Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash an Alpaca Wool Blanket at Home
Alpaca wool blankets are some of the softest, coziest options for keeping you warm in the chillier months. But whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire or cuddling your kitten while binging the latest season of your favorite show, spills and mishaps are inevitable. Alpaca wool blankets require special care to maintain their softness, shape, and quality. With the right techniques and a little bit of attention, you can safely wash your alpaca wool blanket at home. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to wash your alpaca wool blankets yourself.
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Before washing your alpaca wool blanket, carefully read the instructions provided on the care label. This tag will offer guidance from the manufacturer on water temperature, washing methods, special precautions, and additional information you may need to know, like wool blend. If your care label only has symbols, be sure to check our Laundry Symbol Decoder Guide. While adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations is a good idea to avoid damaging the blanket, our instructions below are a gentle and safe approach that will work for nearly all alpaca wool blankets.
Step 2: Spot Clean if Necessary
If your alpaca wool blanket has any localized stains or spills, it’s best to spot clean them before proceeding with a full wash. Gently dab the affected area with a mild detergent or a specialized stain remover. Use a soft cloth or sponge and work from the outer edges of the stain towards the center to prevent spreading.
Pro Tip: You know you’ve fully saturated the stain when you can feel or see the suds on the reverse side of the blanket!
Step 3: Prepare a Gentle Washing Solution
Depending on the size of your blanket, fill a basin or bathtub with cold water. Add a small amount of mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics or wool. Always avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach as they can damage the fibers. Stir the water gently to create a mild, soapy solution.
Step 4: Gently Agitate and Soak
Place the alpaca wool blanket into the prepared washing solution, ensuring it is fully submerged. Gently agitate the water by swishing the blanket back and forth, making sure not to stretch or rub the fabric aggressively. This will help loosen dirt and impurities and flush them out of the blanket’s fibers. Allow the blanket to soak for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 5: Rinse the Blanket Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water and refill the basin or tub with clean cold water. Carefully lift the blanket and gently press it to release any excess detergent. Submerge the blanket in the clean water and swish it around to rinse off any remaining soap residue. Repeat this rinsing process until the water runs clear and free of suds, indicating that all detergent has been removed.
Step 6: Remove Excess Water
After rinsing, gently squeeze the blanket to remove excess water. Never wring or twist the fabric, as this can cause stretching or damage. You can place the blanket on a clean towel and loosely roll it up to absorb additional moisture. A beach towel works best thanks to their size, but you can fit the blanket on a regular towel by doubling it over as necessary. Repeat the rolling process with a dry towel if needed.
Step 7: Air Dry Flat
Lay the alpaca wool blanket flat on a clean, dry towel or a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Ensure that the blanket is spread out evenly without any folds or creases. Allow it to air dry completely, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours depending on the thickness of the blanket.
Pro Tip: Blankets are large, and it may be difficult to find a flat surface on which to dry them. While tempting, avoid hanging the blanket from a clothes line! Wet blankets are heavy, and hanging them like this places all of the weight on a single fold point and can dramatically stretch out the fibers.
Step 8: Gently Fluff and Store
Lay the alpaca wool blanket flat on a clean, dry towel or a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Ensure that the blanket is spread out evenly without any folds or creases. Allow it to air dry completely, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours depending on the thickness of the blanket.
Pro Tip: Blankets are large, and it may be difficult to find a flat surface on which to dry them. While tempting, avoid hanging the blanket from a clothes line! Wet blankets are heavy, and hanging them like this places all of the weight on a single fold point and can dramatically stretch out the fibers.
Conclusion
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can safely wash your alpaca wool blanket at home without compromising its quality. If you’d like more expert information on how to wash alpaca wool blankets, this article has more tips! Remember to always refer to the care label for specific guidance and use gentle techniques to avoid damaging the delicate fibers. With proper care, your alpaca wool blanket will continue to provide warmth and cozy comfort for many more years to come.