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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.

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

Source: MSU Extension

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