Washing a Vintage crochet blanket?

wierddumpling

Hello everyone!

I've started de-cluttering my house and in the loft I found an old crochet blanket my nan made 30-40 years ago. I know it wont fit in my washing machine so will have to take it to the launderette.

I'm guessing it'll be alright on a wool wash, but how to dry it? Will it be alright to put it in the dryer to dry it a little so I can get it home or is that a big no no?

Any wisdom will be apreciated

kittycat204

I would hand wash in the bath and leave to dry naturally (maybe save it till a warm day). I wouldn't want to risk damaging something of such sentimental value.

wierddumpling

Thanks, I didn't think of that. I suppose I could then drape it over the washing line if we get a fine day!

TravellingAbuela

I have an enormous one I made up out of crochet squares over 40 years ago and it's still going strong. But, bear in mind, in those days machine washable knitting wool was something new and the blanket could have been made from ordinary wool, as mine is. Therefore, to avoid shrinking and milling up wash it on a the coolest washload available and allow to dry naturally.

honeythewitch

I wouldn't take it to the laundrette because there will probably be soap powder residues in the machine and these can damage wool quite badly.
Washing by hand in the bath is probably the best idea, and you will need to use pure soap flakes in very cool water.

[Deleted User]

Yep I would second that ,into the bath with L*X soap flakes or some Dr*ft in warm water and gently give it a wash.and squeeze don't wring it out as much as possible even if you roll it up in a big bath towel or sheet to do it,you don't want to pull too much at the fibres.Wait for a nice blowy day to dry off if possible,no point ruining what could be eventually something you hand on down the generations

gayleygoo

I hand wash things in the bath, often after the children have got out if the water isn't too bad. squeeze gently then allow to drip dry over a clothes horse in the bath, trying to keep it's shape. if it is maybe real wool it can be washed with soap flakes or shampoo,and a little hair conditioner added to the rinse water will soften it.

marmiterulesok

I would wash it in lukewarm water and squeeze it out without wringing it.Then I would roll it in a big towel and spin it to remove excess water and let it dry on a flat surface.