Washing and Drying a Wool Blanket - Care Instructions

A high-quality wool blanket, with proper care, will last you for many years. But how do you wash a wool blanket without it felting or shrinking? As manufacturers of natural fiber blankets since 1766, we share our proven care tips with you.

Washing and Properly Drying a Wool Blanket – The Complete Guide

Washing a wool blanket requires more care than laundering cotton or synthetic textiles. Due to their natural scale structure, wool and natural fibers tend to felt. Mechanical action, heat, and moisture can trigger this process and permanently damage your valuable blanket.

At Ritter Decken, with over 250 years of experience, we know how sensitive natural fiber blankets are to incorrect treatment. We put a lot of effort and numerous steps into manufacturing to create a beautiful, even pile. To ensure you enjoy your blanket for a long time, we share our proven care tips with you in this guide.

Does a Wool Blanket Even Need Washing?

Before putting your wool blanket in the washing machine, ask yourself a fundamental question: Is washing really necessary? In most cases, the answer is no. High-quality natural fiber blankets are already thoroughly washed with natural soap during manufacturing and are hygienically ready for use.

A natural residual fat content on the fibers protects wool blankets from getting dirty. With normal use, you will find that your blanket hardly gets soiled. The natural chemical structure of wool also ensures that body sweat is neutralized. Even after several years of use, a natural fiber blanket will not smell unpleasant.

Instead of washing, simply air out your wool blanket occasionally in the fresh air. Choose a sheltered area with the highest possible humidity. The pile will recover, and the fibers will regenerate optimally. This gentle method preserves the quality of your blanket for many years.

Washing a Wool Blanket in the Washing Machine – Step-by-Step

If you still want to wash your wool blanket after a few years, please follow these instructions carefully. The correct procedure determines whether your blanket survives the wash undamaged.

Choosing the Right Wash Program

Select a gentle wool wash program with the lowest possible washing temperature. If your washing machine has a hand wash program, this is the best choice. Cold water is gentlest on the fibers.

Temperature	Effect on Wool Blanket
Cold (below 30°C)	Optimal, minimal felting risk
30°C	Acceptable with wool wash program
40°C	Increased risk of shrinking
60°C	Not suitable, severe felting and shrinking

Washing a wool blanket at 60 degrees is not an option. The combination of heat and mechanical movement would irreversibly damage the fibers. The blanket would shrink and felt.

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Wash Wool Blanket Separately

Always wash your wool blanket separately. Additional laundry in the washing machine causes more friction and promotes shrinking and felting of the natural fibers. The blanket needs enough space in the drum to move freely.

The Right Detergent

Use a gentle wool detergent. An alternative we can recommend is a commercial conditioner or hair rinse. Add the product directly to the main wash cycle. Wool detergent contains lanolin, which supplements the natural fat content of the wool and keeps the fibers supple.

Normal heavy-duty detergent is not suitable for wool blankets. It contains enzymes and bleaches that attack wool fibers. Fabric softener is also unnecessary, as high-quality natural fiber blankets do not contain chemical additives like softeners or conditioners.

Washing and Spinning a Wool Blanket – The Right Spin Speed

Spinning is a critical moment when washing a wool blanket. Too high spin speeds compress the fibers and promote felting. Reduce the spin speed to a maximum of 400 revolutions per minute.

An important tip from our experience is to interrupt the spin cycle after about 3 minutes. The blanket does not need to come out of the machine bone dry. A certain amount of residual moisture is even desirable, as it allows for gentle drying afterwards.

Washing Machine Checklist:

• Select wool wash program or hand wash
• Set temperature to cold or a maximum of 30°C
• Reduce spin speed to 400 rpm
• Interrupt spin cycle after 3 minutes
• Use wool detergent or conditioner
• Wash blanket separately

Can a Wool Blanket Go in the Dryer?

The answer is clear. Never put your wool blanket in the tumble dryer. The combination of heat and mechanical movement in the drum would inevitably cause the blanket to felt. Even gentle programs or low temperature settings are not suitable.

