Blankets are an essential part of our lives, providing warmth and comfort throughout the year. Over time, blankets can accumulate dirt, dust, allergens, and odors, making regular cleaning essential to maintain their freshness and hygiene. Whether you have a delicate woolen throw, a cozy fleece blanket, or a heavy comforter, knowing how to clean your blankets properly will help extend their lifespan and keep them looking and feeling their best. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to clean different types of blankets, address common issues, and provide maintenance tips to keep your blankets in top condition.
Types of Blankets and Their Cleaning Needs
1. Wool Blankets
Wool blankets are known for their warmth and durability, but they require special care to maintain their softness and prevent shrinkage.
Washing Wool Blankets
- Check the Care Label: Always check the care label for specific washing instructions.
- Hand Wash or Gentle Cycle: Use a gentle cycle on your washing machine or hand wash in lukewarm water.
- Wool Detergent: Use a mild detergent specifically designed for wool.
- Avoid Agitation: Do not wring or twist the blanket to prevent damage to the fibers.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure all detergent is rinsed out to avoid residue buildup.
Drying Wool Blankets
- Lay Flat to Dry: Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry towel and reshape it to its original dimensions.
- Avoid Heat: Do not tumble dry or expose to direct sunlight, as heat can cause shrinkage and damage.
Storing Wool Blankets
- Clean Before Storing: Always clean your wool blanket before storing to prevent moth damage.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Use a breathable storage bag or a cotton sheet to cover the blanket.
2. Fleece Blankets
Fleece blankets are lightweight, soft, and easy to care for. They are popular for their warmth and quick-drying properties.
Washing Fleece Blankets
- Machine Washable: Most fleece blankets are machine washable. Use cold or warm water on a gentle cycle.
- Mild Detergent: Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can reduce the fabric’s softness.
- Avoid Bleach: Do not use bleach, as it can damage the fibers.
Drying Fleece Blankets
- Tumble Dry Low: Tumble dry on a low heat setting or air dry to prevent pilling.
- Avoid High Heat: High heat can cause the fleece to lose its softness and shape.
Maintaining Fleece Blankets
- Brush Regularly: Use a fabric brush to remove lint and restore the fleece’s softness.
- Store Properly: Store in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup.
3. Electric Blankets
Electric blankets provide adjustable warmth through built-in heating elements. Proper care ensures their safety and longevity.
Washing Electric Blankets
- Unplug and Detach Controls: Always unplug the blanket and detach any controls before washing.
- Check the Care Label: Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions.
- Machine Washable: Most electric blankets can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water.
- Mild Detergent: Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach.
Drying Electric Blankets
- Air Dry or Tumble Dry Low: Air dry by hanging the blanket or tumble dry on a low heat setting. Ensure the blanket is completely dry before using.
Storing Electric Blankets
- Avoid Folding Tightly: Store the blanket loosely rolled or folded to prevent damage to the heating elements.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Ensure the storage area is dry to avoid moisture damage.
4. Down and Feather Blankets
Down and feather blankets are luxurious and warm, but they require specific care to maintain their loft and insulation properties.
Washing Down and Feather Blankets
- Check the Care Label: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing.
- Use a Large Capacity Washer: Use a large capacity washer to allow the blanket to move freely.
- Mild Detergent: Use a mild detergent specifically designed for down products.
- Avoid Bleach: Do not use bleach, as it can damage the down and feathers.
Drying Down and Feather Blankets
- Tumble Dry Low: Tumble dry on a low heat setting with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to fluff the down.
- Ensure Complete Drying: Make sure the blanket is completely dry to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Storing Down and Feather Blankets
- Store in a Breathable Bag: Use a cotton storage bag to protect the blanket while allowing air circulation.
- Avoid Compression: Store loosely to maintain loft.
5. Synthetic Fiber Blankets
Synthetic fiber blankets, such as polyester and acrylic, are affordable and easy to care for.
Washing Synthetic Fiber Blankets
- Machine Washable: Most synthetic fiber blankets are machine washable. Use warm or cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Mild Detergent: Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach.
Drying Synthetic Fiber Blankets
- Tumble Dry Low: Tumble dry on a low heat setting or air dry to prevent heat damage.
Maintaining Synthetic Fiber Blankets
- Avoid High Heat: High heat can damage synthetic fibers, so always use low heat settings.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Ensure proper storage to prevent moisture buildup.
Common Blanket Cleaning Issues and Solutions
Stains
1. Removing Food and Beverage Stains
- Act Quickly: Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess liquid.
- Mild Detergent: Apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to the stain and gently rub.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary.
- Avoid Heat: Do not use hot water or a dryer until the stain is completely removed.
2. Removing Pet Stains
- Enzyme Cleaner: Use an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for pet stains to break down the proteins.
- Blot and Rinse: Blot the stain and rinse with cold water.
3. Removing Ink Stains
- Rubbing Alcohol: Apply rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and blot the stain. Avoid rubbing, as it can spread the ink.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary.
4. Removing Blood Stains
- Cold Water: Rinse the stain with cold water as soon as possible.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Odors
1. Removing Musty Odors
- White Vinegar: Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to eliminate musty odors.
- Air Dry: Hang the blanket outside to air dry and allow fresh air to remove the odor.
2. Removing Smoke Odors
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the blanket and let it sit for a few hours before washing.
- Multiple Washes: It may take multiple washes to completely remove smoke odors.
3. Removing Pet Odors
- Enzyme Cleaner: Use an enzyme cleaner to break down the proteins causing the odor.
- Frequent Washing: Wash blankets frequently to prevent odors from setting in.
