Washing and caring for a camel hair blanket - Here's how to do it right

Camel hair blankets are durable and easy to care for if you follow a few basic rules. We show you how to gently clean your blanket, dry it correctly, and keep it in shape for a long time.

Washing a camel hair blanket. The right care for noble natural fibers

Washing a camel hair blanket is one of those care steps that are rarely necessary, but when done correctly, they significantly extend the life of your blanket. At Ritter Decken, we have been processing the finest natural fibers for over 250 years and know from experience what is important when caring for camel hair. The fiber has natural self-cleaning properties that keep maintenance low. Nevertheless, there are situations in which thorough cleaning makes sense. In this guide, you will learn how to gently wash your camel hair blanket, which detergent is suitable, and how to dry the blanket correctly after cleaning.

Why camel hair deserves special care

Self-cleaning properties of camel hair fiber

Camel hair is one of the natural fibers with particularly pronounced self-cleaning properties. The fine hairs have a scale structure that naturally repels small dirt particles and odors when in contact with moisture. Regular airing in the fresh air is therefore sufficient in most cases to keep your camel hair blanket fresh and clean.

This property makes camel hair a particularly easy-care material. Compared to synthetic fibers, camel hair hardly absorbs odors and quickly releases moisture. By shaking it out daily, you support this natural cleaning process and preserve the structure of the fiber.

Precisely because the camel hair fiber is so effective, you should only wash the blanket when it is really necessary. With each wash cycle, the hair loses a small part of its natural fat layer, which is responsible for its temperature-regulating properties.

What distinguishes camel hair from virgin wool and cashmere

Camel hair contains significantly less lanolin than virgin wool. Lanolin is the natural wool fat that can cause skin reactions in many people. The low lanolin content makes camel hair particularly skin-friendly and at the same time simplifies care, as fewer residues remain in the fiber.

Compared to cashmere, camel hair is more robust and resistant to mechanical stress. While cashmere is extremely fine and delicate, camel hair tolerates machine washing on a gentle cycle better. Nevertheless, camel hair also deserves gentle treatment so that the fiber retains its soft texture and warming properties.

The hollow fiber structure of camel hair provides excellent thermal insulation with low weight. This property is best maintained if you wash your camel hair blanket as rarely as possible and instead rely on regular airing.

How often should you wash your camel hair blanket?

Throws and bedspreads

Camel hair blankets used as throws or bedspreads on the sofa come into contact with body perspiration less frequently. In these cases, it is usually sufficient to air the blanket thoroughly every few months and to treat individual stains selectively if necessary. A complete wash is only required once or twice a year with normal use.

Make sure to shake out the throw regularly. This loosens the fibers and removes loose particles such as dust, crumbs, or pet hair. Fresh air, preferably with a light breeze, is particularly good for the camel hair blanket.

If your throw is used in a household with children or pets, a shorter washing interval may be advisable. Observe the condition of the blanket and only wash it if airing and shaking out alone are no longer sufficient.

Camel hair duvets and sleeping blankets

For camel hair duvets, which are used every night, we recommend washing every six to twelve months. Although some of the nightly body perspiration gets into the filling, the camel hair reliably wicks moisture away. Leaving the duvet open in the morning and airing the bedroom well helps the natural fiber regenerate.

If possible, use a duvet cover that protects the camel hair duvet from direct skin contact. This significantly extends the intervals between washes. The cover can be washed at higher temperatures without problems and keeps the actual filling clean.

Listen to your gut feeling. If the duvet no longer feels fresh despite regular airing or shows visible soiling, a wash is appropriate.

Washing a camel hair blanket in the washing machine

Temperature and wash program

If you wash your camel hair blanket in the washing machine, select the wool wash cycle or delicate cycle at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures can damage the fiber and cause shrinkage. The spin speed should not exceed 800 revolutions per minute, as excessive spinning will felt the camel hair.

Make sure the blanket has enough space in the drum. For a camel hair blanket with a filling weight of up to approx. 1,200 grams, a standard household washing machine is sufficient. Heavier blankets should preferably be washed by hand or professionally cleaned, as the mechanical stress in the drum becomes too great.

Wash the camel hair blanket individually, without other laundry items. This avoids friction and ensures that the blanket can move freely in the drum. A second rinse cycle thoroughly removes detergent residues and prevents residues in the fiber.

The right detergent for camel hair

Only use a mild wool detergent that contains re-greasing components. These components partially compensate for the natural loss of fat from the camel hair fiber and keep the hair supple. From our experience as a manufacturer who deliberately avoids softeners and synthetic aids, we know how sensitive natural fibers react to aggressive cleaning agents.

Fabric softener is taboo for camel hair. It sticks the fine scales of the fiber together and ultimately destroys its natural self-cleaning properties. Detergents with optical brighteners or bleaching agents are also unsuitable, as they can attack the fiber structure and change the natural color of the camel hair.

Dose the wool detergent sparingly. Too much detergent leaves residues in the filling that are difficult to rinse out. The manufacturer's instructions on the packaging provide good guidance for the correct amount.

Washing a camel hair blanket by hand

For larger or particularly delicate camel hair blankets, hand washing is the gentlest method. Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water, no warmer than 30 degrees, and dissolve a small amount of wool detergent in it. Place the blanket in the water and gently press it down several times.

