanket due to its size, says Gagliardi. Remember to always use cool water and a gentle cycle.
What types of detergent are safe for wool?

The ideal detergent for wool is one that is low-sudsing and disperses easily into the wash water because they rinse out easily, says Gagliardi. Look for mild and wool-safe detergents or one specifically designed for washing wool, like Wool and Cashmere Soap from The Laundress.
Can I put a wool blanket in the dryer?

Whether or not you can put your wool blanket in the dryer depends on its care instructions. While some lightweight wool blankets should only be air-dried, heavier ones may need to be tumbled in the dryer. Wool is prone to shrinking, says LaLonde, so it’s important to stick to cooler temperatures and avoid heat.