Natural wool, especially merino wool and New Zealand wool, has a unique fibre structure. Each fibre is covered with microscopic scales which, under the right conditions, help the blanket stay elastic, fluffy and resilient. However, hot water, harsh detergents and friction can cause these scales to catch onto one another. As a result, wool may shrink and felt, losing its softness.
There is good news, however: wool naturally contains lanolin, an animal wax that helps repel dirt and makes wool less prone to absorbing odours. This means your FleeCozy blanket rarely needs intensive cleaning. Most of the time, airing it outside in fresh air is enough. But what should you do when it is finally time to wash it?
Step-by-step guide: How to safely wash a wool blanket
When caring for premium textiles, there is one golden rule: hand washing or a dedicated gentle washing machine programme.
1. Machine washing, if the care label allows it
Modern washing machines often have precise wool programmes, sometimes certified by textile institutes such as Woolmark. If your blanket is suitable for machine washing, follow these parameters:
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Programme: Choose only “Wool” or “Hand Wash”.
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Temperature: Strictly maximum 30°C. Even 40°C may be too harsh for delicate merino wool.
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Spin cycle: Turn the spin cycle off completely or set it to the lowest speed, maximum 400 rpm.
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Detergent: Use only detergents intended for wool, preferably liquids containing lanolin. Standard washing powders may contain enzymes that can damage the natural protein structure of wool.
2. Hand washing, the safest method
Fill a bath or large basin with lukewarm water, up to 30°C, dissolve the right amount of lanolin wool detergent and immerse the blanket. Do not rub or wring it. Gently press the blanket with your hands for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it in water at exactly the same temperature.
Correct drying: Forget the classic washing line
Never hang a wet, heavy wool blanket on a washing line or vertically on a traditional drying rack. Under the weight of the water, the fibres may stretch permanently and the blanket can lose its shape.
How to dry it correctly, flat drying:
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After washing, lay the blanket on a large, dry terry towel, roll it up and press gently so the towel absorbs excess water.
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Unroll the blanket and lay it horizontally, flat on a drying rack, placing a dry fabric underneath.
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Dry away from direct sunlight, radiators and underfloor heating.
Wool pilling: How to deal with it
The appearance of small bobbles, known as pilling, on the surface of a blanket is not a manufacturing defect but a natural physical process. Short wool fibres move to the surface through everyday friction and join together.
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Solution: Use a special fabric shaver for clothing or knitwear, or a gentle wool brush. Hold the fabric taut and move the device carefully over the surface. Never pull the bobbles off with your fingers, as this can draw out more fibres.
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Prevention: Use throws mainly as a cover or decorative textile. Avoid sitting on them in rough denim with metal zips or other abrasive details.
Seasonal storage: Protection from moths and dust
When the warm summer months arrive, your blanket should be protected properly:
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Cleanliness comes first: Before storing the blanket, wash it according to the care label or air it thoroughly. Moths are attracted to traces of skin particles, perfume and other residues.
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Breathable packaging: Use cotton or non-woven fabric covers. Avoid vacuum bags, as wool fibres deprived of airflow may become permanently compressed and lose their fluffiness.
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Natural protection: Place a small lavender sachet or cedar blocks inside. Avoid chemical moth tablets, as wool can easily absorb synthetic smells.
Summary: Your comfort, your rules
Caring for a FleeCozy wool blanket requires a little attention, but in return you get a product that can keep its beauty and warmth for many years. Natural materials reward proper care by maintaining their original colour, softness and thermal comfort.
