Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500381
06/24/03

Laundering Blankets, Woolen


Check that wools can be washed and dried, some labels
may specify dry cleaning. Measure a woolen blanket before
washing. It should be blocked or stretched to original
size after laundering.

Pretreat spots 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 1
minutes spin, slowly advance the timer to the deep rinse
cycle. Allow washer to finish 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 dryer. Preheat 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 wile 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.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from the Soap and
Detergent Association.

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This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08. Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact strausc@msu.edu .