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How to Wash Blankets: A Comprehensive Guide 2023
How to Wash Blankets A Comprehensive Guide with Tips and Tricks to making your Blanket last longer
Keeping your blankets clean is a task that every household faces. Some blankets require more care than others, and following the care instructions is vitally important to maintaining the condition of your Blanket and its longevity.
Blankets are an essential part of any home
Blankets are essential in every home, but they should be cared for as they can harbor dirt, dust, and bacteria if not washed regularly.
Whether you have a favorite throw blanket or a set of bedding blankets, it's essential to know how to wash them properly to keep them fresh and clean.
Blankets require periodic cleaning, but not all blankets must be washed as often as expected.
A good example is Wool blankets, which have exceptional properties and are self-cleaning to a degree, and require far less upkeep than a synthetically made blanket.
However, they still require TLC to keep them looking great and able to provide the thermos-regulation and other benefits they are known for.
Blanket care should be foremost when you decide to purchase new blankets. Let's explore the essential steps when washing a blanket.
Steps to washing blankets
The main characteristic of a blanket to remember before you decide to wash it for the first time is the type of fabric the Blanket is made from.
Most synthetic blankets are machine washable, but natural fiber blankets like wool and cotton are mostly gently washed by hand (if possible). Here are a few essential steps to follow when washing your blankets:
1. Check the care label of your Blanket.
Before washing any blanket, it's essential to check the care label for specific instructions.
The care label will provide information on the recommended washing temperature, whether the Blanket can be machine washed if it needs to be hand washed, and if it can be tumble dried or air dried.
Following the care label instructions will help ensure that your Blanket is washed correctly and doesn't get damaged.
If unsure, you can contact the blanket manufacturer, who will provide the necessary care instructions.
2. Pre-treat stains on your Blanket
Before washing your Blanket, it's crucial to pre-treat any stains.
There are many different tips and ideas for removing stubborn stains, but it's always best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations first.
Use a stain remover or a mixture of water and laundry detergent to spot-clean any areas with stains.
Regular dishwashing liquid is safe, but you may have to dilute it slightly. Let the pre-treatment sit for a few minutes before dabbing the excess moisture away. This will help ensure that the stains are removed during the wash cycle.
Avoid using bleach on colored blankets, as it can cause discoloration. This may be a good option if you cannot remove a specific stain, and your Blanket can be dry-cleaned.
Ideally, try and remove stains as they occur or as soon as you notice them.
Spot-cleaning a blanket between washes will not harm it if you rinse the detergent or cleaning agent from the area you've just cleaned.
3. Choose the correct washing machine settings.
If the care instruction indicates that you can machine wash the Blanket, choosing the correct washing machine settings is vital to ensure that the Blanket is cleaned effectively without causing damage.
A gentle or delicate cycle with cold water is advised for most blankets.
4. Use the correct detergents and softeners.
Use a mild detergent only and avoid fabric softeners at all costs, as they can leave a residue on the Blanket and reduce its softness.
You must only use a small amount of detergent as more detergent will not clean your Blanket any better.
Much like fabric softeners, excess detergent can stick to the fibers and make your Blanket feel less soft.
If your Blanket is particularly large or heavy, consider washing it in a commercial-sized machine or at a laundromat to ensure it is properly cleaned.
5. Wash your Blanket on Gentle Cycles
You can wash most blankets weighing up to 20 pounds in your washing machine at home and using a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
A polyester fleece blanket is naturally stain-resistant, so a cold-water wash with minimal detergent should clean your fleece blanket.
Pre-treat tough stains with a drop of dishwashing liquid and set it on the spot for about 10 minutes before blotting it away.
6. If you have the means, hand wash wool in cold water
Wool blankets naturally repel dirt and stains and must only be washed in water once or twice a year. Wool blankets should ideally be gently washed by hand in cold water.
The Blanket should be pressed and folded while washing.
Wool blankets are hypoallergenic, antibacterial, antifungal, and odor-resistant. They are also super easy to clean and, in most cases, are as simple as airing the Blanket out on the washing line for a few hours. The wind will blow any trapped dust away.
A cold-water wash, either in a washing machine or by hand, is a standard prerequisite for nearly all blanket types as it prevents possible shrinkage or deformity. Avoid using bleach, which can damage your Blanket's fibers over time.
Wool blankets naturally repel dirt and stains and must only be washed in water once or twice a year. Wool blankets should ideally be gently washed by hand in cold water. The Blanket should be pressed and folded while washing.
Wool blankets are hypoallergenic, antibacterial, antifungal, and are odor -resistant they are also super easy to clean and, in most cases, are as simple as airing the Blanket out on the washing line for a few hours. The wind will blow any trapped dust away.
A cold-water wash, either in a washing machine or by hand, is a standard prerequisite for nearly all blanket types as it prevents possible shrinkage or deformity.
Avoid using bleach, which can damage your Blanket's fibers over time.
7. Dry your Blanket correctly.
After washing your Blanket, it's essential to dry it properly to avoid damage or shrinkage. If your Blanket is made of a delicate material like wool or cashmere, lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry.
If your Blanket is dryer-safe, load it evenly into the dryer drum and select a low or no-heat setting to help prevent heat damage to the fabric.
This is a standard recommendation on the care label. Add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the Blanket and prevent clumping.
8. Minimize tumble drying your Blanket.
When using a tumble dryer, avoid using high heat or over-drying your Blanket, as this can damage the fibers and reduce the longevity of your Blanket.
Typically, the last part of the drying process involves hanging your Blanket on the line or laying it out flat on a clean surface. This will ensure your Blanket is optimally dried and ready for use or storage.
Once a blanket has been hand-washed, you should drain all the clean water used to rinse the Blanket.
You then fold the Blanket and press down on it to release the water in it. This will take a few minutes, but avoid wringing the Blanket out to eliminate excess water.
This could stretch or deform your Blanket.
Once most excess water has been pushed out of your Blanket, you can either hang it over a few wash lines to dry or lay it flat on a clean surface.
A few wash-lines limit water accumulation on the bottom edges from stretching your Blanket.
9. Store your Blanket correctly.
Once your Blanket is clean and dry, it's essential to store it correctly to keep it in good condition. Fold it neatly and place it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Avoid storing blankets in plastic bags or airtight containers, as this can trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew growth.
Instead, use a breathable fabric storage bag or wrap it in a cotton sheet to protect it from dust and dirt.
The more breathable the storage space is, the better for our blankets.
10. Blanket care instructions
It is essential to check the care instructions on a new blanket you intend to purchase, as this can make life a lot easier for you in the long run.
Think about the actual purpose of the Blanket and how much you will use it over a typical year.
A year-round blanket is a bonus, but you should also know how to keep your Blanket clean and fresh.
Wool blankets might be more time-consuming to wash and dry, but this is considered a rare event on the list of household chores.
The fact that wool has such user-friendly qualities makes wool blankets the ideal homemaker's dream.
Read the care instructions carefully and follow the recommendations always to have beautifully soft, cozy, and inviting blankets in your home.
In conclusion
In conclusion, By following the suggested steps and incorporating the recommended tricks, you can maintain your blankets' cleanliness, freshness, and softness for years to come.
Remember to always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and adjust the cleaning methods accordingly.
Whether it's a cozy fleece, a luxurious downfilled, or a delicate heirloom piece, proper washing techniques will preserve the quality and enhance your overall comfort.
By investing a little time and effort into maintaining your blankets, you can enjoy their warmth and beauty for countless seasons, creating lasting memories and a sense of comfort in your home.
