It's generally not recommended to put blankets or wool garments in the dryer, especially if they are made of 100% wool or other delicate natural fibers. Dryers can subject fabrics to high heat and mechanical agitation, which can lead to shrinking, felting, and damaging the fibers.
Here are some guidelines for drying blankets and wool garments:
Air Dry: The best way to dry wool garments and blankets is to air dry them. Lay them flat on a clean, dry towel or a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Gently reshape the item to its original dimensions if needed.
Pat and Squeeze: If the wool item is slightly damp after hand washing, you can gently pat and squeeze it with a dry towel to remove excess water before air drying.
Block Drying: For larger wool items like blankets, you can "block" them during the drying process. To block, gently stretch and shape the damp blanket to its original size while laying it flat on a towel or clean surface. Allow it to dry in this stretched shape.
Avoid Hanging: Hanging wool garments can cause them to stretch and lose their shape, so it's best to avoid hanging them to dry.
Use a Dryer Rack: If you prefer using a dryer for convenience, you can place a dryer rack inside the dryer and lay the wool garment or blanket flat on the rack. This way, the item is not tumbling inside the dryer, reducing the risk of damage.
Read the Care Label: Always check the care label of your wool item for specific drying instructions. Some wool blends or modern wool garments may have been treated to withstand machine drying. If the care label allows for machine drying, use a gentle cycle and low heat setting.
Use Dryer Balls: If you decide to use a dryer for wool items that allow machine drying, consider adding dryer balls to the load. Dryer balls can help reduce drying time and minimize the risk of static cling.
Remember that wool is a delicate natural fiber, and proper care is essential to maintain its quality and longevity. When in doubt, it's best to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer or opt for air drying to ensure the safety and preservation of your wool garments and blankets.