Who doesn’t love cuddling up under a fresh, clean blanket on a chilly night? You want to keep your blanket soft, fresh, and inviting. To do this, it’s essential to give them the care and attention they deserve. Here, we’ll go through the ins and outs of washing blankets properly and keeping them as a cozy source of warmth and comfort.
Check the Care Labels
Different fabrics have different wash instructions. Some blankets are machine washable, while others are dry-clean only. Some blankets can tolerate being washed on high heat, but others must be washed on cold. All this information can be found on the care label. Following these instructions is the best way to keep your blankets looking and feeling great.
Remove Loose Debris
Now that you know how to wash your blanket, it’s time to get started. Give your blanket a good shake or a gentle brush to remove any loose dirt, pet hair, or debris. This simple step helps remove any extra dirt or particles that might become tangled into your blanket’s fibers during the wash. If you have pets or your blanket is particularly dirty, consider using a lint roller or vacuum to prepare it for the washing machine.
Pre-Treat Stains
If there are any stains on your blanket, always pre-treat them. Use a stain remover or a mixture of detergent and water directly on the area. Let the pre-treatment sit for at least a few minutes before moving on to the next step. Pretreating your stains helps keep them from becoming set in and reduces the risk of having to wash your blanket more than once.
Choose the Right Detergent
Picking the right detergent is essential for maintaining your blankets’ softness and vibrancy. If you have small children or sensitive skin, opt for a mild detergent that won’t cause any irritation. For blankets with special care needs, such as wool or delicate fibers, try to find a detergent made specifically for that material. If you use fabric softener, dilute it with some warm water and only use a small amount.
Machine Washing
If your blanket is machine-washable, it’s time to figure out if your machine is large enough to handle it. If you’re just washing a small throw, you should be fine with a standard washing machine. For a large comforter or king-sized blankets, you might need to take a trip to the nearest laundromat with a large-capacity machine. Stuffing your big blankets into a small machine is not worth the time saved. If the blanket doesn’t have enough space to move around in the machine, it won’t be cleaned or rinsed properly. This will lead to blankets coming out of the wash still dirty, less fluffy, and weird smelling. Pick a cycle that works with the care instructions, paying close attention to the wash temperature.
Hand Washing
For blankets that require a more delicate touch, consider hand washing. Fill a basin or bathtub with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Gently agitate the water and immerse the blanket, allowing it to soak for 15-20 minutes. Gently rub the fabric with your hands to loosen dirt or stains. Drain the water, refill with clean water, and repeat until the detergent is fully rinsed.
Rinsing and Drying
Regardless of how you wash your blanket, make sure it’s completely rinsed out before moving on to drying. If you use a machine, you might want to add an extra rinse cycle to make sure no detergent or softener build-up is happening. Thorough rinsing is the best way to keep your blankets fluffy and soft.
When it comes to drying, follow the care label instructions. Most blankets can handle machine drying, but some delicate fabrics may require air-drying to prevent shrinking or damage. Tumble-dry on low or no heat. If you have dryer balls, add those in to help fluff out the blanket.
Storage and Maintenance
Once your blankets are clean and dry, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing blankets in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and lead to musty odors or mold growth. Instead, use breathable storage containers or fabric bags to protect your blankets while allowing air circulation.
Properly washing blankets is the best way to maintain longevity, softness, and overall comfort. By following these steps—from checking care labels to choosing the right detergent and implementing proper washing and drying techniques—you can ensure that your blankets remain the inviting cocoon you crave after a long day.
