Care Guide for wool, merino wool and cotton blankets and scarves

The British Blanket Company's blankets and scarves are crafted from high-quality natural fibres, including pure wool, merino lambswool, and cotton. Natural fibres offer superior warmth, breathability, and softness compared to synthetic materials, making them a luxurious choice for your home. However, they do require more delicate care to maintain their beauty over time.

Follow our guides to keep your blanket or scarf looking and feeling its best.

 

How to Care for Pure Wool Blankets

• Air: Regularly shake out your blanket to remove dust and refresh the fibres. Wool is naturally odour-resistant, so regular airing helps to avoid washing more than necessary.
• Hand Wash: When hand-washing wool, use cold water and a wool-specific detergent. Gently agitate without wringing to avoid felting.
• Machine Wash: If your blanket is labelled as machine washable, you must use a delicate wool cycle. This should be a specialist short cycle with cool water and minimal agitation and spin to avoid shrinking and felting - do not use a standard cold wash. Avoid fabric conditioners as these can clog natural fibres.
• Drying: Remove immediately from the drum, lay your blanket flat on a clean towel and roll it up to gently squeeze out excess water. Then hang to dry ensuring even weight distribution to avoid stretching. Do not wring or tumble dry.
• Storage: Fold your blanket and store it in a breathable cotton bag. You can add natural moth deterrents like cedarwood or lavender.
• Pilling: Fluffy wool blankets shed at first and develop small pills (bobbles), especially in areas of friction. Remove these gently by hand or with a wool comb to restore a smooth surface.
• Suitability: Our wool blankets are not recommended as protective chair / sofa covers as friction leads to premature wear and pilling.

 

How to Care for Cotton Blankets

• Machine Wash: Wash your cotton blanket at 30°C on a short cycle. Wash separately to preserve the vibrant colours.
• Drying: Hang your blanket to dry naturally, allowing fresh air to circulate. To achieve an even softer finish, the air-dried blanket can be given an optional short cold tumble dry to fluff up the fibres.
• Pilling: Brushed cotton blankets may occasionally pill, especially in high-friction areas. Remove any pills carefully with a fabric shaver or by hand to maintain a smooth texture.
• Suitability: Our cotton blankets are not recommended as protective chair / sofa covers as friction leads to premature wear and pilling.

 

How to Care for Merino Lambswool Blankets & Scarves

• Air: Shake out your blanket or scarf to remove dust and hang it in the fresh air for an hour or so to refresh the fibres. Wool is naturally odour-resistant, so regular airing helps to avoid dry cleaning more than necessary.
• Dry Clean Only: Merino wool is a delicate fibre, and professional dry cleaning is recommended to preserve its softness and structure.
• Spot Cleaning: For minor marks, blot gently with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid rubbing, which can damage the fine fibres.
• Storage: Fold your blanket and store it in a breathable cotton bag. Consider adding natural moth repellents such as cedarwood or lavender.
• Pilling: Merino wool can develop pills with use, particularly in areas of friction. Remove these carefully by hand or with a wool comb to keep the fabric smooth. 
• Suitability: Our merino blankets are not recommended as protective chair / sofa covers as friction leads to premature wear and pilling.

 

By following these care tips, your blanket or scarf from The British Blanket Company will remain a cherished item for years to come. The small effort you invest in their care will ensure that they continue to provide warmth, comfort, and style, showcasing the natural beauty and superior quality of these luxurious fibres.