Felted Wool Blanket Care: Wash, Repair, Store

Felted wool blankets, prized for their warmth and durability, require specialized care to maintain their integrity. Improper handling can compromise the blanket’s structure; therefore, understanding appropriate techniques is crucial. Fiberworks, a noted institution for textile arts, emphasizes the importance of gentle washing methods to prevent further felting. Strategic repairs using a felting needle, a tool designed to interlock wool fibers, can mend minor damages and extend the life of the felted wool blanket. Proper storage, particularly in cedar chests, provides a natural deterrent against moths and other pests that can damage the wool fibers.

Caring for Your Felted Wool Blanket: A Comprehensive Guide

A felted wool blanket is a beautiful and investment piece, offering warmth, comfort, and natural elegance. However, its unique construction requires a specific approach to care, ensuring its longevity and preventing damage. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of washing, repairing, and storing your felted wool blanket to maintain its quality for years to come.

Understanding Felted Wool

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what felted wool is. Unlike woven wool, felted wool is created by matting wool fibers together using moisture, heat, and agitation. This process creates a dense, interlocked fabric that is strong and resistant to fraying. This also means it’s more sensitive to harsh cleaning methods. Improper care can lead to excessive shrinkage, distortion, or damage to the felted structure.

Washing Your Felted Wool Blanket

Washing a felted wool blanket requires a gentle and deliberate approach. Avoid the temptation to simply toss it in a washing machine without careful consideration.

1. Spot Cleaning: For minor spills or stains, spot cleaning is often sufficient.

   • Gently blot the affected area with a clean, damp cloth.
   • Use a mild, pH-neutral soap diluted in water if necessary. Avoid harsh detergents or bleach.
   • Rinse thoroughly with clean water and blot dry.
   • Allow the area to air dry completely.

2. Hand Washing (Recommended): Hand washing is the safest method for cleaning a felted wool blanket.

   • Fill a large tub or basin with cool to lukewarm water.
   • Add a small amount of pH-neutral wool wash or a very mild soap.
   • Submerge the blanket and gently agitate the water to loosen dirt and debris. Avoid excessive rubbing or twisting.
   • Let the blanket soak for 15-30 minutes.
   • Drain the soapy water and rinse the blanket thoroughly with cool, clean water until all soap residue is removed.

3. Machine Washing (Proceed with Caution): If you choose to machine wash, use extreme caution.

   • Only use a front-loading machine, as top-loading machines with agitators can be too harsh.
   • Select the delicate or wool cycle.
   • Use cool water and a pH-neutral wool wash.
   • Place the blanket inside a mesh laundry bag to provide extra protection.
   • Important: Ensure that the spin cycle is either disabled or set to the lowest possible speed. Excessive spinning can cause shrinkage and distortion.

4. Drying: Proper drying is crucial to prevent damage.

   • Never put a felted wool blanket in a tumble dryer. The high heat will cause it to shrink drastically and potentially become misshapen.
   • Gently squeeze out excess water without twisting or wringing the blanket.
   • Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface, such as a drying rack covered with a towel.
   • Reshape the blanket as it dries to maintain its original dimensions.
   • Turn the blanket periodically to ensure even drying.
   • Allow the blanket to air dry completely, which may take several days.

Repairing Your Felted Wool Blanket

Felted wool is relatively durable, but it can still be susceptible to damage, such as snags, holes, or thinning areas.

1. Snags:

   • Use a needle or small crochet hook to gently pull the snag back into the blanket’s surface.
   • Avoid cutting the snag, as this can create a weak spot.

2. Small Holes:

   • Felting Needle Repair: For small holes, felting needles can be used to interlock surrounding fibers to close the gap. You’ll need a felting needle tool and potentially a foam block to work on.
   • Patching: Choose a piece of felted wool that closely matches the blanket’s color and texture. Trim the patch slightly larger than the hole. Using a needle and thread, carefully stitch the patch onto the blanket, using a whip stitch or blanket stitch. You can then lightly felt the edges of the patch to blend it with the surrounding material.

3. Thinning Areas:

   • If a specific area is thinning but not yet torn, you can reinforce it by carefully stitching a piece of felted wool to the back of the blanket in the weakened area.

Storing Your Felted Wool Blanket

Proper storage is essential for protecting your felted wool blanket from pests, moisture, and dust.

1. Cleaning Before Storing: Ensure the blanket is clean and completely dry before storing it. This will prevent mold, mildew, and insect infestations.

2. Folding and Protection: Fold the blanket neatly and place it in a breathable storage bag or container. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew growth. Cotton or linen bags are ideal.

3. Pest Prevention:

   • Add cedar chips, lavender sachets, or mothballs to the storage container to deter moths and other pests that can damage wool.
   • Consider storing the blanket with acid-free tissue paper between the folds to prevent creasing and further protect the wool fibers.

4. Storage Location:

   • Store the blanket in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid storing it in damp basements or hot attics.
   • Keep the storage container away from direct sunlight, which can fade the color of the wool over time.

Aspect	Recommendation	Reasoning
Washing	Hand wash whenever possible; machine wash with extreme care only	Gentle cleaning avoids shrinkage and damage.
Drying	Air dry flat	Prevents shrinkage and distortion from high heat.
Repairing	Address snags and small holes promptly	Prevents minor damage from escalating.
Storage	Clean, dry, breathable container with pest control	Protects from mold, mildew, pests, and fading.

So, that’s the lowdown on keeping your felted wool blanket looking and feeling its best. A little care goes a long way, and with these simple tips on washing, repairing, and storing, you can enjoy its cozy warmth for years to come. Happy snuggling!