If you’re unsure how to dry a wool blanket correctly, please read this complete two-step guide. This article discusses all the dos and don’ts of wool blanket care. And in case you missed our guide for how to wash wool blankets, we recommend reading it first to get your blanket ready.
Proper wool blanket maintenance should keep it soft and cozy, and you can also avoid stains, shrinkage, or even moths. So without further ado, let’s get started!
How Do You Dry Wool Quickly?
Step 1. Air-dry the wool blanket
The best method to dry a wool blanket is by aerating it outside or somewhere with good ventilation. Drying a wool blanket naturally will prevent issues such as shrinkage or damaged fibers. However, always read the label of the wool blanket you have because some products allow dry cleaning.
If you’re unsure about tumble drying the wool, it’s better to place it outside instead. Let it dry on a flat surface, but ensure that it’s not receiving direct sunlight. Any form of high or direct heat is not suitable for a wool blanket because it causes fading, an apparent characteristic of natural materials.
Step 2. Wait for the wool to dry completely
You also want to lay the blanket flat to maintain its form. Some wool blankets might allow hanging, but the safest way is to spread them out on a surface. You can also use chairs with some holes on the seat to help with air circulation.
Wait for the wool blanket to dry entirely and flip on one side once the other is done. It can take several hours to dry wool, depending on the blanket size. It would also help reshape the blanket after washing before you dry it to help restore its form.
How Do You Dry Wet Wool?
What is the remedy if you get the wool blanket wet with a spill or dew? It will be helpful to use a cloth to soak the excess liquid and then dry the blanket out of direct heat. Some blankets also recommend getting hung on the clothesline as long as you use clothespins to hang the full length rather than draping the blanket over the line.
Can You Dry Wool In The Dryer?
The most effective way to tell if you can use a dryer to dry a wool blanket is by checking the manufacturer’s instructions. If the tag allows, you must use the proper dryer with a wool care setting. Otherwise, never tumble dry wool or use direct heat when drying wool.
What Happens If You Machine Wash Wool?
Machine washing wool is acceptable for some blankets. However, you must select a program that is safe for the wool. A typical wash cycle for cleaning wool blankets in the washing machine is slow and uses 85°F with the appropriate wool detergent. Woolmark is an example of wool-approved detergent because it’s mild without enzymes and bleaches that can deform wool.
What about fabric conditioners? Most blankets recommend against fabric conditioners for wool. However, some wool rugs can use lanolin-based fabric softeners. For your peace of mind, refrain from using other cleaning products or even hot water with wool blankets.
How Do You Soften An Old Wool Blanket?
If your wool stiffens, sheds, or developed creases, you can restore the blanket by placing it somewhere warm. It can be 10 minutes in a steamy bathroom, but please remember not to hang the blanket where one area gets the most weight, leading to stretching. And if you want to know how to soften a fleece blanket, check out our proven solutions.
How Do You Unshrink A Wool Blanket?
Homeowners often use hair conditioners to unshrink wool blankets, particularly knitted merino wool blankets. The idea is the conditioner will loosen the knitted blanket’s yarn. To do this, submerge the wool blanket in the water with a conditioner and massage it to work the conditioner in the yarn.
Drain the water and press the blanket to release the liquid it absorbed. Then, sandwich the blanket between two towels and press to further rid of excess water. Repeat until there is no more liquid before laying the wool blanket flat and reshaping it.
How Do You Protect Wool Blankets From Moths?
Natural materials like wool can attract moths, but you can easily avoid and get rid of wool moths by storing your blanket correctly. The blanket should be fully dry before storing, and the storage area should be cool and dry. You can also place the blanket in a cotton storage bag with some cedar chips to repel insects.
Occasionally, aerate your blanket and shake it before refolding it again for storage. By doing these practices, you should easily avoid moths on your wool blanket.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance of wool blankets will prevent them from shrinking, fading, or even stiffening. Besides washing, you should also learn how to dry a wool blanket properly. The best way to do this is by aerating it on a flat surface and out of direct sunlight.
You can also hang the blanket on a clothesline with clothespins but never drape it because it can stretch out the shape. Once dried thoroughly, be sure to store the wool blanket properly to avoid moths.