Advice on cleaning wool blankets stored in Naphthalene Flakes

[Oonah]

I recently bought a couple of wool blankets online. They arrived packed in Naphthalene flakes....UGH....they're sitting out in the garage until I can figure out what to do with them (I missed the return/exchange window : ). I planned to use the blankets to cover some drafty windows in our old house.

If I throw them out on the clothesline, how long should it take for the flakes to evaporate? I have read that a residue is left behind after the flakes evaporate....can I wash these wool blankets on a gentle cycle?

Any tips or advice getting the flakes and/or smell off of these blankets?

Thanks!

[jocelyndale]

Sunshine (with a breeze) is the only way to remove napthalene. The flakes/balls outgas and the gas solidifies onto the fibers. Water doesn't remove the solid, you just have to wait for it to sublimate. Sunlight and moving air are the only ways to do it.

It may take a day or two, it may take weeks.