As the crisp fall air settles in, there's nothing better than wrapping up in your favorite blanket. Whether it’s a handmade knit, a vintage throw, or a classic wool blanket, with regular use they need proper care to stay clean and soft. Here’s how you can maintain your blankets’ longevity and keep them snuggle-ready with the help of Eucalan.

WHY PROPER CARE MATTERS

Wool and other delicate fabrics require special attention to prevent shrinking, stretching, or damage. Unlike synthetics, natural fibers need gentle washing that preserves their texture and shape. With over 35 years of experience, Eucalan is designed specifically to extend the life of delicate fabrics like wool and linen, making it the perfect partner for caring for your coziest blankets.

Classic Wool Blankets

Wool blankets are timeless but can be tricky to clean due to their tendency to shrink in high temperatures or become rough with improper washing. By using lukewarm water and Eucalan’s wool-friendly formula, you’ll ensure that your wool blankets stay soft, warm, and ready to keep you cozy. Since Eucalan is a no-rinse wash, there’s no need for aggressive wringing or spinning, which can harm wool fibers.

Vintage or Hand-Me-Down Quilts
Vintage quilts and hand-me-downs hold sentimental value and often come with fragile, aged fabrics. Washing them with care is crucial for maintaining their structure and colors. Eucalan’s gentle formula is safe for these delicate fibers, allowing you to clean vintage textiles without harsh chemicals. Plus, its added lanolin helps to soften and preserve older fibers.

Knitted Throws
Knitted throws, whether hand-knit or machine-made, can be delicate and prone to stretching or losing shape over time. Handwashing in Eucalan is recommended to preserve the structure on these. After washing, lay the throw flat on some towels to dry, reshaping it if necessary to prevent stretching. For heavier knitted throws, washing in sections or, if necessary, using a mesh laundry bag in a machine’s delicate cycle can help protect the knit from excessive tension.

Plush Throws
Furry or fluffy throws are perfect for adding texture and warmth to your living space, but they can be magnets for dirt and debris. Eucalan not only removes dirt and odors but keeps synthetic fibers fluffy and fresh without flattening their loft. It's especially useful for throws that can't be machine-washed, ensuring they're cleaned without losing their plushness.

Linen Duvet Covers and Sheets
Linen bedding is breathable and perfect for transitioning between seasons. When caring for linen, a gentle wash cycle is best to minimize friction and avoid damage. Steer clear of bleach and fabric softeners, as they can weaken the linen’s natural fibers over time. Air drying is recommended as it’s more gentle and helps extend the lifespan of your linen. If you choose to tumble dry, use a cool setting to prevent shrinkage and reduce wear, and be careful not to overload the machine.

Duvet Inserts and Comforters
Duvet inserts and comforters, especially those filled with down or alternative down, need special care to maintain their loft and insulation. Eucalan’s gentle, no-rinse formula is perfect for keeping these bulky bedding items fresh and clean without flattening the fill. To preserve the structure, use a delicate wash cycle, and dry using dryer balls on a low heat setting to fluff the filling and prevent clumping.

Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags, whether down-filled or synthetic, need special care to maintain their insulation and loft. Eucalan’s gentle, no-rinse formula is perfect for cleaning these bulky items without damaging the fill or waterproof coatings. For best results, wash in a large basin or tub, or use a front-loading washing machine on a delicate cycle. When drying, opt for a low heat setting with dryer balls to help fluff the insulation and prevent clumping, or hang the sleeping bag to air dry for a more gentle approach.

1. Fill a Basin with Tepid Water | Use a basin, sink, clean plastic storage bin, bathtub, or top-loader filled with cool or tepid water. Avoid hot water, especially for wool items, as it can cause fibers to shrink. 

2. Add Eucalan Delicate Wash | Pour in the appropriate amount of Eucalan (about one teaspoon for a gallon of water). Choose a scent that matches the season or your preference—Lavender for a soothing touch, Grapefruit for a fresh, uplifting aroma, or Eucalyptus for a calming, cozy feel.

3. Gently Submerge Your Blanket | Immerse the blanket in the water and gently swish it around. Apply Eucalan directly to trouble areas and massage in with your fingers before submerging it under water. Let the blanket soak for 15-30 minutes to allow Eucalan to penetrate the fibers and break down dirt, oils, and odors. 

4. No Need to Rinse | One of the best things about Eucalan is that it’s a no-rinse formula, meaning you don’t have to rinse out the product. This saves water and reduces handling of delicate items, which can lead to wear. Squeeze out excess water, but do not wring. 

5. Drying Options | Lay Flat, Hang, or Delicate Tumble

• For the gentlest approach, lay your blanket flat. To manage larger blankets, place towels on the floor or a table, and gently spread out the blanket to its natural shape. You may need to periodically replace damp towels or flip the blanket to ensure even drying.
• If space is limited, hang the blanket to dry. Use a sturdy clothesline or drying rack and drape the blanket evenly over it. To avoid stretching, fold the blanket in half or thirds before hanging, and make sure the weight is evenly distributed. For wool or delicate fabrics, it's important to avoid hanging from the corners, as this could distort the shape.
• For a quicker option, you can use your dryer on a no-heat or low-heat 'delicate' setting. Place the blanket in the dryer along with wool dryer balls to help fluff the fibers and reduce drying time. Make sure to periodically check the blanket to avoid overdrying. This is a great option for synthetic or less delicate blankets, though it should be used cautiously with natural fibers like linen and wool.

1. Prepare a Gentle Laundry Bag | Invest in a large, mesh laundry bag designed for delicates. This will help protect the fibers of your blanket while keeping it loosely contained during the wash. Make sure the blanket fits loosely inside the bag to avoid stressing the fabric or causing creases.

2. Select the Right Wash Settings | Set your washing machine to a delicate cycle. Be sure to choose cold water or lukewarm water at most to prevent shrinkage or damage to natural fibers.

3. Use Eucalan Delicate Wash | Add the appropriate amount of Eucalan to your machine. The no-rinse formula is ideal for machine washing as it eliminates the need for extra cycles and keeps delicate fabrics soft and well-conditioned.

4. Avoid Spin or Agitation​​​​​​​ | If your machine has an option to reduce the spin or agitation speed, use it. High-speed spins can be too rough on delicate fibers, leading to pilling or distortion. A gentle spin will still remove excess water without stressing the blanket.

5. Dry Properly​​​​​​​ | Once the wash is complete, remove the blanket from the laundry bag and gently reshape it if necessary. Choose from the drying options in our handwashing instructions above.

Avoid Machine Washing
For delicate throws, opt for hand-washing over machine washing to prevent damage, pilling, or rough textures. Knitted throws and quilts can loosen or snag easily.

Spot Treat When Needed
For small stains or spills, use Eucalan stain-treating wipes to tackle spots without needing to wash the entire blanket.

Refresh Between Washes
A light spritz of Eucalan Delicate Wash in a spray bottle, diluted with water, can freshen up your throws between washes and keep them smelling wonderful.

Store Properly | Keep your blankets in a cool, dry place, ideally folded neatly in a breathable cotton bag to prevent musty odors from developing.

With proper care using Eucalan, your blankets will remain as soft and comforting as the day you first wrapped them around yourself. From handmade knits to classic wool blankets, keep your fall and winter essentials fresh, clean, and ready for every cozy night ahead.