How to Soften a Wool Blanket

How to Soften a Wool Blanket
Published: Jan 21, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

If you want to return the wool to its pretreated softness, you can try a soaking technique involving softening agents.

Things You Will Need

  • Large tub
  • No-rinse wool wash
  • Measuring spoon
  • Bed sheet
  • Leave-in hair conditioner (optional)
  • Distilled white vinegar (optional)
  1. Fill a large tub with lukewarm water and add 1 tsp. of no-rinse wool wash that contains a softener such as lanolin. To increase the softness, add a dime-sized portion of leave-in hair conditioner.

  2. Agitate the water with your hands to disperse the wool wash.

  3. Submerge the wool blanket in the wash solution. Hold the blanket under the water for a few seconds, as this will encourage the fibers to absorb water.

  4. Soak the blanket for at least 15 minutes (30 if the wool fabric is extra-thick).

  5. Remove the blanket from the basin, squeeze out excess moisture without wringing the fabric and lay it out on a bed sheet in a dry spot that receives indirect sunlight.

The Drip Cap

  • If you own a wool blanket that you're reluctant to use because the fabric feels hard and itchy, try softening it.
  • To increase the softness, add a dime-sized portion of leave-in hair conditioner.
  • Hold the blanket under the water for a few seconds, as this will encourage the fibers to absorb water.

Photo Credits

Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Heidi A. Reeves

Heidi Reeves writes in Alexandria, Va. She got her first writing and editing job in 2001, when she worked as editor-in-chief of her undergraduate newspaper. Since then, she's earned a Master of Fine Arts at The University of Alabama, where…

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