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How to Wash Your Sueded Microfiber Blanket
How To wash Microfiber Blanket and keep it looking like new
Most microfiber blankets can be washed in a washing machine and dried in a tumble dryer but there are some handy cleaning tips to always remember below
What is a sueded microfiber blanket?
Microfiber is what determines how a suede microfiber blanket should be washed. Made from polyester, a single strand of microfiber is thinner than a strand of silk which may give the impression that a sueded microfiber blanket will be difficult to clean.
Not so, but the guidelines to caring for sueded microfiber blankets should be adhered to if you want to enjoy the expected longevity of your plush blanket.
What is a sueded microfiber blanket?
In essence, a sueded microfiber blanket is a microfiber blanket with a unique weave that gives a suede impression. The effect can be with long fibers or short fiber.
Running your hand over the fabric will automatically make you think of suede that changes its appearance depending on the directional flow of the fibers.
Microsuede is created from microfiber and is an imitation of faux leather with a suede-like texture.
This is a very popular alternative to real suede and is used predominantly in home décor as an upholstery fabric mostly because it is so durable and aesthetically pleasing.
It is also much easier to care for than conventional suede due to its water-resistant and general stain-proof characteristic.
A sueded microfiber blanket has the appearance of suede but in reality, it’s pure microfiber which is a great example of microfiber versatility.
To add to this, cleaning microfiber is pretty straightforward and much easier than most believe.
Cleaning microfiber blankets is a lot easier and less troublesome than natural fiber blankets but before we get into the washing process, take a look at some of the characteristics of microfiber blankets.
- Durable.
- Warm.
- Lightweight.
- Wrinkle-free.
- Shrink resistant
- Hypoallergenic
- Not prone to pilling.
- Great at retaining heat.
- Breathable.
- Easy to clean.
- Can be dry-cleaned.
- Super-absorbent.
- Fast-drying.
How to wash microfiber blanket
Most microfiber blankets can be washed in a washing machine and dried in a tumble dryer but there are some handy cleaning tips to always remember:
- Point number one is very important. Read the cleaning instructions on the label of your blanket. If you follow the instructions religiously then you can expect your blanket to last much longer than you expect.
- Wash your sueded microfiber blanket on its own. Do not add any other fabric types to your wash especially natural fabrics like cotton as loose fibers or pilling will find their way into your microfiber blanket and cause clogging.
- Select a gentle wash cycle on our washing machine with the correct temperature setting. Microfiber is made primarily from polyester which is synthetic and may break down when exposed to high heat sources. Although some may say that you can wash your microfiber blanket in hot water without issues if you want your blanket to last longer and still look good after endless washes then stick to cold or mildly warm washes.
- Only use a minimum amount of washing powder or detergent. Also, make sure the detergent you use is mild and will not cause color runs or bleaching.
- Avoid fabric softeners. There is no need to use fabric softeners as your plush blanket will be just as soft after the wash without them. Besides, fabric softeners tend to clog up the fibers of your blanket which inevitably affects breathability.
- Because microfiber repels moisture, drying your blanket is a lot easier and faster. Ideally, air drying your blanket outside on your washing line is preferred but not all people have the luxury of outdoor washing lines or the best weather to do your washing whenever you choose. Tumble drying is an open option but the heat setting must be turned right down. Mild warmth is fine but if you have the time then rather air dry your blanket in the tumble dryer with the heat setting turned off.
- Microfiber doesn’t hold onto or store much water in the wash process so most of the water is removed in the gentle spin cycle. There will be a minimal amount of water still trapped in the blanket but you can rest assured that if you do hang your blanket indoors to dry, you won’t have to contend with a puddle of water on the floor.
Hand washing a sueded microfiber blanket
The main thing to keep in mind is to be gentle when washing microfiber blankets. Here are some pointers that will make hand washing your microfiber a breeze:
- Fill your sink halfway with clean cold or slightly warm water.
- Add a small amount of washing detergent to the water and stir so it's properly mixed.
- Pop your blanket into the sink and press it down into the water.
- If your blanket is not covered with water, top up with fresh water only.
- Press down on your blanket, turning it periodically.
- Leave your blanket to soak for 10 to 15 minutes
- Repeat step 5 for a few minutes
- Drain the water from the sink and press down on your blanket to get rid of excess water.
- Fill the sink with clean cold water only, turn and press down on your blanket.
- Once satisfied that your blanket is properly rinsed, drain the water and press down on your blanket again (step 8).
- Once you have pressed out all the water you possibly can, you can hang your blanket out to air dry.
Washing microfiber blankets versus wool blankets
We have just gone through the microfiber washing process and I’m sure you’ll agree that both machine and hand wash options are very easy indeed. This is part of the reason why microfiber blankets are so popular but this can also be said about wool as it is self-cleaning.
Wool is antimicrobial and antibacterial meaning it repels dust mites and prevents any type of bacterial growth including mildew. These and other natural benefits make wool blanket care very simple.
Cleaning wool blankets can often be done by simply hanging them out to air. The wind will blow away any accumulated dust stuck in the blanket.
However, washing a wool blanket also has strict washing instructions that should be followed to prevent distortion or damage. Wool blankets like microfiber blankets can also be machine washed but drying is a different story, wool must be air-dried, and tumble dryers even with no heat setting are not recommended.
FAQ’s
How can I keep my microfiber blanket soft?
When you wash your plush microfiber blanket, substitute the washing detergent with white vinegar and select a long gentle cycle.
The vinegar will not only loosen up the fibers but will also eliminate any odors. Your microfiber blanket will be as clean and as soft as the day you got it.
Can I use bicarbonate of soda to clean a microfiber blanket?
Yes, Take the amount of detergent you would normally use for your microfiber blanket and only use a third.
White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda (baking powder) in equal parts will make up the remaining two-thirds of your washing detergent. The bicarbonate of soda will restore the fluffiness of your blanket.
This hack can be used for all types of fabrics especially when dealing with stubborn stains.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and cleaning agent and it prevents mineral build-up from hard water.
To add to his, it also prevents bacteria growth, so all around, it’s a great inexpensive way to clean laundry and household appliances and surfaces.
Are microfiber blankets breathable?
Yes, but the breathability depends on the tightness of the weave and how the microfiber blankets are cared for.
Clogging of pores that make the blankets breathable mostly stems from a build-up of pilling from other fabrics.
The breathability of loosely weaved microfiber may not be warm enough in cold climates so a tighter weave which also makes for a thicker blanket may be the better choice under these circumstances.
Follow the recommended care or washing instructions on your microfiber blanket label and you will be able to maintain the original breathability of the blanket.
Conclusion
Sueded microfiber blankets are easy to wash but it’s essential to follow the recommended washing instructions on the label. It is also important to know if you have 100% microfiber or if the fabric is a blend because this may change the care instructions.
Hand washing is just as easy as using a washing machine and doesn’t require the hard labor of rubbing the fabric against itself to get cleaned. For all practical purposes, microfiber can almost be viewed as self-cleaning where a simple rinse in clean cold water will remove most of the dust lodged in the blanket.
Sueded microfiber blankets are very popular and their affordability for the luxury they provide is unmatched. The colors, designs, textures, warmth, and most of all the softness are accessible to most households and are always a welcomed housewarming gift.
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