How To Wash Blankets: A Comprehensive Guide 2024
Blanket maintenance is vital for cold climates where winters are short or long because, in both cases, such textiles need good cleaning. A musty smell must be cleaned properly if the sheets and blankets are removed from storage. A lot of washing is required during the winter season because the heavy use of rugs is inevitable. As for the clean blankets, they control the development of bacteria and parasites that contribute to the transmission of diseases.
All blankets are not the same; thus, specific materials must be treated differently for use and must be washed according to their washing schedule. In this blog, we will guide you through some key points you must remember to maintain the best condition of your blankets and throws for comfort.
Washing Instructions for Different Blanket Fabric Types
In addition to carefully washing the type, it is also important to know the correct washing technique so that the blankets can serve their purpose for as long as possible.
How To Wash Cotton Blankets
Cotton blankets are probably the most basic kind of blanket that serves both mild and cold temperatures. They are lightweight, so washing them is not a problem. To clean cotton blankets, use general or cold water; adding a little mild detergent would suffice. Surf-colored blankets have a downside, as they may get discolored if you wash them in warm water, so wash them just in cold water, not warm.
How To Wash Fleece Blankets
Fleece blankets should be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. The different wash settings may be too harsh for the fleece, causing knots. Consider using less detergent than you’d usually use during a wash so that the fibers will not become too hard and coarse.
Rather than a harsh laundry detergent, try a much gentler one. Stay away from bleach and softening agents, the last two known to destroy the material’s integrity. Following the instructions on the washing care label (depending on the dryer), you can either air dry the blanket or use the tumble dry setting.
How To Wash Knitted Blankets
It would be best to use a mesh garment net for your machine wash to maintain the shape of your knitted blanket and prevent stretching or snagging. Use low water temperatures and a mild detergent on the gentle cycle. Do not use fabric softener, bleach, or other harsh cleaning solutions. Dry your knitted blanket after washing it on a big, clean, thirsty towel. Roll the towel into a tube shape, keep it taut, and press it out to eliminate the excess water. Spread the blanket on its four sides to air-dry it. Drying a blanket by hanging it might lead to overstretching the knit or breaking the shape of it.
How To Wash Sherpa Blankets
The best practice is normally using cold water, as it automatically prevents shrinkage, keeps color bright, and reduces fabric wear. Again, in the next step, go for a mild, delicate detergent designed especially for blankets or fragile items. Frequent soaps can be harsh and create pilling on the sherpa's surface, so it is advisable to avoid them.
How To Wash Crochet Blankets
When it comes to materials other than wool, washing your crochet blanket is very straightforward! If you are comfortable with it, use a delicate laundry bag. Put the soft and bleach-free laundry in the gentle cold-water cycle. To remove moisture, air dry as you would a wool item or select the heatless tumble dry setting on low.
How To Wash Fluffy Blankets
Washing fluffy blankets needs tender treatment to be sure they do not lose their fluff and stay unbroken through the wash cycle. First, read the label carefully for specific instructions on water temperatures that should be used and how the garment should be washed. Fluffy blankets are usually washed in cold or lukewarm water with a gentle cycle to prevent damage to the fibers. When choosing a detergent, opt for a mild type that is bleach and harsh chemical-free to avoid flattening the blanket fiber. After washing, instead of using machine drying, lay the blanket flat or hang it over a drying rack so it won’t get deformed or stretched. Having dried it out, fluff the blanket manually or with a gentle heat setting on the dryer to regain its softness and thick volume.
Best Way To Wash Blankets
How to wash blankets in washing machine? It would be best to consider a few things to give them an even softer feel and look like the day you bought them.
● Preserve your blanket from stains by washing it alone without throwing other things, such as your other clothes, into the washing machine. While you could technically wash the blanket in the washing machine (if it is large enough to hold and support the weight of the blanket when it is soaking wet), it is important to wash towels and sheets separately to prevent the shed lint and pill-like texture that could develop if they were washed together.
● Warm water or even cold water will be perfect for your cycle. Make sure to use hot water and put your blanket in the dryer. Avoid this because it can cause the blanket to shrink and potentially damage some fabric types. Avoid using heat, which kills bacteria; use a good washing detergent instead.
● If your wash machine has an agitator, turn it off. Agitators may also destroy delicate blankets.
● Whenever possible, use the gentle mode of your washing machine to give your blankets a smooth, lint-free texture.
How Often Should You Wash Blankets?
It is best to clean your throw blankets approximately once or twice per month depending on the frequency of your use, whether people have pets in your household, and whether anyone in that house caught an illness. It may be that you will rinse them more often, but you will have the possibility of washing them seldom since they are mostly decorative in a guest room, on a back chair, or on a sofa that is not used much.
Conclusion
Following appropriate washing and storage techniques can prolong their service life and maintain their quality for several years. Applying the tips in the article, you will find it easy to refresh your blankets by removing dust and smelliness and keeping them from losing their softness and heat. Be sure to study the care instructions of the manufacturer who provided the garment, as they will help to prevent possible damage to delicate fabrics or loss of thermal insulation.