Introduction
An Alpaca blanket is a warm, soft, and luxurious blanket made from fibers of alpacas. The blanket can be used as an accessory for your bed, couch, or even your floor. Besides being cozy, it comes with many benefits to you and the environment. For starters, alpacas are one of the most eco-friendly animals on the planet. They graze on grasses intended for them by nature instead of genetically modified grains that would otherwise take up acres upon acres of farmland space not suited to their natural growth. This means that there is little waste product at all! In this article, I will discuss how to clean Alpaca blanket. So let us get started.
A Detailed Stepwsie Guide on How to Clean Alpaca Blanket:
Step 1:
If you’re lucky not to have one already, please buy a special brush made for your alpaca blanket to help remove dirt and hair from the mantle. We recommend using only our specially formulated Alpaca Cleansing Cream or any mild shampoo of your choice (diluted). If you are having trouble finding something with similar properties, please look for gentle cleaning products free of dyes, perfumes, and other residues. A good rule of thumb is if the ingredients list ends in “sulfate,” do not use it on your alpaca fiber!
Step 2:
Please do NOT scrub vigorously at any one spot with the brush. Using circular motions is best – especially when trying to remove stains.
Step 3:
Make sure to give each section time to absorb the cleaning product before moving on to the next. We recommended working in small sections when using a brush, and when using your hands to massage the product into the blanket, always keep in mind that if you rub too hard, it may damage the fiber.
Step 4:
For any particularly stubborn stains, we recommend working some other cleaning cream into that specific area and letting it sit for an hour or more before rinsing out and continuing with step 5.
Step 5:
Rinse your alpaca blanket until all of the cleaning fluid is gone. If done correctly, there should be little to no suds at this point (which would indicate soap residue). A special note on conditioner: Some people prefer to use conditioner as part of their rinse cycle; however, since most contain oils and silicones, we recommend against it.
Step 6:
Gently squeeze any excess water from your blanket and hang it on a clothesline or lay it flat to dry (if you live in an area of high humidity, such as the East Coast, please consider laying it out on a towel to dry). A drying rack designed for delicates is recommended if available.
Step 7:
Once completely dry, fluff up your alpaca blanket as much as possible by hand to maintain its shape and softness.
Precautions While Cleaning Alpaca Blanket
Please remember that Alpaca is spotless animal, so you do not have to wash Alpaca wool. However, once in two years or more, if the blanket starts to smell of dust, you can try cleaning it gently with baby shampoo. Do not use any soap as it may damage the Wool.
Preventing Static Electricity
It is said that Alpaca gives less static electricity when compared to Wool and other forms of Fibers. However, it needs special care while cleaning them. Otherwise, they may create an electric spark that can shock you all at once, especially when you are holding the blanket. Gently rub a dryer sheet on Alpaca Blanket before using them for a few days. It will help in removing the static electricity.
Storing the blanket
Alpaca wool has a natural oil that can cause damage to other standard fabrics such as cotton and nylon, so always bear in mind to store them separately. For demonstration, we have taken a dark-colored Alpaca woolen Blanket…
Advantages of Using an Alpaca Blanket
Alpaca has been used as a significant resource for fibers. The fiber is used for different purposes, from clothing to rugs and blankets. Alpaca is one of the most popular animals that provide extraordinary warmth, which cannot be compared with other materials available in the market.
Different types of alpaca blankets
There are many benefits of using an alpaca blanket; it gives extreme warmth and comfort during winter nights and the rainy season. However, it also provides wetness protection during humid seasons and makes you feel fresh and energetic all day long. People prefer Alpaca over other types of material such as Wool or cotton because its hypoallergenic nature offers lifetime protection against allergies without causing any adverse side effects to human skin.
The alpaca material is very breathable and eco-friendly, which means it will never cause damage to the environment or people’s health by releasing harmful chemicals into the air. Anyone can use Alpaca without thinking twice but, before you go ahead and purchase an alpaca blanket for yourself or your loved one’s, there are some things that you need to know about different types of alpaca materials available in the market:
Alpaca Wool
Alpaca is famous for its luxurious Wool, which is used to make alpaca blankets. It contains lanolin, which makes the blanket highly water repellent. However, this type of fiber can trap moisture and become very heavy, especially during humid seasons or rainy days. So if your environment gets humid frequently, you may need to change your blanket after a few months of use. Also, there are great chances that it will irritate your skin if you have sensitive skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Alpaca High Loft Fiber
This type of fiber is not only hypoallergenic but also lightweight enough to provide extreme comfort even during the summer season when other material such as cotton and Wool makes you sweat. It looks pretty much like other synthetic materials; however, it is eco-friendly and has no side effects on human skin.
You can check it also to Cast Off a Loom Blanket .
Alpaca Royal Fiber
It is the most luxurious type of alpaca fiber which can be used to make different types of products such as footwear, clothes, and blankets. The best thing about this fiber is that it contains antimicrobial properties; therefore, it will never cause any allergies or irritations while using it for a more extended period. Moreover, the blanket made with royal fiber will keep you protected against dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores throughout the year without causing any side effects on your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alpaca Shrink When Washed?
Alpaca’s natural fiber does not shrink when washed. The fibers are tightly twisted and folded in, so they retain their shape after being washed.
Can You Put Alpaca Wool in the Washing Machine?
No, you cannot put alpaca wool in the washing machine. It is too delicate and can get ruined by washing machines. Instead, you should wash it by hand or use a gentle detergent like one made for delicates to keep it looking its best.
Is Alpaca Wool Dry Clean Only?
Alpaca wool is a type of fiber that can be cleaned using traditional dry cleaning methods. However, Alpaca wool cannot be laundered with water-based detergents. It is best to use a water mixture and vinegar to wash your Alpaca wool clothes at home. If you need to send them in for dry cleaning, make sure they are dry clean only.
Is Alpaca Wool Itchy?
Alpaca wool is a natural fiber that is breathable and more absorbent than other types of wool. It has been known to be hypoallergenic and can help prevent itchiness by keeping the skin hydrated. Alpaca wool’s softness, durability, warmth, and lightweight nature make it an excellent choice for sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, mittens, and coats.
Conclusion
I hope this article has offered you all the necessary instructions on how to clean Alpaca blanket. Ensure all the precautions. Thank you and have a nice day!
Check it out to learn- How to Clean a Hudson Bay Wool Blanket
