Blanket Cleaning Guide

Blankets provide warmth and comfort during the colder months, but as they are used frequently, they can accumulate dust, microbes, and odors. Cleaning blankets should be done regularly to maintain their hygiene and freshness. Follow this cleaning guide to keep your blankets in excellent condition. 

Before Washing the Blankets

Identify the type of blanket:

• Before starting the cleaning process, check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some blankets are suitable for the washing machine, while others must be hand-washed. It is important to follow these instructions so as not to damage the fabric or color of the blanket and to prevent shrinkage. 

Dust the blankets:

• Before washing them, use a good quality roller or brush to remove dust and debris from their surface. It is also important to shake your blanket before proceeding with washing. 

Washing a Blanket in the Washing Machine

If the blanket manufacturer allows machine washing, follow these easy steps:

Placing in the washing machine:

• If your blankets allow machine washing, use a washing program for delicate fabrics. Use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach, as it can cause damage to colors.

Choosing the appropriate temperature and detergent:

• Choose a low water temperature (about $30^\circ\text{C}$ at 500-600 rpm) to prevent the fabrics from being exposed to high temperatures that can damage them. Regarding detergent, liquid detergent is preferred. 

Limit the use of fabric softener:

• Although fabric softener can make your blankets soft, excessive use can damage the fabric and make the blankets stiff, so use it sparingly.

Hand Washing a Blanket

If the manufacturer recommends hand washing or if your washing machine drum does not fit the blanket, you can hand wash it yourself. 

Fill a sink or bucket with lukewarm water:

• After checking for potential stains that require special removal, fill a bathtub or a bucket with lukewarm or warm water. If the blanket is large, it is preferable for the water temperature to be around $30\text{-}40^\circ\text{C}$. Add a small amount of detergent to the water and mix to create foam.

Rubbing and stain removal:

• Submerge the blanket in the water and let it soak for 1-2 hours. With gentle movements, rub the blanket, using your hands or a soft brush, to remove stains and dirt.

Rinsing with clean water:

• Empty the basin or bathtub and thoroughly rinse the blanket with clean lukewarm water until all detergent residues are removed, and wring out the excess water from the blanket.

Submerge the Blanket Again:

• Refill the bathtub or basin with clean water and let it soak for another two hours.

Drying:

• To remove most of the water from the blanket, wrap it in a clean towel and gently press. Then follow the guide below to dry it the right way.

Drying and Storing the Blanket 

When the washing cycle is finished, dry your blanket naturally, hang it up and let it air dry. If necessary, turn it over to the other side to speed up its drying. If you do not have such sturdy wire, you can lay it out on a clean surface. Try not to use a tumble dryer, as it can damage the blanket fibers and cause shrinkage. However, if you cannot avoid using it and the manufacturer allows it, then choose the lowest possible temperature. 

Once dry, your blanket is ready for use, but if you do not plan to use it and want to store it, do so correctly so that it does not collect unpleasant odors. First, make sure it is completely dry, then place it neatly folded inside a sterilized and airtight container to protect it from moths, microbes, moisture, and odors. This way, you also save space in your wardrobe. 

Useful Tips for Blanket Care

• Do not cram the blankets into the washing machine drum, as this can damage the blankets and not clean them effectively; it is preferable to run two separate washes than to cram two large blankets. 
• When hand washing, you can also add a little white vinegar to the basin or bathtub. This will help to remove stains from the fabric more easily. 
• If you use the blanket directly on your body and use it daily, then you should wash it approximately every 1 to 2 weeks. However, if you use it less often, you can wash it every one to two months. Also, the season and stains are some other factors that affect the washing frequency. 
• For blankets made of sensitive materials, prefer dry cleaning. You can have this done at a dry cleaner's. Make sure to choose a dry cleaner that will respect your products and clean them without damaging them. 

What do the icons on the care instructions symbolize?

Most linens have instructions on how to wash, iron, and dry the products. Generally, you should know that the basin symbolizes washing with water, the circle symbolizes dry cleaning, the triangle symbolizes bleaching, and the iron symbolizes ironing. Some of the most common washing symbols are the following:

To choose the ideal blanket for you, consult the corresponding blanket buying guide from designdrops and visit our linens category to find blankets and many other quality products!