Allow the camel hair blanket to soak in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes. Occasionally move the blanket gently back and forth, without rubbing, wringing, or kneading it. These movements are sufficient to loosen dirt and sweat from the fiber.

After soaking, drain the water and rinse the blanket thoroughly with clear, lukewarm water. Repeat the rinsing process until no more detergent residues are visible in the water. Gently squeeze out the water without wringing the blanket.

Drying a camel hair blanket correctly

Why the dryer is taboo

A tumble dryer is not suitable for camel hair blankets. The heat and mechanical movement in the drum will felt the fine fibers and can permanently damage the blanket. Even at a low temperature setting, the risk is too high that the camel hair will lose its soft texture and volume.

In addition to felting, machine drying also risks shrinking the blanket. The natural fibers react sensitively to dry heat and contract. What may go off without a hitch when washing at 30 degrees can lead to irreversible damage in the dryer.

Instead, take the time for natural drying. Your camel hair blanket will thank you with long-lasting softness and dimensional stability.

Drying flat and turning regularly

Dry your camel hair blanket flat on a drying rack or over several parallel clotheslines. This distributes the weight of the wet blanket evenly and helps the filling retain its shape. Avoid hanging the blanket by individual points, as this will concentrate the weight in a few spots and distort the fiber.

Turn the blanket every few hours so that both sides dry evenly. Gently pull the blanket into shape as you do so. Especially with duvets filled with camel hair, thorough drying is crucial, as residual moisture in the filling can lead to mold growth.

Choose a well-ventilated place for drying. A room with an open window or a shaded outdoor spot is suitable. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV radiation can bleach the camel hair fiber over time.

Removing stains from a camel hair blanket

Not every stain requires a complete wash. For small, fresh stains, a spot treatment is often sufficient. Dampen the affected area with lukewarm water and apply a small amount of mild wool detergent or baby shampoo.

Gently dab the stain with a soft cloth, working from the outside in to avoid spreading the stain. Do not rub, as rubbing can roughen and felt the camel hair fiber. Allow the detergent to soak in for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.

After treating the stain, let the area air dry. Place a dry towel under the damp area to absorb excess moisture. The quicker you treat a stain, the better the results. Dried-in stains are much more difficult to remove.

Professional cleaning for camel hair blankets

In some cases, professional cleaning is the better option. For camel hair blankets with a filling weight over 1,200 grams, for stubborn stains, or if you want to be on the safe side, we recommend taking it to a textile cleaner.

Dry cleaning uses special solvents that remove dirt without water. This process protects the camel hair fiber and preserves the natural properties of the filling better than wet washing. Make sure to choose a cleaner that has experience with natural hair blankets and takes into account the care symbols on your blanket.

Ask the cleaner specifically about the process. Modern textile cleaners are increasingly working with environmentally friendly solvents that are less harmful to both the fiber and the environment. Further general information on blanket care can be found in our care instructions.

Storing camel hair blankets correctly and protecting them from moths

Storage when not in use for a longer period

If you are not using your camel hair blanket during the summer, store it clean and dry. Wash or air the blanket thoroughly before storing it. Skin flakes and sweat residues attract moths and carpet beetles and should be removed before storage.

Store the blanket flat in the wardrobe, ideally in an airtight polyethylene bag. This reliably protects the camel hair fiber from moth infestation and keeps dust away. Vacuum bags are less suitable, as the strong pressure compresses the fiber structure in the long run.

Check the stored blanket briefly every few weeks. Occasional airing and rearranging prevents pressure marks and gives you the assurance that there is no pest infestation.

Natural moth protection for natural hair blankets

Moths avoid certain natural scents. Lavender sachets, cedarwood blocks, or cloves in the wardrobe keep pests away without using chemicals. Place the scents near your camel hair blanket, but not directly on the fiber, to avoid staining.

Replace the scent sachets regularly, approximately every two to three months, as the essential oils evaporate over time and lose their repellent effect. Cedarwood can be refreshed by lightly sanding the surface.

Keep the wardrobe clean and dry. Moths prefer dark, damp environments. Regular wiping of the inner surfaces of the wardrobe and occasional opening of the wardrobe doors for air circulation create a climate in which moths do not thrive.

Frequently asked questions about caring for camel hair blankets

Can a camel hair blanket shrink?

Yes, at too high a washing temperature or too strong spinning, a camel hair blanket can shrink. Therefore, stick to a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 800 revolutions per minute. In the wool wash cycle or delicate cycle of your washing machine, these values are usually preset.

Is camel hair suitable for allergy sufferers?

Camel hair contains only a very small amount of lanolin and is considered particularly skin-friendly. Many people who are sensitive to virgin wool tolerate camel hair blankets very well. High-quality processed camel hair, such as that produced in our factory in Weil der Stadt, undergoes cleaning processes that largely remove potential allergens.

Can a camel hair blanket go in the dryer?

No. A tumble dryer will felt and permanently damage the camel hair fiber. Always dry your camel hair blanket flat in the air. This step requires some patience, but it preserves the softness and dimensional stability of the blanket.

Conclusion

Washing and properly caring for your camel hair blanket is uncomplicated if you follow the basic rules. Regular airing replaces washing in most cases. If cleaning becomes necessary, protect the fiber with the wool wash cycle at 30 degrees and a mild wool detergent. Dry the blanket flat in the air and store it in a closed bag with natural moth protection when not in use. This way, your camel hair blanket will accompany you for many years as a warming and cozy companion.