How to Wash a Wool Blanket at Home Without Shrinking It (Expert Care Guide)
🧼 How to Wash a Wool Blanket at Home Without Shrinking It (Expert Care Guide)
Wool blankets are known for their warmth, durability, and timeless beauty — but many people hesitate to clean them at home for fear of shrinkage or damage.
The good news? Some wool blankets can be safely washed at home when done gently and correctly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through the safest way to wash wool blankets, how to dry them properly, and how to keep them soft and beautiful for years to come.
✅ Can You Wash a Wool Blanket at Home?
Yes — many wool blankets can be washed at home, especially those labeled as washable wool or made with modern finishing techniques.
However, wool requires:
- Cold water
- Gentle handling
- Mild detergent
- Air drying only
- Heat and agitation are what cause wool to shrink — not water itself.
🖐️ The Safest Way to Wash a Wool Blanket (Hand Washing Method)
Hand washing is the gentlest and safest option for most wool blankets.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Fill a tub or large basin with cold water
- Add a small amount of gentle wool detergent
- Submerge the blanket fully
- Gently swish (do not scrub or twist)
- Let soak for 10–15 minutes
- Drain and refill with clean cold water to rinse
- Press out excess water without wringing
✔ Keep movements slow and light
❌ Never rub aggressively or twist
🌀 Can You Machine Wash a Wool Blanket?
Only if the care label specifically allows it.
If permitted:
- Use wool or delicate cycle
- Cold water only
- Mild detergent
- Low or no spin
- For extra protection, wash alone or inside a large mesh laundry bag.
When in doubt — hand wash.
🌬️ How to Dry a Wool Blanket Properly
Never put wool in the dryer. Never us heat when air drying.
Best drying method:
- Lay flat on clean towels or drying rack
- Gently reshape while damp
- Allow to air dry fully
- Rotate occasionally for even drying
- Avoid:
❌ Heat sources
❌ Hanging heavy wet wool
❌ Direct prolonged sunlight
🧴 How to Keep Wool Blankets Soft After Washing
To maintain softness:
- Wash infrequently
- Use gentle detergent only
- Skip fabric softener (it coats fibers)
- Air dry flat
- Store properly between seasons
Wool naturally softens with gentle care over time.
⚠️ Common Wool Washing Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Hot water
🚫 Heavy agitation
🚫 Regular laundry detergent
🚫 Tumble drying
🚫 Wringing or twisting
These are the top causes of shrinkage and stiffness.
🌿 Wool Blanket Washing FAQs
Can washing shrink a wool blanket?
Yes — hot water and agitation can cause wool fibers to felt and shrink. Cold water and gentle handling prevent this.
How often should you wash a wool blanket?
Most wool blankets only need washing once or twice per year unless stained. Airing them out often reduces odors naturally.
What detergent should I use for wool?
Use a mild wool-safe detergent or gentle soap. Avoid bleach, enzymes, or harsh cleaners.
Can I use fabric softener on wool?
No. Fabric softeners coat wool fibers and reduce breathability and softness over time.
Is hand washing safer than machine washing?
Yes — hand washing gives you full control and is the gentlest option for most wool blankets.
🧵 Final Tip: Gentle Care = Long Life
Wool is naturally resilient — but responds best to soft handling. When washed properly, a quality wool blanket can last decades while staying beautiful and comfortable.
For premium and heirloom wool blankets, many owners still prefer professional dry cleaning for occasional deep cleaning.
(For a full comparison of washing vs dry cleaning wool blankets, read our expert care guide here.)