Washing Your Blankets Made Easy

Washing your blankets is an easy task that you can do at home. First, check the tag on your blanket for any special care instructions. Most blankets can be washed using cold or warm water and mild detergent in your washing machine. Put the blanket in the machine by itself or with similar items.

Use a gentle cycle to clean it without causing damage. After washing, dry the blanket in a dryer on low heat or hang it outside to air dry. You might want to take delicate or large blankets to a laundromat or dry cleaner instead.

Key Takeaways

• Check the care label for specific instructions
• Use cold or warm water and mild detergent
• Wash blankets separately on a gentle cycle
• Dry on low heat or air-dry
• Pre-treat stains before washing
• Add baking soda for freshness and odor removal
• Hand-wash delicate blankets
• Air dry wool and delicate blankets flat
• Follow manufacturer instructions for electric blankets
• Take very large or delicate blankets to a professional cleaner if needed

Know Your Blanket

Before I start any laundry day, I always check the care label. It’s like a cheat sheet for blanket care.

• Fabric type – Is it cotton, wool, fleece, or a synthetic blend?
• Washing instructions – Machine wash, hand wash, or dry clean only?
• Special care notes – Like “tumble dry low” or “do not bleach”

I’ve learned that different materials need different care. My cotton blankets are pretty forgiving, but my wool ones need extra TLC.

Understanding the material will help you choose the correct washing method and prevent potential damage. For example, while cotton blankets are generally forgiving, wool blankets require extra care to avoid shrinking and damage.

Pre-Wash Prep

Before tossing my blankets in the wash, I always.

• Shake them out to remove loose dirt and pet hair
• Check for any stains and pre-treat them
• Look for any tears or loose threads that need fixing

I’ve found that a mix of baking soda and water works wonders as a pre-treatment for stubborn stains.

Machine Washing

Overloading your washing machine can prevent blankets from getting cleaned thoroughly and may cause damage. To ensure even washing, place only one or two blankets in the machine at a time, giving them enough room to move freely.

This approach allows the detergent and water to reach every part of the fabric.

• Use a mild detergent (I prefer unscented for sensitive skin)
• Wash in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle
• Add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is gone
• Don’t overload the machine – give the blanket room to move

I’ve discovered that using too much detergent can leave a residue, so I’m always careful with the amount.

A gentle cycle on your washing machine minimizes agitation and spinning, which helps preserve the structure of delicate blankets. This is crucial for fabrics like silk or embroidered designs that can easily be damaged by vigorous washing.

Using a gentle cycle reduces the risk of snags and maintains the blanket’s shape.

Handling Heavy or Large Blankets

For heavy or large blankets, special care is required.

• Laundromat Use – When using large-capacity machines at a laundromat, be mindful of the weight limits. Overloading the machine can lead to uneven cleaning and potential damage. Ensure the blanket has enough room to move freely for best results.
• Professional Cleaning – For very large or heavily soiled blankets, professional cleaning might be the best option. Professional cleaners have the equipment and expertise to handle these items safely and effectively.

Adding Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer due to its alkaline nature. It helps neutralize odors by breaking down organic compounds that cause smells. Adding ½ cup of baking soda to your wash can enhance freshness and softness. For stubborn odors, pre-soaking the blanket in a solution of baking soda and water can work wonders

• Add to Wash – Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda into the wash cycle to boost freshness and softness.
• Pre-Soak for Odors – For persistent odors, pre-soak the blanket in a solution of 1 cup of baking soda and warm water.
• Mix with Vinegar – For tough stains, combine baking soda with vinegar. The fizzing action helps lift stains.

I find that baking soda helps neutralize odors and softens my blankets naturally.

I had a blanket that had seen better days and was smelling a bit off despite multiple washes. A friend suggested adding baking soda to the wash, and it was like magic.

The blanket came out smelling fresh, and I was amazed at how something so simple could make such a difference. I now swear by baking soda for keeping my blankets smelling great.

Hand Washing

Machine washing is generally suitable for most cotton blankets. However, hand washing is recommended for delicate fabrics like silk or cashmere. Machine washing involves more agitation, which can stress delicate fibers and lead to damage.

Hand washing provides a gentler approach, ensuring these fabrics remain intact.

• Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and gentle detergent
• Submerge the blanket and gently agitate (no wringing!)
• Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear
• Press out excess water (don’t twist)

This method takes more time, but it’s worth it to protect delicate blankets.

I once tried to machine wash a delicate cashmere blanket, and it came out looking more like a doll’s blanket than something I’d want to use. Since then, I always hand wash delicate fabrics, it’s a bit more effort, but it’s worth it to keep those special items in pristine condition.

Drying

Proper drying is crucial to prevent mold and mildew.

• For machine-dryable blankets – Use low heat with dryer balls
• For delicate blankets – Air dry flat or over a rack
• Dryer Balls – I suggest considering using dryer balls to help keep your blankets fluffy and prevent clumping. Dryer balls can also help reduce drying time and improve air circulation within the dryer.

I’ve learned the hard way that high heat can damage some blankets, so I always err on the side of caution.

Special Care for Different Types

Over time, I’ve developed specific routines for different blanket types.

• Wool blankets – I hand wash or dry clean to prevent shrinking
• For electric blankets – I carefully follow manufacturer instructions to avoid damaging the wiring
• Weighted blankets – I spot clean when possible, and use gentle machine washing for deeper cleans
• Microfiber Blankets – These are highly absorbent and can be prone to damage from high temperatures. Always wash microfiber blankets in cold water to preserve their softness and avoid shrinking. Use a gentle detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can break down the fibers.
• Down or Feather Blankets – To keep down or feather blankets in the best condition, it’s best to have them professionally cleaned or dry cleaned. Washing them at home can lead to clumping and loss of loft. If you must wash them yourself, use a front-loading washer and a special down detergent.

Always refer to the specific care instructions for each type of blanket to ensure proper maintenance and longevity.