Caring for your Blanket
How to Care for your Wool Blanket or Natural Fibre Throw ~ A Guide to Long-Lasting Comfort
Minimal Washing ~ More Freshness
Below, you’ll find practical advice on refreshing, cleaning, drying and storing your blanket.
Refreshing Your Blanket Between Cleans...
Your blanket won’t necessarily need a full clean whenever it needs freshening up. Airing is often enough to refresh a wool blanket between cleans.
Give it a gentle shake, then lay it flat in a dry, well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight and heat. If airing outdoors, choose a dry day and bring it inside before it becomes damp.
Dealing with Spills and Small Stains...
If something spills on your blanket, gently blot up the excess liquid with a clean, dry, white cloth. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which can spread the stain and disturb the surface fibres.
Before adding water, detergent or a stain remover, check the care label.
For a dry-clean-only blanket, ask a professional cleaner for advice and tell them what caused the stain. If the label permits washing, follow its instructions and use a detergent suitable for the fibre.
Can You Wash a Wool Blanket?
Machine-Washable Blankets
Selected pure new wool blankets and cotton blankets can be machine washed at 30°C.
Caring for a picnic blanket? Our guide to how to clean a picnic blanket covers outdoor dirt, common spills and waterproof backings.
Hand-Washable Baby Blankets
Some of our Merino wool baby blankets permit hand washing. Check the label for the instructions and temperature before you begin; this advice does not apply to every Merino blanket.
Dry-Clean-Only Blankets
Our mohair and cashmere blankets are dry-clean-only, along with many of our other wool blankets. Take these to a professional cleaner and show them the care label.
How to Dry Your Blanket...
If your blanket’s care label permits washing, always dry it flat afterwards. Do not wring or twist it to remove water.
Lay the blanket on clean, dry towels, gently ease it back into shape and support its full size. Replace damp towels as needed and allow air to circulate while it dries.
Choose a well-ventilated spot away from radiators, direct heat and strong sunlight. Avoid hanging a wet blanket from its corners or over a narrow rail, as the weight can pull it out of shape.
Let your blanket dry completely before folding, storing or using it.
Bobbling and Gentle Blanket Care...
Small bobbles, sometimes called pills, can form where fibres rub together during use. Pilling alone does not necessarily mean a blanket is poor quality.
Avoid pulling at bobbles or loose threads, a brush, wool comb or fabric shaver can help remove bobbles but check on a small area first.
These tools are not suitable for every blanket, particularly those with a fluffy or delicate surface such as mohair.
Storing Your Blanket and Reducing Moth Risk...
Before putting your blanket away, make sure it is clean according to its care instructions and completely dry. Fold it loosely and store it somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.
A cotton storage bag can help keep dust off, but it is not necessarily moth-proof. For longer storage, consider a well-sealed container, making sure the blanket is fully dry before closing it.
Check stored blankets regularly, including folds and edges and keep cupboards and storage areas clean. Lavender sachets or cedarwood may help to prevent moth damage.
If you notice holes, webbing or signs of insects, separate the blanket from other textiles and seek advice before treating it.
