A wool blanket needs washing far less often than most people think. Wool naturally repels dirt, hardly takes on smells and freshens up in the open air. If you do wash it, avoid three things: heat, friction and sudden changes in temperature. Those are what make wool felt and shrink.
First, check the care label
The label tells you exactly what the blanket can take. The symbols that matter:
- Wash tub with a number: machine wash up to that temperature. One bar underneath means a gentle cycle, two bars a delicates or wool cycle.
- Wash tub with a hand: hand wash only.
- Crossed-out wash tub: do not wash.
- Circle with a letter: professional cleaning, for example "P" for dry cleaning.
- Crossed-out square with a circle: do not tumble dry.
Our merino, pure new wool and cashmere blend throws carry the "do not wash" symbol. For them we recommend airing and, when needed, dry cleaning. The washing steps further down are for wool blankets whose label clearly allows washing.
Air it instead of washing it
Hang the blanket outdoors for a few hours, ideally in the shade on a dry day. Direct sun can fade colours, and rain makes the blanket heavy and wet. The fresh air carries smells away and lets the fibres lift again.
Give the blanket a good shake first, then brush off dust and fluff with a soft clothes brush, always in the direction of the fibres. For a throw that mostly lives on the sofa, this is the most important care there is.
Treat stains straight away, and only the stain
- Blot spills at once with an absorbent cloth. Do not rub.
- Dab the spot with cold or lukewarm water and a drop of wool detergent, working from the outside in.
- Dab again with clean water and let the blanket dry lying flat.
- For stubborn stains, take the blanket to a cleaner rather than scrubbing.
If the label allows it: washing a wool blanket in the machine
- Cycle: the wool or hand wash cycle of your machine.
- Temperature: cold, 30 °C at most, even if the label allows more. Warm water and temperature changes make wool felt.
- Detergent: a wool detergent. Regular detergents often contain enzymes that attack the protein of the wool fibre. Wool does not need fabric softener.
- Spin: gentle, at a low speed of around 600 to 800 rpm. The wool cycle usually sets this for you.
- Space: wash the blanket on its own. If it fills the whole drum, the machine is too small and a cleaner is the better choice.
Hand washing in the bathtub
- Run lukewarm water, 30 °C at most, and dissolve the wool detergent in it.
- Submerge the blanket and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Press it gently through the water. Do not rub or wring it.
- Rinse several times in water of the same temperature.
- Let the water drain, press the blanket out gently and roll it up in a large towel to soak up more moisture.
Drying it the right way
Wet wool is heavy and stretches under its own weight. Lay the blanket flat on a drying rack or on towels, ease it back into shape and turn it now and then. Keep it off the radiator, out of strong sun and out of the tumble dryer, unless the label clearly allows it.
Care by material
How to look after our throws, depending on what they are woven from:
Cashmere blend
10% cashmere, 90% fine merino wool
- Air it in the shade for a few hours now and then.
- Brush it with a soft brush in the direction of the fibres.
- Remove small bobbles on well-used areas carefully with a wool comb.
- Blot stains at once, do not rub.
- Do not wash; have it dry-cleaned when needed.
Merino wool
80% merino wool, 20% nylon
- Air it in the shade for a few hours now and then.
- Brush it with a soft brush in the direction of the fibres.
- Blot stains at once, do not rub.
- Do not wash; have it dry-cleaned when needed.
Pure new wool
100% New Zealand wool
- Air it in the shade for a few hours now and then.
- Shake it out firmly and brush it; it can take it.
- Blot stains at once, do not rub.
- Do not wash; have it dry-cleaned when needed.
Cotton blend
50% cotton, 30% polyester, 20% acrylic
- Hand wash at 30 °C with a detergent without bleach.
- Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then move it gently by hand for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse several times in water of the same temperature.
- Do not wring or twist it; let the water drain away.
- Hang it up to dry, out of direct sun.
Storing it over the summer
Put the blanket away only when it is clean and completely dry, loosely folded in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic. Moths love worn, unaired wool in dark, quiet corners. Cedar wood or lavender bags in the wardrobe and an occasional check help keep them away.
Quick answers
How often should you wash a wool blanket?
Rarely. Regular airing keeps it fresh. Wash it or have it cleaned only when it is visibly dirty or no longer smells fresh after airing.
Can you wash a wool blanket at 40 degrees?
Only if the label clearly allows it. Cold water or 30 °C at most is safer: the warmer the water, the greater the risk of felting.
Why does the blanket smell after washing?
Wet wool often smells slightly of sheep, which fades as it dries. If a musty smell stays, the blanket was damp for too long. Spread it out flat and airy and turn it until it is completely dry, inside as well.
How cashmere, merino and pure new wool differ is explained in our article Merino, cashmere or pure new wool?
