Did you know that Pendleton blankets are made from wool? That’s why they’re so warm and cozy – and prone to shrinking. To keep your Pendleton blanket in top shape, follow these steps for how to wash a Pendleton blanket correctly. In addition to being soft and warm, wool has many other benefits. It is naturally flame-resistant, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and self-healing. These properties make wool garments ideal for active lifestyles and enduring wear. If you own a Pendleton blanket, read on to learn how to wash it properly.
How To Wash A Pendleton Blanket
- Wash by hand. Wool is naturally flame-resistant, so it’s important to wash your Pendleton blanket by hand. Wool also doesn’t absorb stains very well, so you should avoid bleach and brighteners or any other harsh detergents. Instead, use cool water and a mild detergent made specifically for wool garments.
- Avoid hot water. Hot water can cause shrinkage in wool blankets – this is true of all wool garments, but especially of Pendleton blankets since they are made from a natural fiber that shrinks when exposed to heat.
- Don’t wring or twist the blanket and don’t put it in the dryer! These actions can cause permanent damage to your Pendleton blanket and shorten its lifespan significantly — even more than washing it by hand!
- Check the label instructions for specific care instructions for washing your Pendleton blanket with other items made with wool (e.g., sweaters). If you are unsure about how to wash a Pendleton blanket, check the label instructions first before washing – this will ensure you get the best possible result from your woolen friend!
- Check for shrinkage. After washing, check for shrinkage by placing the blanket on a flat surface and pulling gently on both ends. If the blanket has shrunk, you may need to repeat the process of hand-washing the garment and check for shrinkage.
- Dry flat! Once dry, hang your Pendleton blanket from a hanger to dry – never in a dryer! – so that it can retain its shape and avoid future shrinking or pilling.
Who Should Wash A Pendleton Blanket?
- You should wash your Pendleton blanket as often as necessary, based on the care instructions.
- If you’re uncertain how often to wash it, follow the care instructions that came with your blanket – usually they say to machine wash cold, gentle cycle.
- If you are worried about shrinkage and want to guarantee a perfect fit, use cold water and gentle detergents. You can use Woolite or another brand of detergent that contains wool enzymes for the best results.
- You can also use a wool detergent specifically made for Pendleton blankets.
- Use a mild soap to clean the blanket after washing.
- Do not dry your Pendleton blanket in an automatic dryer (but you’re free to hang it on a shower rod or clothesline).
When To Wash A Pendleton Blanket
1. Wash Your Pendleton Blanket At Least Once A Year
The most important thing to remember when washing a Pendleton blanket is to use cold water and low heat. This will help you preserve the natural properties that make wool such an amazing fabric. Wool is a natural fiber, so it will shrink if washed in hot water or dried in high heat.
2. Use Cold Water
Cold water will help keep the wool fibers strong and elastic, which means your Pendleton blanket won’t shrink as easily when washed and dried correctly. You can wash your Pendleton blanket in your washer’s cold rinse cycle, or you can put it in a cold tub of water while you’re showering or bathing. (You can also place it inside a pillowcase for extra protection.) The best temperature to wash wool is between 40°F and 60°F, but you should never wash your Pendleton blanket in hot water or dry it on high heat. You can follow the instructions below for how to wash a Pendleton blanket on low heat with cold water if you’re new to washing wool products but want to learn more about how to wash wool blankets properly before purchasing one for yourself!
3. Wash Your Pendleton Blanket In A Cool Dryer Cycle Only
This final step is essential for the long-term care of your Pendleton blanket! Your best option is to use the low-temperature setting of your dryer instead of the standard high-heat setting. If you’re new to washing wool, make sure to follow the instructions below for how to wash a Pendleton blanket on low heat with cold water before purchasing one for yourself.
