A Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning Alpaca Blankets!

Alpaca blankets are known for their softness and warmth, but they require special care to keep them clean and looking like new.

In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to cleaning your alpaca blanket, as well as tips on how to maintain its softness and longevity. Whether you are dealing with stains, or shedding, or just looking to give your blanket a deep clean, this guide has you covered.

With the right techniques and products, you can keep your alpaca blanket looking and feeling as good as new for many years to come.

How to Clean the Alpaca Blankets?

The best way to clean an Alpaca blanket is to wash it by hand, using a non-abrasive soap and lukewarm water. Alternatively, you can dry clean it or wash it in the washer. But be mindful, as the blanket can get damaged if not properly handled while washing. 

Now I am going to explain the three most useful methods for cleaning your Alpaca blanket in detail! 

3 Useful Methods on How To Clean Alpaca Blankets

Alpaca blankets usually don’t get dirty like wool. The fine fibers of the Alpaca Blanket push away moisture and dirt. It’s also known as hypoallergenic, which means it doesn’t contain allergies or bacteria at a higher level.

However, Alpaca Blankets may get dirty too. With regular usage, dust, hair, sweat, etc., can make it dank and smelly. 

So here are three methods on How to clean Alapa blankets- 

Method-1: Dry Wash

Dry wash is the most common method for washing woolly or furry materials. This method uses chemicals to wash the blankets without adding any moisture. 

It’s perfectly fine for Alpaca, as the chemicals are non-abrasive and do not damage its fine fiber. 

So if you think your Alpaca Blanket needs a wash, send it to the nearest dry cleaning company. They’ll make it clean and fluffy. 

Moreover, leave the blanket in the sun from time to time. The rays of the sun will emit bacteria and odors from the blanket. But don’t keep it out for not more than 15 minutes. Excessive heat can ruin the Alpaca fibers, and they may fade. 

Method-2: Machine Wash

Putting your washing machine can be a dangerous decision unless you know how to operate it in the right way. 

You can clean your Alpaca blanket in the washer, but ensure it’s in a convenient setting. 

Firstly, run the machine in a delicate cycle. It’s perfect for wool or same-type garments. Then wash it with cold-water settings. Hot water may shrink the blanket. 

Moreover, don’t speed-dry it in the machine. If the blanket is heated or wrung aggressively, it will get damaged. 

And lastly, use a non-abrasive, mild detergent in the washer. You’ll find many options in a shop. 

After the wash, take it out from the machine and reshape it before drying. 

Method-3: Hand Wash

If the dry wash is not available, the best method is to wash the blanket by your hand. That way, you will be able to control what you’re doing and behaving with the item.

What you need for hand washing the Alpaca blanket is- 

• A bucket or tub
• Cold/lukewarm water
• A mild detergent or non-abrasive soap. 
• A brush

First, soak the blanket in cold or lukewarm water. Never use hot water for washing Alpaca wool. You can fill the bucket or tub with water and leave the blanket in there. 

Add some mild detergent to the water. Alternatively, you can use baby shampoo as they are pretty mild. Any non-abrasive soap will also do the work. 

Let the Alpaca blanket soak entirely in soapy water for about half an hour. Now you can start washing it. 

Remember that you should never be harsh with Alpaca products. If you wring it or twist it, the fibers can get damaged. So rinse it gently, and start cleaning all the dirt. 

You may use a brush as well but be gentle with it. Never brush the blanket in the opposite direction of the fibers. But if it’s not too dirty, brushing is not necessary. 

Rinse the blanket in running water so all the dirt and soap residue can get washed out. Keep it under the running water until the blanket is entirely cleaned.

Once you’re done washing, remove the excess water very gently. To do this, just press over the Alpaca product and let the water drain out. After that, you can start drying it. 

How To Dry Alpaca Blanket?

Drying your Alpaca blanket may seem a bit difficult as it’s big and heavy, but you can’t be harsh with it. Instead, you can use dry towels to dry your blanket. 

Lay the blanket over a flat surface after removing extra water from it. You can roll it and press more to drain out more water. Now, take some dry towels and press the blanket with them. The towels will soak water from the blanket, making it start drying. You may do it several times.

Once you’re out of dry towels, let the blanket dry naturally. Leave it in a place where there’s good air circulation and ventilation. Don’t fold or reuse it unless it’s completely dry. 

Furthermore, Do not hang the blanket because the high weight can change its shape. Also, do not use any heat source on your blanket. 

You should never put the Alpaca blanket into a dryer. A dryer can heat the blanket and wring it aggressively, hurting its fine fiber and shape. 

How Frequently Do You Need To Clean Alpaca Blanket?

Alpaca blankets are resistant to dirt and microbes, unlike other woolen items. Their fiber structure also repels moisture from sitting over it. 

So, these blankets need less frequent cleaning than other insulating products. However, it’s often suggested to clean Alpaca blankets once or twice a year. 

But that also depends on the use. It needs frequent cleaning if you’re using the blanket more often and it’s in direct contact with moisture, body, and pets. 

The Bottom Line

We hope that you learned how to clean an Alpaca blanket. To summarize, the best method is dry washing the item, but if you can’t do that, do hand washing. Cleaning it into the washer is also acceptable if you use the correct settings and mild detergent.

Keep in mind not to be harsh with the product and never put it into the dryer. 

Some FAQs

Do Alpaca Blankets Shrink?

Yes, Alpaca blankets can shrink if exposed to high heat. If the blanket is kept at a high temperature or washed in heat or hot water, the fiber may contract, felt and the blanket is more likely to shrink, resulting in losing its shape. 

Why Are Alpaca Blankets Better?

Alpaca blankets provide better insulation from cold as it’s five times warmer than other wools. Also, Alpaca blankets are lighter and more resistant to dust, odor, and debris. Moreover, they are hypoallergenic, so it’s a safer option for people having allergies. 

Can I Put an Alpaca Blanket in the Dryer?

You should not put your Alpaca blanket into the dryer as the heat and friction can damage the product. It can make your blanket shrink and ruin the quality. Moreover, if the blanket tumbles in the dryer, it will cause more damage.  

How Can I Prevent Alpaca Blanket From Shedding?

If your Alpaca Blanket is shedding a lot, you can try washing it and then drying it properly. Either clean the blanket with a washer or wash it by hand. Remember not to rub or wring the material too hard. Alternatively, using a vacuum cleaner in low heat will also work to remove any loose hairs. 

Are Alpaca Blankets Durable?

Yes, Alpaca blankets are durable and can last a lot of time if taken care of properly. They are 

eco-friendly and sustainable for their texture and quality. You can expect to use an Alpaca blanket for generations.