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Caring for and Cleaning Wool Blankets: The Complete Care Guide

Care Instructions

Caring for and Cleaning a Wool Blanket

A Scottish wool blanket made of lambswool, Merino, Shetland , or cashmere is an investment—and with the right care, it will last for decades. Wool is naturally stain- and odor-resistant and requires significantly fewer washes than synthetic alternatives. These instructions will show you how to keep your blanket in top condition for years to come.

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1

Ventilate regularly

Wool is breathable and naturally releases odors when aired out—without needing to be washed. Hang your wool blanket out in the fresh air regularly, preferably in the shade. Shake it out vigorously beforehand to dislodge any loose dust particles.

Just two to three hours of fresh air is enough to refresh a blanket that has been in use for a while. This simple ritual significantly reduces the number of washes needed—which protects the fibers and extends the blanket’s lifespan.

2

Brush with a soft brush

To keep your wool blanket in top condition, the fibers should lie flat and in the same direction. Lay the blanket flat on the floor and gently brush it with a soft wool brush in the direction of the fibers. This removes surface dirt and loose fibers and prevents pilling.

Never brush against the grain—this damages the wool’s structure and causes it to mat. Brush one side at a time, using even, light pressure.

3

Treat Stains Immediately and Gently

Wool is naturally stain- and water-resistant—but only for a short time. Take immediate action if a liquid spills on the blanket:

  • Use warm water and a mild, high-quality wool detergent.
  • Never scrub —the friction causes pilling and can permanently damage the fibers.
  • Apply the wool detergent to the stain, let it sit for a moment, and then gently blot it with a soft, clean cloth.
  • Let the treated area air dry while lying flat—never hang it up, as the wet fabric may stretch.

Note on pilling: Slight pilling is normal for natural wool and does not indicate a quality defect—it occurs especially during the first few weeks and decreases over time. Pills can be carefully removed with a wool stone or lint shaver. Never pull them off.

4

Washing—Rarely, But Properly

Wool blankets need to be washed much less frequently than synthetic blankets. With proper airing and stain treatment, a full wash is often needed only once per season or less.

All of our wool blankets—dry cleaning only

We recommend that all wool blankets in our collection—whether made of lambswool, Merino, Shetland , or cashmere— be dry-cleaned exclusively by a professional. Machine washing can cause the blanket to shrink, felt, or lose its shape permanently due to heat and the force of the spin cycle. Only targeted stain removal (Step 3) should be done gently by hand.

5

Drying – lay flat; never put in the dryer

After washing or treating stains, the method of drying is crucial:

  • Dry flat —on a clean, dry towel on a flat surface. Never hang to dry —the weight of the wet fabric stretches the fibers.
  • No “ Tumbler ” —heat causes wool to shrink. Even a short spin in the dryer can permanently distort a blanket.
  • No hair dryer —even targeted hot air damages the fiber structure.
  • Do not leave in the sun —direct sunlight will fade the colors of wool. Let it dry in the shade.
6

Proper Storage—To Prevent Moth Damage and Moisture

Wool blankets that are not used for an extended period of time require special care when stored—especially to protect them from clothes moths, which are particularly attracted to wool and cashmere.

  • Always store items clean —moths are attracted to body oils and food residue. Always clean items or have them dry-cleaned before storing them.
  • Store in an airtight container—such as a tightly sealed plastic box or a linen bag. Do not store on an open shelf.
  • Cedarwood and lavender —natural moth repellents without chemicals. Our Tweed lavender sachets protect your clothes and have a pleasant scent.
  • No naphthalene mothballs —the chemical odor penetrates deep into the wool and is nearly impossible to remove.

For detailed information on moth protection, please see our complete guide to moth protection.

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Brief Overview

Care at a Glance

Regularly Air it out and brush it gently—that's all you need for everyday care
Stains Immediately—warm water + mild wool detergent; never scrub
Washing Dry cleaning only —applies to all of our wool blankets
Washing Machine Never —wool shrinks and felts
Drying Lay flat to air dry—no dryer, no hair dryer
Storage Store properly—airtight—in cedar or lavender
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The Scottish Shop

Our Wool Blanket Collection

Handcrafted Scottish wool blankets made from lambswool, Merino, Shetland , and cashmere—they'll last a lifetime with proper care.

Additional Care Instructions

Caring for Your Picnic Blanket
Cleaning, Storage, and Stain Removal
Protecting Wool from Moths
Natural Remedies, Proper Storage, Emergency Plan
Cashmere: The Complete Guide
Quality, Origin, and Care Explained
Buying a Wool Blanket: A Guide
Weight, Fiber Type, Origin—What to Look For

"You buy a good wool blanket once—and take care of it for a lifetime."

Curated with love for Scotland by The Scottish Shop – authentic Scottish products, delivered throughout Europe.