A soft and warm blanket is associated with coziness, comfort and silence. It is very pleasant on a cold winter night, sitting comfortably in a rocking chair and covered with a fluffy bedspread, reading an interesting book or watching your favorite movie. However, any textile gets dirty over time, and then the question that arises for the host; how to wash blankets?
Remember, the method of cleaning this bulky product depends on the material from which it is made
So, what products can be washed at home?
Cleaning any textile begins with a look at the care information the manufacturer has on the label. Not so long ago, the word “squares” meant a thick wool, cashmere or alpaca blanket, woven with their own hands, that could only be washed by hand. Today on sale you can find similar products made of cotton and linen, wool and polyester, microfiber and bamboo. All of them are manufactured in industrial companies that use the latest technology and long-lasting dyes and can easily withstand machine washing.
The choice of cleaning method depends on the following factors:
- The Composition of The Fabric from Which the Textile Is Made;
- The Presence of Complex Dirt and Stains;
- Colour Fastness;
- Product Volume
Usually only small, thin sheets of light materials are washed in a washing machine: nylon, polyester, fleece. The main thing is that there should be enough free space in the drum after the thing that requires cleaning is placed there.
In order to wash blankets as little as possible, it should be stored properly:
- in a paper or cloth bag where there is good ventilation (not in a plastic bag);
- fold into a roll so that wrinkles do not form;
- Keep away from moths.
Usually, such things are washed 2-3 times a year. It is best to clean up local contaminants with a stain remover or to clean the area with a laundry soap stain.
Wool blankets, capes and bedspreads.
Wool blanket – a classic option. Warm, comfortable, durable, breathable. Sometimes, to refresh textiles made of natural wool, it is enough to air it for a while by hanging it on the street or on the balcony. If the product is very dirty, it can be washed at home, although this job is not easy. Despite the fact that many washing machines have the “Wool” mode, it is not desirable to use the machine. It is better to perform a gentle wash in manual mode. First of all, you need to choose a detergent. Specialists advise using a special gel for washing wool. Perfectly stretch the thing in not too hot water, it washes well when rinsed. Instead of gel, you can use baby soap or normal hair shampoo. Fine soap is made from soap, which dissolves completely in water. The main thing is to achieve abundant foam. When rinsing the plaid to keep it fluffy, conditioner is added to the water.
How to Wash Blankets by Hand – instructions for wool blanket as follows:
- Collect water in a large container (basin or bath), the temperature of which should not exceed 30 ° C;
- add detergent and hit a generous foam;
- soak the thing for 15 minutes;
- wash with slight translational movements, then remove, then immerse again in the liquid;
- rinse the item several times in cold water, add conditioner and last rinse.
After washing, the blanket is removed from the water and placed on a rack installed over the bath. When the water is drained, the product can be towel dried and then dried to dry. The place for drying must be prepared in advance. Spread the blanket on the floor or on a large table, on which the wet product is placed. So that it does not warp and does not decrease in size, it can be fixed around the perimeter with pins. It is also recommended to wash silk and cashmere products only by hand, without subjecting them to twisting and twisting.
Rules for washing synthetic rugs
Along with wool blankets, products made of synthetic and artificial materials – wool, microfiber, polyester, fur, are very popular. Such textiles are much cheaper; however, they perfectly fulfill their responsibilities – heating and providing comfort. You can wash synthetic bedspreads both in the machine and by hand. The main thing is to find out the allowable water temperature from the information on the label before starting the process. Typically, this value ranges from + 30 ° C to + 60 ° C. When washing by hand, the same rules should be followed as when cleaning a wool blanket. Only in the case of synthetics, the spin can be treated with less care. A polyester or microfiber product can be lightly squeezed, this will not damage the material and will not destroy the fiber structure.
After the process is complete, the product is removed from the machine and hung to dry in a well-ventilated area. Do not dry the synthetic blanket in the washing machine, on batteries or in space heaters. With strong heating, polyester fibers deform and may even melt, as a result of which the plaid will lose its shape and attractiveness.
Cotton and linen blankets
In summer and spring, cotton and linen squares are especially in demand. Natural materials do not require special care, however, non-compliance with cleaning rules can cause the product to fall or decrease in size. The cotton and linen bedspreads are washed in machine mode at a water temperature of + 40 ° C, setting the switch to “Cotton”. It is better to squeeze it at low speeds, otherwise strong wrinkles will form on the fabric, which are difficult to iron.
To wash white blankets, you can use oxygen bleach powder. Large, fluffy rugs are most easily attributed to dry cleaning, where they will be arranged in order by a moderate amount, if this is not possible, you can wash the product at home. The main thing is to accurately determine what material the product is made of and follow the recommendations of specialists.
Conclusion
It is critical to wash the blankets on a regular basis since it can help avoid dust allergies and itchy or irritated skin caused by soiling on the blankets. If your blanket loses its fluffiness or stuffing while in the washing machine, put it inside a pillowcase before washing. Also, because hard water can damage the fabric of some blankets, use tiny amounts of fabric softener to keep the blankets soft, depending on the type of blanket. Stay toasty by washing your blankets properly.
FAQs
Can you wash your blanket in the washing machine?
The first step is to determine whether your blanket is appropriate for washing, as certain materials distort and lose characteristics in the washing machine. Check the label to determine the proper washing method for your blanket.
The second issue is one of scale. Not because the blanket fits or does not fit inside the washing machine, but because it can absorb a lot of water and damage the machine in certain programmes.
When in question about the type of cloth and size, hand wash.
If this is the first time you’ve washed the blanket, perform one more test: soak one corner in cold water for a quarter-hour. After that, push the corner of the paper against a piece of kitchen paper. It is also recommended to wash by hand if it has been dyed the same colour as the blanket.
What is the best method to store a blanket once it has been washed?
Wool blankets should be stored in a cool, dark area. High-quality wool fabric can be destroyed by direct light or heat, so don’t leave your wool blankets on the bed while you’re not using them. Before folding wool blankets, lay them on a flat surface and push down with your palms to eliminate fluff. Fold up additional blankets and store them in your linen cupboard. Insert a scented dryer sheet into the final fold of your blanket to keep it fresh even while stored.
How to Wash Blankets by hand?
We warn you that hand washing can be taxing, but if you see the glass as half full, you can utilize it as a method to exercise while doing housework.
Fill the bathtub or a big basin halfway with cold water, or until the water does not overflow when you enter the blanket. Tuck in the blanket after adding detergent and spreading it throughout the water. Allow it to soak for 20-25 minutes, or until the blanket absorbs a significant amount of water.
Locate and rub the stain if you wish to eliminate it. If there are no stains, simply stir for a few minutes to allow the water to run and carry away the dirt.