Wool blankets are perfect for cozying up on your sofa or making your bed more comfortable. Because of its unique natural-fiber properties, wool can soak up moisture – keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Learning how to wash a wool blanket properly will help it last for years.

In this guide:
How to Clean a Wool Blanket
How to Clean Stains
How to Wash a Wool Blanket
How to Store Blankets
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Clean a Wool Blanket

What You Will Need
Soft-bristle brush

Since wool is naturally repellent to dirt, most wool blankets do not need regular washing. Instead, wool blankets can be shaken and brushed.

Step 1: Shake It
Take your blanket outside and shake it hard a few times.

Step 2: Get Out the Dirt
Bring it back inside and hang it up in an area with good airflow to let more dirt fall out.

Step 3: Brush It
After a few hours, lay the blanket flat on the ground and brush it with a soft-bristle fabric brush. Make sure to brush down the length of the blanket so the bristles are all laying in the same direction. Brushing in multiple directions damages the wool fiber.

How to Clean Stains

What You Will Need
Vinegar
Spray bottle
pH-neutral or mild laundry detergent

If you spill something on your wool blanket – or any wool garment – spot-clean it as soon as possible so the liquid doesn’t sink into the fabric.

Step 1: Make Your Own Solution
In a spray bottle, mix together cold water and vinegar (one part vinegar to two parts water). Do not use hot water because it can shrink the fibers.

Step 2: Spray the Stain
Spray the area of the spill and blot it with a clean cloth. Spot-test your blanket first to make sure the dye will not come off. If dye does come off, the blanket will need to be dry-cleaned.

If the vinegar doesn’t work, dump out the solution in the spray bottle and replace it with cold water and a drop of mild, pH-neutral laundry detergent. Then repeat the process.

Step 3: Dry the Stain
Blot the stain with a dry cloth to remove excess water, then let it air dry.

How to Wash a Wool Blanket

What You Will Need
pH-neutral laundry detergent
Drying rack

Step 1: Check the Label
Before washing your blanket, check the label.

Step 2: Wash Accordingly
If it is dry-clean only, bring it to a dry cleaner. If it can be machine-washed, make sure to use a pH-neutral laundry detergent, cold water, and the gentle or hand-wash cycle.

If you must hand wash it, fill a bathtub with cold water and add a small drop of mild laundry detergent. If there are suds, drain the water and start again – using less detergent this time. Place the blanket in the tub and let soak for 15 minutes. Do not agitate or scrub it, or you may damage the fibers.

Step 3: Dry It
Take the blanket out of the bathtub or washing machine and roll it up in a towel to dry. You may need to do this numerous times. Do not wring out the blanket as that will damage the shape. Then, hang-dry the blanket somewhere where there is no direct sunlight.

How to Store Blankets

For long-term and short-term storage, it is best to store wool blankets in a cool, dark place as heat and direct sunlight can fade the colors. We recommend placing wool blankets in a tightly sealed bin, chest, or in an airtight storage bag. To repel insects, place cedar shavings in the bin or chest. Cedar chests are great for holding any natural fiber blankets or bedding.

If you want to keep your blankets easily accessible in your living room or bedroom, use a blanket ladder, storage bench, or baskets for a decorative yet functional storage option.

Looking for a new wool throw blanket for your home?