The dryer not only removes moisture from the wool but also its natural fat content. The result would be a brittle, hard blanket that has lost its original softness. The beautiful pile, which we create with great effort during manufacturing, would be destroyed.

An exception may be blankets made of polyester or with a high synthetic fiber content. In this case, check the care label. However, pure virgin wool blankets and natural fiber blankets generally do not belong in the dryer.

Properly Drying a Wool Blanket – Gently Does It

Drying a wool blanket requires patience and the right technique. Our method speeds up the process without damaging the fibers.

Gently Remove Moisture

After spinning, lay the damp blanket on a large cotton towel. Roll both together without wringing. The towel gently draws excess moisture from the blanket. Repeat the process with a dry towel if necessary.

Air Drying on a Clothes Rack

Spread the blanket over several clotheslines. A clothes rack is ideal as it supports the blanket evenly and allows air to circulate from all sides. Do not hang the blanket on a single line, as it could become distorted.

Do not dry the wool blanket in direct sunlight or on a radiator. Both would damage the fibers due to heat. An airy, shady spot is optimal. Turn the blanket occasionally so that it dries evenly.

Fluff After Drying

Once the blanket is completely dry, pick it up by the corners. This is best done with two people. Vigorously shake out the blanket to fluff up the pile. This shaking restores the blanket's full volume and fluffy surface.

Special Cases When Washing Wool Blankets

Not all wool blankets are alike. Special instructions apply depending on the material and processing.

Washing a Bundeswehr Wool Blanket

The classic Bundeswehr wool blanket is made of robust virgin wool and is designed for tough use. Despite its durability, the same care instructions apply as for other wool blankets. Wash at a low temperature on the wool wash program and air dry.

For heavily soiled military blankets, pre-soaking in lukewarm water with wool detergent can be useful. Let the blanket soak for about 30 minutes before starting the wash program.

Washing a Knitted Wool Blanket

Knitted wool blankets are particularly delicate. Their loose structure makes them more susceptible to deformation. For knitted blankets, prefer hand washing in the bathtub or a large container.

It is important for knitted blankets to dry them flat. Never hang a wet knitted blanket, as it can stretch and lose its shape due to its own weight. Lay the blanket flat on several towels and turn it regularly.

Washing an Old Wool Blanket

For an old wool blanket, first check its condition. Examine the blanket for moth damage, holes, or brittle areas. Damaged areas could fray further during washing.

Treat old blankets with particular care. If you are unsure, consider professional dry cleaning specializing in wool.

Dry Cleaning – Yes or No?

We personally advise against dry cleaning. The chemical cleaning process unnecessarily removes the natural residual fat content from the wool. After cleaning, the blanket is less protected from soiling than before.

Often, wool blankets smell unpleasant after dry cleaning and feel brittle. The natural softness that characterizes a high-quality cashmere blanket or alpaca blanket can be affected by the chemicals.

Dry cleaning can only be considered for special stains that cannot be removed otherwise. In this case, look for a cleaner with experience in high-quality wool products.

Properly Storing and Caring for a Wool Blanket

The best care is regular prevention. Air out your wool blanket occasionally in the fresh air in a sheltered area. High humidity is ideal for fiber regeneration.

If you will not be using the blanket for an extended period, for example during the summer months, we recommend storing it in an airtight poly bag or plastic bag. This prevents contamination by moth damage. Do not place mothballs directly on the blanket, as they can leave odors.

What to Expect After Washing

We want to be honest with you. After washing, the blanket will no longer be quite as even and fluffy in its pile as a new, unwashed blanket. The elaborate professional equipment used in manufacturing cannot be fully replicated at home.

However, the good news is that the natural properties of the wool remain intact during use. The warmth, breathability, and moisture regulation of your natural fiber blanket are unchanged after washing. Your blanket will continue to reliably keep you warm and ensure a comfortable sleeping climate.

High-quality wool blankets and natural fiber blankets from Ritter Decken will accompany you for many years with proper care. In our assortment, you will find alpaca blankets, cashmere blankets, camel hair blankets, and virgin wool blankets in specialist trade quality. If you have any questions about caring for your blanket, you can reach us by phone at 07033-32174.