Washing a Throw....Help!!!

Yes I would!

My machine has a short wash programme 30C temp, gentle action, 30mins start to finish.

It also has a programme for hand wash wool and one for silk.

I think the most important thing is the temperature. Keep it as low as possible.

Good luck.

BTW, what fabric is it?

Thanks, phoenix, I should have said it's 70% wool, 30% acrylic so it should be OK, surely?

I have a short delicates programme on my washing machine as well. Failing that I can hand wash it and use the short spin programme.

I'd risk a cold wool wash but only the shortest spin. Dry outside if possible or flat and if necessary iron while damp.

I have three throws that I rotate and need to wash if the dog goes on them. One is tartan, like you describe merlot. It has a fringe, too. All say 'dry clean only.' I put them on the cool machine wash and they come out fine.

PS use hand / woollens washing liquid. Not powder or "blobs".

Yes, I think I'll invest in some suitable washing liquid. I use Aldi's washing gel for everything at the moment.

All my other throws come from Tesco or The Range. You can just chuck them in the machine and not worry about them but the colours and patterns are nothing like as nice as the one from Dunelm Mills.

If you wash it it will go a bit thicker. And slightly smaller.

I could live with that.

Just washed a wool/silk/mohair wrap from M&S by hand in delicate hand wash liquid. The label said dry clean, it came out perfectly. I never dry clean small items, only hand wash. Manufacturers often put 'dry clean' on labels to cover themselves. I have also been known to wash dry clean only scarves in liquid bathroom soap. They always come out ok. X

Don't let it hang around damp any longer than you can help. Spin out as much of the water is possible, and shake it (maybe even pull the sides out a bit) before letting it dry flat and spread out with air getting to both sides.

If it can't go outdoors, lay it on a bed of towels and change them when you turn it over. (If you then give the towels a go in the tumble-dryer they will be dry for you to turn the throw again. Better than trying to tumble the throw. - #instantexpensivefelting

I've had a lovely red tartan throw for several years - it too has the fierce Dry Clean Only label. It has been washed, carefully, a good number of times and is still bright, soft and cheerful. I think manufacturers just put the DCO label on to cover themselves against customer claims in the event of washing damage.

My Barney has a few wool mix dog throws and they ahve all been washed in the machine evry one says DCO I just have to remember to change the temp on the machine to 30 I do tend to do a short spin and then blot any excess water in a towel and then hang to dry natually,never had any problems.

I have a wool skirt from Laura Ashley ,really ancient and due for a throw out. But I love it and decided to unpick it to use as a pattern . Found a label hidden by the lining saying cool machine wash. Must have spent a fortune dry cleaning it over the past ten years . These days I think you should be able to machine wash everything

ive washed many an item that says dry clean only..either by hand or on delicates in the machine ive never taken anything to the dry cleaners...ive never had anything thats been spoiled by doing so...

God I chuck everything in the machine..... only ruined ne thing in 20 years , and didnt like it much anyway !

Thanks, everyone. I've never bothered to read labels before and have just chucked everything in the machine but I will take extra care with this throw because it's just what I was looking for and you know that feeling that your luck might just run out??

If allowing dogs on furniture might it not be a good idea to have plastic covers ? could just give them a quick wipe over with a damp cloth.

Dogs don't usually like plastic covers harrigran

Oh, I didn't know that, just thought it sounded practical.