Can you wash a wool blanket in a washing machine?

Wool items require special care. Improper washing of a wool blanket, sweater, or scarf can cause the item to lose its shape and warmth. Many housewives wonder whether it's safe to wash a wool blanket in a washing machine, as this significantly simplifies and speeds up the cleaning process. Let's find out whether it's safe to load such a delicate material into the washing machine drum.

Is it worth using a machine?

Machine washing has made life much easier. Housewives tend to load their clothes into the machine to avoid wasting time cleaning them by hand. A wool blanket is quite heavy when wet, and messing around with it in a basin is an unpleasant prospect. Certain types of wool are, however, suitable for machine washing, including:

• Quilted blankets made of sheepskin. The material is quite dense and not prone to deformation, so there's virtually no risk of damaging the item in the washing machine;
• Camel blankets and goat wool throws. Be sure to read the label, and if the manufacturer allows for machine cleaning, feel free to use the machine.

A washing machine with a maximum load capacity of 5 kg is suitable for washing a wool blanket.

If you have never washed woolen items before, do not neglect to study the label. The manufacturer provides all care recommendations on the label, including whether or not machine cleaning is possible. If the tag is no longer on the bedspread, you can try to find a similar blanket online and carefully study the care instructions.

Helpful tips

When cleaning wool items, preparation is crucial. Before you begin, be sure to remove any dust. This will reduce the amount of detergent you use.

It's best to use the "Extra Rinse" option on any cycle. This is because detergent particles are very difficult to remove from delicate wool fibers. If you're hand washing, follow this advice and change the rinse water several times.

Regardless of the program running, always turn off the spin cycle. Remove the item from the drum while still wet, gently wring it out, and dry it. Ideally, you want the water to drain off the blanket itself. Tumble drying is strictly prohibited.

It's best to avoid using stain removers and bleaches. Wool fibers can react unpredictably to harsh ingredients. It's also advisable to avoid using fabric softener. Use special detergents for delicate fabrics and wool. These contain ingredients that are gentle on these delicate fabrics.

It's best to add a few balls to the washing machine drum along with the wool blanket. They will help prevent tangling and pilling, and will help fluff up the item.

Drying a wool blanket should also be done properly. It's best to lay it flat or hang it on a drying rack. Turn and straighten the blanket as it dries. Avoid direct sunlight, and make sure the room where the blanket is stored or hung is well ventilated.

Selecting a tool and program

Most modern washing machines have a dedicated "Wool" mode, the settings of which are tailored for cleaning items made from this material. If such a program isn't available, you can select any other gentle mode with a water temperature no higher than 30°C. Don't forget to turn off the spin and drying options.

It's best not to wash a wool blanket with regular dry detergents. Be sure to purchase special liquid detergents designed for wool care. The following formulas are excellent choices.

1. Laska laundry detergent, labeled "Wool and Silk." An affordable product that effectively removes stains. Suitable for all wool items: sweaters, cardigans, blankets, scarves, etc. Machine-safe or for hand washing. Leaves clothes with a delicate, subtle scent.
2. Liquid Help. Also designed for wool care. Items are soft and pleasantly scented after washing. This budget-friendly formula is very economical.
3. Luxus Professional Concentrate for delicate fabrics, including wool and silk. This safe product contains no harsh ingredients. It effectively removes stains and is suitable for all types of laundry.
4. Nordland Gel. Gently washes silk and wool items, rinsing well from the fibers. The formula is biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and non-irritating. Suitable for machine cleaning. It tackles even the toughest stains and leaves your laundry pleasantly scented.
5. Prosept Crystal Gel is designed for the care of delicate fabrics. Its special formula penetrates deep into the fibers of the fabric, removing dirt and grime. It rinses quickly, leaving no marks or streaks on clothing. It removes stains even in cool water, which is essential when cleaning woolen items.

One of the components of successful washing of a wool blanket is the choice of a good detergent. The detergent should maintain the elasticity of delicate fibers, make the fabric soft, and prevent the lint from clumping.

What challenges await you?

Even if the manufacturer allows you to machine wash your blanket and you've purchased a special cleaning gel, this doesn't guarantee the desired results. Your attempt may not be successful if:

• The blanket barely fits into the washing machine. This can ruin not only the bulky blanket but also the washing machine. The blanket should occupy no more than 2/3 of the drum;
• There are holes in the fabric. It is important to sew them up to avoid further tears;
• Dry the item incorrectly. If you don't turn the blanket over or leave it unstraightened for too long, the item may begin to rot and become moldy. Do not hang a wool blanket on radiators;
• Run the machine in a mode with water heating to 40°C or higher. The product may become deformed.

If there are difficult stains on the blanket, they should be treated before loading the item into the machine.

A regular sponge and dishwashing liquid can be used for this purpose. Otherwise, stains may remain on the fabric even after the cleaning program is completed, which will undoubtedly be frustrating.

   

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