4. Dry Your Pendleton Blanket On Low Heat
Low heat is the key to keeping your Pendleton blanket looking like new. You can dry your Pendleton blanket on low heat with cold water using a dryer or by hanging it up to dry outside in a cool, dry place. You should never dry your Pendleton blanket on high heat or in the sun. To make sure you’re drying your Pendleton blanket on low heat with cold water, use a clothesline or hang it up with a clothespin to avoid wrinkles and excess creasing when drying. If you’re new to washing wool, make sure to follow the instructions below for how to wash a Pendleton blanket on low heat before purchasing one for yourself!
The Dangers Of Washing A Pendleton Blanket
It Shrinks
Wool is a natural fiber and will naturally shrink after being washed. This is normal and isn’t a reason to avoid washing your Pendleton blanket. But it is important to be mindful of how you wash your wool blanket.
It Can Be Damaged
If you wash your Pendleton blanket too frequently, it can break down the fibers and cause damage to the blanket itself. If this happens, then you will need to get a new Pendleton blanket (or at least get it professionally cleaned).
It Will Smell Bad
Wool has a natural odor. But if you wash your Pendleton blanket too often, the smell will become worse. This can be a nuisance and will negatively affect the appearance of the blanket.
It Can Be Stained
Washing wool can cause it to become stained, especially if you are washing it often. This is why it’s important to be mindful of how often you wash your wool blanket.
It Will Loses Its Shape
Wool can shrink as well. This is why it’s important to wash your Pendleton blanket with care. If you wash your Pendleton blanket too frequently, it may lose its shape and become misshapen.
How To Wash A Pendleton Blanket
1. Make Sure The Blanket Is Dry First
If you have a Pendleton blanket that is not yet fully dry, the next step is to make sure it is completely dry. To do this, hang the Pendleton blanket for at least five days. If you are planning to wash your Pendleton blanket and you’re worried about shrinking, hang it for at least two weeks before washing it.
2. Wash The Blanket In Cold Water
You can wash your Pendleton blanket in hot water, but cold water – as in cool water – is recommended. This will help keep the wool fibers from becoming brittle and prevent them from shrinking too much. If you use hot or warm water, be careful not to let the wool fibers get too wet. This will cause them to shrink and become brittle.
3. Use A Wool-Backed Detergent To Avoid Damage To The Fabric
Once the wool fibers are clean, they need protection to keep them soft and pliable while they dry out. You can use Woolite or wool wash if you want your wool items to retain their natural color after washing; otherwise, choose a gentle detergent that doesn’t contain any bleach or brighteners such as Tide or Dreft Original Scent Washing Soda Laundry Detergent (non-detergent). You also don’t need any special detergents for wool blankets because they contain so many natural anti-static agents that will keep them from getting fuzzy.
4. Use A Dryer Sheet To Protect The Fabric From Static
A dryer sheet is not necessary for wool blankets, but you can use one if you want to keep the wool fibers from getting fuzzy. If you are going to use a dryer sheet on your Pendleton blanket, it should be a fabric-backed sheet that does not contain any synthetic materials. This is because synthetic materials can cause static and damage the fibers of your Pendleton blanket.
5. Avoid The Dryer Cycle
If you want your Pendleton blanket to be soft when it comes out of the dryer, avoid using the dryer cycle at all costs. When in the dryer cycle, wool blankets will shrink and lose their shape, becoming stiff and limp instead of soft and fluffy like they were before they went into the dryer. Using a heat-activated detergent instead of an ordinary detergent while washing your Pendleton blanket will help keep it from shrinking as well as protect it from static electricity damage while in the wash cycle if you must use the dryer cycle.
Conclusion
A wool blanket is an excellent addition to any home, provided it’s cared for properly. Follow these steps for how to wash a blanket correctly and you can enjoy your wool blanket for years to come. More importantly, you can rest assured knowing that you’re keeping your home clean by preventing allergens and other harmful particles from collecting in your blanket. If you have an allergy-prone family member, having a wool blanket is an excellent way to decrease the risk of dust mite infestations and other allergic reactions.