How To Wash A Blanket In A Washing Machine – A Comprehensive Guide
Last updated on August 13th, 2024 at 12:06 am
You may know that your blanket needs a good cleaning, but you may not know where to start. We are here to help. Here’s how to machine wash your blanket.
When machine washing, it is vital that you use a bleach-free, gentle detergent. The machine should be set on a gentle cycle and washed with cold or warm water. Fabric softeners should also be avoided.
This article outlines how you can machine wash different types of blankets and what to use while at them.
How To Wash A Blanket In A Washing Machine?
All blankets, whether electric, fleece, wool, or weighted, deserve a good clean once in a while. And since we all love a clean and cozy blanket, it is about time that throws blanket that we have been snuggling up on every day be cleaned.
With frequent use, blankets come into contact with a lot of dirt from food crumbs, pet hair, hair products, body oils, household dust, and drink spills. The amount of grime that has accumulated may be unseen, but it should not be ignored.
The idea to wash your blanket may have crossed your mind more than once, but you may not know how to go about it. Some may require handwashing while others can be tossed in the washing machine. Here is how to wash different types of blankets.
How Do You Wash A Fleece Blanket?
Maintaining the super-soft feel is the tricky part when it comes to washing a fleece blanket.
- Ensure the machine is set on a gentle cycle and you use cold water.
- It should be washed separately to prevent matting or pilling.
- Adding small amounts of detergent is advisable. More of it is likely to adhere to the fleece fibers and make them feel less soft.
- Bleach should not be used as it can damage the fibers.
- To tackle the tough stains, pre-treating with a drop of dishwashing liquid and letting it sit for around 10 minutes before blotting with a cloth or paper towel does the trick.
- Once washed, you can hand the fleece blanket to line dry or put it in a dryer at low heat. High heat will melt or shrink the blanket fibers.
How Do You Wash A Weighted Blanket?
The recommended way to wash a weighted blanket depends on the type of fabric, design, and type of filler. You can always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for further directions. Generally, those filled with plastic pellets and microbeads are safe to wash.
- Weighted blankets weighing up to 20 pounds can be tossed into the washing machine. The machine is set on a gentle cycle and mild detergent and cold water is added.
- Bleach should also be avoided as it poses a threat to the blanket’s fibers. Fabric softeners are also discouraged since they create a buildup that results in a scratchy feel.
- For the small spots, spot cleaning will suffice with a solution of laundry detergent and warm water.
- For drying, a dryer on low heat will do the job. Alternatively, you can spread it out on a clean dry surface to air dry.
- If the blanket is more than 20 pounds, a laundromat is recommended. They are well-equipped to handle larger and heavier blankets.
How Do You Wash A Wool Blanket?
Wool blankets do not require regular washing since they are better at repelling stains and dirt. Between the washes, you can refresh your wool blanket by brushing it with a soft-bristled fabric brush or shaking it out to remove the dirt and debris.
- Before washing, ensure you refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance first. If machine washable, you can proceed. Add cold water to the machine and a wool-safe detergent.
- The first step is to place the blanket in the machine and let it soak in the water and detergent solution for 15 minutes.
- Afterward, set the machine on a gentle cycle and run it for around 2 minutes before setting it on a rinse cycle.
- Once you are done washing, let the blanket air dry away from direct sunlight. Placing a wool blanket in a dryer may cause damage to the delicate fibers.
How Do You Wash An Electric Blanket?
Surprisingly enough, most of the heated throws can be machine-washed.
- The first step is to ensure the blanket is unplugged and disconnected from all the controls and cords.
- It is then washed with cool water and an appropriate detergent. Fabric softeners and bleach should not be sued as they can damage the fibers.
- The machine should be set on a gentle cycle to keep the wiring inside intact. It is then allowed to agitate for 2 to 3 minutes after which the blanket is removed for drying (the rinse cycle is skipped).
- For drying, the blanket can be draped over a clothesline to air dry. You can also put it in a dryer under a low or no heat setting. The dryer is left to run for about 10 minutes, and then the blanket is removed for air drying.
- Before plugging it back in, ensure the blanket is completely dry.
How Do You Wash A Faux-Fur Blanket?
- Faux fur blankets can be tossed in the washer along with cold water and detergent, and set on a delicate cycle.
- For washers without the gentle option, you can go for the lowest spin setting. Do not use any bleach or fabric softener.
- The blanket is then air-dried on a clothesline or rack.
FAQs
Conclusion
If you have been considering washing your blanket for a long time, this is the wake-up call you needed. Hopefully, this information is helpful in guiding you through the process. This way you can enjoy a clean and cozy blanket.
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