Why Wool Requires Gentle Care
Wool is a natural protein fiber. Under a microscope, each strand is covered in microscopic scales — similar in structure to human hair. When exposed to heat, agitation, or alkaline detergents, these scales interlock and contract, causing the fiber to felt: a permanent process that results in shrinkage, stiffness, and a matted texture that cannot be reversed.
Understanding this is the basis of all wool care. The goal is to clean the fiber without triggering that felting response.
How to Wash a Wool Blanket
Hand washing
Hand washing is the safest method for any wool blanket, regardless of fiber type.
Fill a basin or bathtub with cool water — no warmer than 30°C — and add a small amount of wool-specific detergent. Submerge the blanket and gently press it through the water. Do not rub, wring, or twist the fabric. Allow it to soak for up to 10 minutes, then drain and refill with clean cool water to rinse. Repeat until no detergent remains.
Machine washing
Many wool blankets can be machine washed, but only under the right conditions. Use a wool or delicate cycle, keep the water temperature at or below 30°C, and place the blanket inside a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction. Select the lowest available spin speed — high-speed spinning can distort the blanket's shape.
Always check the care label before machine washing. Some blankets — particularly those with a cashmere blend or embellished construction — may be hand-wash only.
For a full overview of wool washing standards, The Woolmark Company publishes detailed care guidance covering all wool fiber types.
How to Dry a Wool Blanket
Never put a wool blanket in a tumble dryer. The combination of heat and mechanical agitation is the most reliable way to permanently felt wool fiber.
After washing, gently press the blanket against the side of the basin to remove excess water — do not wring. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel, reshape it to its original dimensions, then roll the towel and blanket together to absorb additional moisture. Unroll, transfer the blanket to a fresh dry surface, and leave it to air dry flat.
Keep the blanket away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators, both of which can cause uneven drying and fiber degradation over time.
How to Remove Stains from a Wool Blanket
Act quickly. The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove without aggressive treatment.
Blot the affected area immediately with a clean cloth and cool water — never hot water, which can set the stain and risk felting. Work from the outside of the stain inward, pressing gently rather than rubbing. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of wool-safe stain remover and allow it to work before rinsing.
Avoid detergents containing enzymes or bleach. Enzymes are designed to break down proteins — which is exactly what wool fiber is made of.
How to Store a Wool Blanket
Before storing, make sure the blanket is completely clean and fully dry. Even trace amounts of moisture can lead to mildew, and residual food or body oils attract moths.
Fold the blanket and store it in a breathable container — a cotton bag or a clean pillowcase works well. Avoid vacuum compression bags, which can crush the fiber's natural crimp and reduce its insulating capacity over time.
To deter moths, place cedar wood blocks or dried lavender sachets nearby. Do not allow mothballs to come into direct contact with wool — the chemicals can damage the fiber and leave a persistent odor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Washing in warm or hot water
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Using a tumble dryer at any heat setting
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Hanging the blanket to dry — the weight of wet wool will stretch it out of shape
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Using standard laundry detergent, fabric softener, or any product containing bleach or enzymes
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Rubbing or scrubbing stains rather than blotting them
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Storing before the blanket is completely dry
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you machine wash a wool blanket?
Yes, in most cases — provided you use a wool or delicate cycle, cool water at or below 30°C, a mesh laundry bag, and a low spin speed. Always check the care label first, as some blankets require hand washing only.
How often should you wash a wool blanket?
Wool is naturally odor-resistant and does not need frequent washing. For a blanket used regularly on a sofa or bed, washing two to three times per year is generally sufficient. Air the blanket outdoors between washes to keep it fresh.
Why did my wool blanket shrink?
Shrinkage in wool is almost always caused by exposure to heat, high-speed agitation, or both. Once wool has felted, the process cannot be reversed. To restore some shape to a mildly shrunken blanket, soak it in cool water with a small amount of hair conditioner, gently stretch it back to size, and dry it flat.
Can you put a wool blanket in the dryer?
No. Even a low-heat or air-dry setting carries risk. The mechanical movement of a dryer is enough to cause felting in wool fiber, regardless of temperature. Always air dry flat.
How do you get the smell out of a wool blanket?
Air the blanket outdoors in a shaded, well-ventilated area for several hours. Wool's natural fiber structure releases odors effectively with fresh air alone. If an odor persists, a gentle hand wash with wool detergent will resolve it.
Explore our wool blanket collection — crafted from Alpaca, Cashmere and Lambswool for lasting warmth and everyday comfort.