A blanket is an integral part of home comfort, probably everyone knows how nice it is to wrap yourself in it and read a book or watch your favorite movie. But blankets also need care. So how to wash a blanket at home, while preserving the color and shape of the bedspread? First, you need to determine the material from which it is made, such information can be found on the tag, where you can also find out about care recommendations.
Content
- The most common blankets
- Preparation
- Rules for washing polyester and acrylic bedspreads in a washing machine
- Viscose and microfiber material
- How to wash a blanket made of artificial fur, so-called "terry", in a washing machine
- Natural materials
- Wool and cashmere products
- Cotton
- Dry method
- Video: How to wash a blanket in a washing machine
The most common blankets
- Made from natural materials
- Cotton.
- Cotton and linen.
- Woolen fabric is heavy and warm, usually used in cold seasons.
- Cashmere blanket.
Natural fabrics are comparatively more expensive, but the use of natural fabrics has a number of advantages: they absorb odors less, allow air to pass through, retain heat, do not cause allergies, etc. However, they require special, gentle care.
- Fabrics of artificial origin
- Made of polyester.
- Fleece is one of the most widely used, it allows air to pass through well. Even children are covered with fleece blankets. The only disadvantage is the high degree of flammability and electrification.
- Microfiber - breathable. Microfiber is made mainly from polyester and acrylic.
- Viscose and acrylic are not electrostatic fabrics, they hold color well, so they are much brighter than other products, and they are also considered “breathable” fabrics and retain heat well.
- Faux fur – usually used in combination with other materials, be it artificial or natural fabrics. Such fur lasts a very long time and looks harmonious.
Preparation
The owner will certainly notice over time that the item needs to be refreshed. How to wash a blanket without damaging either the color or the structure? Can it be washed in a washing machine? Of course, it can!
But you need to select the correct temperature and spin strength, take into account the capabilities of a specific washing machine, the volume of the drum and the weight limit.
Rules for washing polyester and acrylic bedspreads in a washing machine
- Choose the lowest possible temperature setting (up to 30C) for delicate fabrics.
Machine wash delicate cycle at 30 degrees - Use liquid powder and fabric softener, thus avoiding white streaks and reducing the property of electrostaticity. Conditioner will fill with freshness and softness.
There are special detergents for washing blankets. 
Fabric softeners will make your blanket soft and smell nice - In the automatic machine program, select “manual mode” or “synthetics”.
- Set the spin to minimum.
Manual cleaning of acrylic and polyester blankets is not an easy task. Keep in mind that such items absorb a lot of water, so they are difficult to lift and carry.
For hand washing you need:
- fill the bathtub with water (up to 30C);
- Add powder;
- Soak for at least 10 minutes;
- Perform manipulations with light movements for 5-10 minutes;
- Drain the water and fill it with new water, repeat the rinsing process several times;
- Add fabric softener and rinse again;
- Drain the water, hang it over the bathtub and let it drain;
- Take it out onto the balcony and hang it up, avoiding direct sunlight.
Hand washing a blanket in the bathroom
Viscose and microfiber material
- Place in the drum of the washing machine. Set the "delicate" mode.
- The temperature should not exceed 30 degrees, otherwise it will settle, change shape and size.
The blanket should be washed in cool water - 30 degrees - Add liquid powder.
To wash the blanket, use liquid gel - Set the spin speed to no more than 800-100 rpm.
- Hang in a place out of direct sunlight.
The above method is suitable for hand washing, as well as for polyester and acrylic. The only difference is that for microfiber you should not use rinses and conditioners. The latter can damage the structure of the fabric.
How to wash a blanket made of artificial fur, so-called "terry", in a washing machine
- Before the procedure, be sure to shake out and remove any debris (crumbs, animal hair);
- Make sure that the drum can withstand the weight load, otherwise the unit may be damaged.
- Pour liquid powder and rinse aid into a special compartment;
- Set the mode to "synthetic".
