Cleaning Woolen Blankets
Most blankets can be machine washed and dried. Check
that wools can be washed and dried, some labels may
specify dry cleaning. Depending on the construction of
the blanket, synthetics and those made of cotton can be
washed on a permanent press, knit or delicate cycle.
Synthetic blankets and those made of cotton may be dried
using the permanent press cycle and temperature. Use
highest heat setting if the dryer has no permanent press
setting. Dry completely; do not overdry to avoid
wrinkling. Remove blanket from dryer as soon as the
machine stops. A fabric softener may be used in the washer
or dryer to help reduce static cling and make a blanket
soft and fluffy. To line dry a blanket, hang it over two
parallel lines. Smooth and straighten edges. Change the
position and straighten again, when partially
dry.
Measure a woolen blanket before washing. It should be
blocked or stretched to original size after laundering.
Pretreat spot and stains. If the binding is heavily
soiled, brush it prior to laundering with a liquid
detergent or a paste made of detergent granules or soap
and water. Or use a prewash soil and stain remover. Wash
only one large blanket at a time.
Fill the washer with warm or cold water depending on
the degree of soil, and a cold water rinse. Add detergent
or soap. Agitate briefly to dissolve the product
completely. Stop the washer; add the blanket. Distribute
it loosely and evenly around the agitator. Soak for 10 to
15 minutes, depending on the amount of soil. Start the
washer and advance the control until agitation stops and
wash water has been pumped out of the tub. After about a
1 minute spin, slowly advance the timer to the deep rinse
cycle. Allow washer to finished the wash cycle
automatically.
Dry a woolen blanket on the high temperature setting.
To absorb moisture and dry a blanket more quickly, place
3 or 4 dry towels in the dryer. Preheat the towels for 3
to 5 minutes. This helps absorb moisture, dry blankets
rapidly and avoid pilling caused by long tumbling. Place
the blanket in the dryer with the warm towels. Set dryer
control for about 20 minutes. Check the blanket after 10
minutes. Remove while still slightly damp to avoid
shrinkage.
Place blanket on flat surface or over two lines to
finish drying. Stretch it to its original shape. When the
blanket is completely dry. brush gently to raise nap.
press binding with a cool iron, if needed.
Tumble drying knitted woolens is not recommended.
Instead, trace the outline of the blanket on a clean piece
of paper.
After washing. block by finger pressing gently to this
outline. Let the garment dry to this shape.