Before the invention of washing machines and dry cleaners, wool was always washed safely by hand. With a bit of care, you can still do so without shrinking the blanket.
Difficulty Level:
Average
Time Required:
90 minutes
Here’s How:
- Fill a large wash tub, or your bath tub, with cool – lukewarm water.
- Add a mild soap, such as dishwashing liquid, to the water (no bleach).
- Place the wool blanket into the soapy water.
- Allow the blanket to soak for about an hour.
- Any soiled spots can be gently hand-rubbed in the water to release the dirt.
- Drain the water from the tub.
- Refill the wash basin or tub with cool – lukewarm water.
- Hold the blanket away from the running water, so that the water is not spraying onto the blanket, or it might felt that part of the blanket.
- Allow the blanket to soak in the rinse water for a few minutes.
- Drain the water from the tub.
- Squeeze any excess moisture from the blanket.
- Hang the blanket to dry outside, or drape over the shower curtain rod in your bathroom and allow to air dry.

