How to Wash Alpaca Wool Blanket Without Sacrificing Its Quality? Alpaca wool is perfect for keeping you warm and cozy but tricky to clean.
Blankets made from this luxurious material need special care to maintain their softness and warmth. Though they outlast other materials, washing them incorrectly can damage the fibers.
Once this happens, your blanket will lose its beautiful, original shape and feel.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to ensure that your alpaca wool blanket lasts for years.
This article will show you how to wash alpaca wool blankets.
Table of Contents
- Does Alpaca Wool Shrink When Washed?
- How to Machine Wash Alpaca Blanket?
- How to Hand-Wash Alpaca Blankets?
- How to Dry an Alpaca Blanket Safely?
- Wrapping Up How to Wash Alpaca Wool Blanket
Does Alpaca Wool Shrink When Washed?
How much an alpaca wool blanket shrinks depends on the percentage of alpaca wool in the blend.
Blankets made of 100 percent alpaca wool will shrink more than those blended with synthetic or natural fibers. Shrinkage occurs if washed with hot water as well.
The method of confection also influences shrinkage. It’s best always to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for washing and drying your blanket.
Fortunately, alpaca wool blanket fibers resist lots of shrinkages when treated correctly. Therefore, you won’t have to put your blanket through the washing process very often.
How to Machine Wash Alpaca Blanket?
(delicate hand wash cycle on the washing machine)
Let’s look at how to safely machine wash an alpaca blanket.
Pat the Blanket
Pat the blanket with your hands to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Hang it up to make this process easier. Start from the middle and work your way outward.
Set the Washing Machine
Set the washing machine to delicate with cold water. Cold water prevents shrinkage, while the lower spin setting helps preserve the blanket’s shape.
Add Detergent
Choose a mild soap or detergent for washing the blanket. Harsh chemicals may damage the delicate fabric, so avoid using bleach and other harsh cleaning products.
Avoid adding too much detergent. Too much detergent will make the blanket stiff and dry. It may even require you to rewash it.
Also, don’t use fabric softener. It can compromise the softness of the alpaca wool.
Start the Wash Cycle
Allow the washing machine to complete its cycle.
Hang Dry OR Dry them on a Flat Surface.
Remove the blanket from the washer and hang it on a line. Or lay it flat on a surface to dry. Avoid using direct sunlight to dry the blanket since the heat can induce shrinking.
You can use a fan to speed up the drying process if needed.
How to Hand-Wash Alpaca Blankets?
(soaking blanket in mild detergent and cold water)
Some may prefer to hand-wash their alpaca wool blanket as it is gentler on the fibers. It also preserves the blanket’s authenticity much longer. Here’s how to do it.
Fill a Bucket or Sink with Water
Fill a bucket or sink with cold water. Mix the mild detergent into the water until it’s dissolved.
Submerge the Blanket
Submerge the blanket and let it soak for up to 15 minutes. Soaking will allow the dirt and grime to loosen up. If the blanket has deep ingrained debris or spots, allow it to soak for 30 minutes.
Rinse Thoroughly
Gently agitate the blanket in the soapy water and then rinse it until all the soap dissipates.
Hang Dry OR Dry them on a Flat Surface.
As mentioned before, allow the blanket to air-dry. Using a fan will speed up the drying process.
How to Dry an Alpaca Blanket Safely?
(blankets hanging dry on a clothesline)
Drying an alpaca blanket takes just as much caution as washing it.
The goal is to keep the blanket’s shape and softness while preventing it from shrinking. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Remove Excess Water
Since you won’t use a dryer, removing as much water from the blanket is essential. Leaving excess water in the fabric can cause it to stretch when hanging out to dry.
Not to mention, it will take much longer to dry. After rinsing, wring out excess liquid. Avoid handling the blanket roughly during this process, as it can damage the fabric.
Hang them Dry Or Lay Them on a Flat Surface.
Hanging the blanket on a line allows air to circulate through and around it, which speeds up drying. If you don’t have access to an outdoor clothesline, lay the blanket flat on a surface.
Allow it to Air Dry
Allow the blanket to air dry completely. Avoid the temptation to use the dryer for even 10 minutes.
Reshape and Fluff
Sometimes, your alpaca wool blanket will lose shape during washing and drying. To restore it, reshape the blanket while it’s still damp.
Then fluff it with your hands when it’s dry. It will help restore its original shape and fluffiness.
Store Properly
Most people won’t need to store their alpaca wool blanket. But if you have to, make sure to do it properly.
Wrap the blanket in a breathable fabric or airtight container to protect it from dust and insects.
Avoid folding it tightly to prevent wrinkles. Also, try to place it in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. It will help preserve the blanket and prevent mold and damage.
Wrapping Up How to Wash Alpaca Wool Blanket
(beautiful, well-maintained alpaca wool blanket)
Your priceless alpaca wool blanket will last many years with proper care and maintenance.
Remember always to use a gentle detergent, take care during washing and drying, and store the blanket properly.
These tips will help keep your alpaca wool blanket looking and feeling new. Also, remember that you can take your blanket to a specialized dry cleaner.
They’re experienced and know how to handle delicate fabrics without damaging them.