The “synthetics” wash cycle is perfect for a faux fur blanket - Select the lowest spin setting.
After the process is complete, the terry product must be hung outdoors, ideally in a draft, why? Because if it dries indoors, it will develop a smell, an unpleasant odor of dampness and staleness. It will be very difficult to wash a terry blanket by hand, and the water will drain from it for a very long time, which is guaranteed to provide an unpleasant smell. But if there is no other way out, then follow the rules below.
- Fill the bathtub with enough liquid to completely submerge the blanket.
- The temperature should not exceed 35C.
- Add liquid detergent for delicate washing.
- Distribute the product evenly throughout the bathtub.
- Immerse and wait 10-20 minutes.
- Without using force, wash with smooth movements.
- Rinse several times and let it drain naturally.
- Dry the blanket following the machine drying instructions.
Gentle care will certainly preserve the delicate fabric and fill the blanket with softness and freshness. Remember that when washing products made of any material, do not use bleaches or powders containing them. Do not apply detergents to individual areas or rub them aggressively. This will spoil the structure and color.
Natural materials
Bedspreads made of natural materials are very whimsical in care, it is very easy to spoil such materials. However, all housewives know that washing cannot be avoided. Then the question arises: is it possible to wash a blanket in a washing machine or is it better to wash it by hand?
Silk materials are delicate fabrics and it is strictly not recommended to wash them in a washing machine, and especially not to wring them out.
- Wash by hand and only with liquid powder. Do not use fabric softeners or conditioners.
Silk bedspreads can only be washed by hand and in cold water. - Use cool water.
- Wash without applying force, do not rub individual areas, otherwise a noticeable stain will appear.
- Allow the water to drain naturally.
After the liquid has drained, the silk blanket should be laid out on a flat surface away from sunlight, preferably in the open air, and turned over as it dries.
Wool and cashmere products
Experience shows that you can wash such bedspreads in a washing machine, but it is not always safe, even if you follow all the recommendations, sometimes it is impossible to achieve the desired result, it is even possible to ruin the item, so it is better to contact professional cleaners and dry cleaners. Of course, if this is not possible, then proceed to hand washing or machine washing.
- Select the “wool”, “hand” or “delicate” mode on the machine.
- Spin at minimum speed of 400 rpm or do not spin at all.
- Choose only liquid powders, soaps, preferably special products for cashmere and wool.
For any washing method, it is better to use a liquid detergent for delicate fabrics. - Do not expose to high temperatures, no more than 30 degrees.
If you have decided not to wring out, let the liquid drain naturally, away from heat. Do not hang woolen items. They will become deformed or settle and shrink in size.
Hand washing of woolen products
- Fill a container with a large amount of water, no more than 35 degrees.
- Dissolve the detergent evenly.
- Immerse the blanket and soak for a couple of hours.
- Wash with light movements and rinse several times.
- Squeeze lightly with your hands and place on a horizontal surface, as level as possible.
Cotton
Cotton, cotton bedspreads can be machine washed using any powder and rinses. The maximum permissible temperature is 60 degrees. Hand washing is no different.
Dry method
If you don't want to bother with washing or don't have the opportunity yet, you can refresh the bedspread by dry cleaning. You need to prepare a solution.
- Take half a liter of warm liquid.
- One teaspoon of table vinegar.
- Two teaspoons of shampoo to wash your hair.
- Beat until foamy.
Next, take a soft cleaning brush and gently clean the blanket on both sides. To consolidate the effect, vacuum and shake it out, hang it outdoors. This way, your blanket will stay fresh for a couple of weeks.
Home textiles are capricious in care, but nothing is impossible, and a good housewife knows this for sure. Such delicate things should be stored in cotton pillowcases, this will eliminate an unpleasant smell in the future. Be sure to put a sprig of lavender nearby, this way you will protect the product from moths and other pests.
