How to wash and dry wool blankets

Wool is as comfortable as it is delicate. It's the only fiber capable of absorbing up to a third of its weight in water vapor without feeling wet, protecting us from the discomfort of humidity. It's naturally resistant to dirt and doesn't require frequent cleaning. Thanks to its natural oils, it repels dirt that settles on its surface. However, when it comes to washing wool blankets, if we don't pay attention to the washing method, we risk causing damage. Different types of wool, for example, cannot be washed in the same way . To avoid felting the wool, which would ruin our blankets, we need to know how to wash them without wasting time and energy.

In the washing machine

Before loading the blanket into the washing machine, we need to consider the type of fabric and the washing method we're using. Here's how to wash wool blankets in the washing machine correctly:

• Read the label. To find out the fabric composition and set the right washing temperature, we must always read the label on the blanket.
• Wash at low temperature. Blankets, like other woolen garments, should always be washed at a temperature no higher than 30 degrees Celsius. Too cold water risks altering the wool, ruining the blanket.
• Be careful with the detergent. If we want to avoid the formation of so-called wool "balls", we must choose a liquid detergent For delicate items. A harsh fabric softener, for example, can alter the fabric's texture.
• Avoid the spin cycleUnlike other fabrics, spinning can damage wool. The movement and spinning contribute to shrinking and felting. To avoid risks, set the wash cycle to wool and delicate items.
• Dry naturally. After washing, wool blankets should be dried naturally, preferably in the shade, without using a dryer. Heat can shrink the wool, distorting the blanket.

By hand

Hand-washing wool blankets is more laborious than machine-washing, but it carries fewer risks. To maintain your blanket's natural softness and elasticity, you must:

• Soak in warm water. If you have a bathtub, you can immerse the wool blanket in 15 centimeters of warm or room-temperature water. Cold or hot water can damage the wool, ruining your efforts.
• Rub individual stains. To remove the halos Or stains on the blanket, we must clean them individually. To avoid altering the colors, we can clean the fabric by adding a cup of vinegar to the wash water.
• Leave to soak. After scrubbing the stains, leave the blanket in water for a few hours. For more stubborn stains, soak the blanket overnight.
• Rinse thoroughlyAfter the soaking time has elapsed, rinse the wool blanket with plenty of water until it is clean.
• Dry outdoors. Even when hand washing, we shouldn't use the dryer. Therefore, we should hang the wool blanket out to dry, preferably in the shade, without stretching it too much to avoid deforming it.

How to wash duvets

Before folding your duvet and storing it in the closet, you need to pay special attention to washing it. If it's a single or queen-size duvet, you can wash it in a washing machine with a load of up to 5 kg. For double-size duvets, however, you should wash them in the washing machine with a load of up to 7 kg. So, if you don't want to take it to the dry cleaner, you need to at least know the capacity of your washing machine, otherwise you risk the drum coming loose. Those who are new to washing may feel daunted by the volume and weight of the duvet. In reality, you can achieve good results by following five steps.

• Fold the duvet. Before placing it in the basket, it must be folded correctly to avoid it getting creased and to avoid losing the feathers from the filling.
• Pay attention to the program. To avoid wasting your efforts, choose a delicate wash cycle with cold water. This will prevent damage to your duvet and your washing machine.
• use the sodium bicarbonate. It is a natural alternative to detergent For delicate garments, it's also cheaper. Plus, having it at home is always useful, thanks to its many uses.
• Beat it and spread it out. Once removed from the washing machine, we must shake the duvet and lay it out horizontally on the clothesline, remembering not to expose it directly to the sun.
• Leave it out to air. The duvet absorbs a lot of water, especially the inside. To let it evaporate, we need to leave it in the open air for at least 2 or 3 days.

Read also:

• How to wash clothes in the washing machine without ruining them
• How to clean and disinfect mattresses
• When should you change your sheets and linens?
• How to wash wool sweaters and recover a felted garment