Pilling
1. Preventing Pilling
- Gentle Cycle: Wash blankets on a gentle cycle to reduce friction.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can contribute to pilling, so avoid using them.
2. Removing Pilling
- Fabric Shaver: Use a fabric shaver to remove pills from the surface of the blanket.
- Lint Roller: A lint roller can also help remove loose pills.
Discoloration
1. Preventing Discoloration
- Cold Water: Use cold water to wash blankets to prevent color bleeding.
- Color-Safe Detergent: Use a detergent that is safe for colors.
2. Restoring Discolored Blankets
- Color Remover: Use a color remover product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Repeated Washes: Multiple washes may be necessary to restore the original color.
Allergen Removal
1. Dust Mites
- Hot Water: Wash blankets in hot water to kill dust mites.
- Frequent Washing: Wash blankets regularly to reduce dust mite populations.
2. Pet Dander
- Lint Roller: Use a lint roller to remove pet hair and dander before washing.
- Allergen Detergent: Use a detergent specifically designed to remove allergens.
General Blanket Maintenance Tips
1. Regular Cleaning
- Frequency: Wash blankets every few months or more frequently if heavily used.
- Seasonal Cleaning: Clean blankets at the end of each season before storing them.
2. Proper Storage
- Clean Before Storing: Always clean blankets before storing to prevent odors and damage.
- Use Breathable Bags: Store blankets in breathable storage bags to prevent moisture buildup.
- Avoid Compression: Store blankets loosely to maintain their shape and loft.
3. Handling and Usage
- Rotate Use: Rotate the use of blankets to distribute wear evenly.
- Protect from Pets: Use a throw or cover to protect blankets from pet hair and damage.
4. Special Care for Delicate Blankets
- Follow Care Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for delicate blankets.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use mild detergents and avoid bleach or fabric softeners.
- Hand Wash When Necessary: Hand wash delicate blankets to prevent damage from agitation.
How often should I wash my blankets? Generally, blankets should be washed every 2-3 months, but it can vary based on use and type of blanket.
Can I machine wash all types of blankets? Most blankets can be machine washed, but always check the care label for specific instructions.
What temperature should I use to wash blankets? Use cold or warm water, as hot water can shrink or damage the fabric.
Is it safe to use fabric softener on blankets? Fabric softener can be used on most blankets, but avoid it on fleece and microfiber blankets as it can reduce their softness.
Can I dry clean my blankets? Some blankets, especially those made from wool or delicate materials, may require dry cleaning. Check the care label.
How do I remove pet hair from blankets before washing? Use a lint roller, brush, or shake the blanket outside to remove pet hair.
Should I wash electric blankets differently? Yes, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, the control unit must be disconnected before washing.
Can I wash weighted blankets at home? Many weighted blankets can be machine washed, but some may require a commercial washer due to their weight. Check the label.
How do I wash a wool blanket? Use cold water and a wool-safe detergent, and either hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle. Lay flat to dry.
Is it okay to bleach blankets? Avoid using bleach as it can damage fibers and colors. Use oxygen-based bleach if necessary.
How do I wash a fleece blanket? Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener and air dry or tumble dry on low.
What’s the best way to wash a microfiber blanket? Wash separately in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener and air dry or tumble dry on low.
Can I wash blankets with other laundry? It’s best to wash blankets separately to prevent lint transfer and ensure they get thoroughly cleaned.
How do I clean a blanket with fringe or tassels? Place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect the fringe, and wash on a gentle cycle.
How do I prevent blankets from pilling? Use a gentle cycle and avoid overloading the washer. Air dry or tumble dry on low.
Can I iron my blankets? Most blankets do not require ironing. If needed, use a low heat setting and place a cloth between the iron and blanket.
How do I get rid of musty smells from blankets? Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle or baking soda to neutralize odors.
What’s the best way to store blankets when not in use? Store in a cool, dry place. Use breathable storage bags or bins to prevent mildew and odors.
Can I use stain remover on blankets? Yes, apply a gentle stain remover directly on the stain before washing.
How do I wash down or feather blankets? Use a front-loading washer with mild detergent and wash on a gentle cycle. Dry with tennis balls to fluff the filling.
How do I wash blankets with embroidery or appliques? Turn the blanket inside out or use a mesh laundry bag, and wash on a gentle cycle.
Can I wash blankets in hard water? Yes, but consider using a water softener or adding a bit more detergent to combat mineral buildup.
How do I hand wash blankets? Soak in cold or warm water with mild detergent, gently agitate by hand, rinse thoroughly, and press out excess water. Lay flat to dry.
How can I prevent colors from bleeding in the wash? Wash in cold water with similar colors and use a color-safe detergent.
How do I clean an old or vintage blanket? Hand wash gently with mild detergent and air dry. Avoid harsh chemicals.
How do I dry blankets without a dryer? Lay them flat on a clean, dry surface or hang them over a line or rack in a well-ventilated area.
Can I use dryer sheets with blankets? Avoid dryer sheets, especially on fleece and microfiber, as they can reduce softness and absorbency.
How do I remove mildew from blankets? Wash with hot water and a cup of white vinegar or baking soda. Sun dry to kill any remaining spores.
Can I wash heated throws or blankets? Yes, but always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, usually involving removing electrical components first.
How do I wash a silk blanket? Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent or use a delicate cycle in the washer. Lay flat to dry.
Conclusion
Cleaning blankets properly involves checking the care label for specific washing instructions and using appropriate water temperatures and detergents. Machine washing on a gentle cycle and air drying or tumble drying on low is generally safe for most blankets.
Special materials like wool, silk, or weighted blankets may require hand washing, dry cleaning, or commercial washers. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and avoiding harsh chemicals will help maintain the blankets’ quality and longevity.
