Pendleton Wool Blankets: The Care Quandary
Let’s be real — your Pendleton wool blanket is not just any ordinary throw. It’s an heirloom-quality, coziness powerhouse wrapped in storied heritage. But when it comes to cleaning this prized possession, you can’t just toss it in the washing machine like your average tee-shirt. Will a washing machine be the doom of your cherished woolen companion or can you, against all odds, machine wash a Pendleton wool blanket without sacrilege? Spoiler alert: it depends on which Pendleton you have.
You feel me? Let’s unravel the fleece of truth.
Traditional Pendleton Wool Blankets: Machine Washing—A Hard No
If your Pendleton wool blanket is fashioned from traditional wool, then here’s the deal: do not machine wash it. Traditional Pendleton wool blankets are delicate creatures — machine washing can cause significant shrinking, felting, and overall fiber damage. These blankets are best left to professional dry cleaners who know the secret sorcery for preserving their quality and shape.
According to Pendleton’s official care guide, traditional wool blankets should be dry cleaned only. This method ensures the longevity of the fibers while preventing the blanket from morphing into a tightly shrunk fuzzball.
The Exception: Easy Care Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool® Blankets
Not all wool blankets send you straight to the dry cleaner. Enter the Easy Care washable Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool® blankets — a rebel subclass of wool that’s been specially treated to withstand machine washing and drying.
These fancy wool blankets come with a resin finish that protects the fibers, allowing you to use a washing machine without shattering your wool dreams. But of course, there’s a proper way to do it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Machine Washing Your Easy Care Wool Blanket
If you’re blessed with an Easy Care Pendleton wool blanket, here’s how you wash it in your machine while keeping it as cozy as ever:
- Read the care label religiously. Confirm it clearly states the blanket is machine washable.
- Use cold water — ideally between 40°F and 60°F — to minimize fiber stress and shrinkage.
- Select a gentle cycle to reduce agitation and prevent the wool from felting into a zoo of fuzz.
- Use a wool-safe detergent such as Woolite or any detergent specifically designed for wool fabrics. Avoid bleach, alkalies, and harsh chemicals.
- Wash alone or with similar fabrics to avoid friction damage.
- Avoid high heat drying. Some Easy Care wool blankets can be tumble dried on low according to label instructions. If unsure, air dry flat to prevent shrinking and shape distortion.
Following these steps will keep your blanket soft, breathable, and far from shriveled.
What Happens if You Machine Wash Traditional Wool?
Imagine that cozy, thick wool blanket suddenly morphing into a miniature version of its former self. Sounds like a nightmare? That’s exactly what happens if you toss a traditional Pendleton wool blanket into the washing machine. Machine washing agitates the fibers too much, causing irreversible shrinkage (think 3″-6″ lost) and textural changes.
Also, the natural lanolin in wool can wash away, making the fabric rough, less water-resistant, and generally sad. So take the dry-clean-only label seriously — your traditional Pendleton deserves that professional TLC.
You wouldn’t put your grandma’s fine china in the dishwasher, so why risk your blanket in the washing machine?
Alternative Care Options for Your Pendleton Blanket
If dry cleaning feels like overkill or inconvenient, here are a couple more care tips:
- Spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild wool detergent for small stains.
- Air drying your blanket regularly outside in fresh air (but out of direct sunlight) to keep it fresh between deep cleans.
These methods keep your blanket happy and extend the time between full washes or dry cleaning sessions.
The Best Wool-Safe Detergent for Your Pendleton Blanket
How do you make sure your detergent isn’t the villain here? Choose products designed specifically for wool. For instance, Woolite (India) and Woolite (Global) are pearls in the wool detergent world — gentle, effective, and exactly what your Pendleton deserves.
Learn From Related Fabric Care Guides
If you’re keen on mastering laundry care beyond your Pendleton, check out our other step-by-step machine washing guides, like how to wash patio furniture covers in washing machine and how to wash party wear dresses in washing machine. These guides exercise the same gentle, informed approach your Pendleton blanket deserves.
Final Woolly Wisdom
In summary, machine washing a Pendleton wool blanket is a nuanced affair. Traditional wool blankets must be dry-cleaned only, no exceptions. If you have an Easy Care washable Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool® blanket, machine wash it cold and gentle, using wool-specific detergent. Skip anything with bleach or heat, and you’ll keep your blanket cuddly and resilient for years.
Your Pendleton isn’t just a blanket — it’s a legacy of craftsmanship and comfort. Treat it accordingly, and it’ll never let you down.