Long nights by the summer bonfires, a romantic evening with your favourite book and a cup of hot chocolate, a moment of rest after a hard day. These different activities have one common element - they all run much better when they take place under cover of a fluffy blanket, plaid or bedspread. How to properly clean them so as not to destroy their properties? We advise!
In this article, you will learn:
1. How to wash a blanket and a bedspread - in a washing machine or by hand,
2. What program and temperature to set when washing a blanket in a washing machine;
3. What detergents are suitable for washing blankets and bedspreads,
4. How to dry sherpa blankets and cotton bedspreads,
5. What is best to use to remove stains and dirt from a blanket,
6. How hand washing of blankets and bedspreads should look like.
How to wash a blanket and bedspread?
You don't need to convince anyone about the need to clean blankets and bedspreads regularly. Like any material, home textiles easily become a hotbed of dust and other undesirable dirt. How to wash a blanket to keep its aesthetic appearance?
It is worth mentioning that improper washing of sherpa throw and bedspreads can result in their unsightly stretching or shrinkage and loss of fluffiness or colours. This, in turn, will make them lose all their charm instantly and, with it - the function of an attractive bedroom or living room decoration. So how do clean blankets and bedspreads keep their quality and properties intact? About it below.
Are you washing blankets and bedspreads - in the washing machine or by hand?
Is it better to wash the blanket by hand or in the washing machine? In most cases, it is recommended to wash the blanket in the washing machine. So, if the manufacturer has not provided any contraindications (always follow the instructions on the label), bet on cleaning the bedspread in the washing machine. In this way, you will save time and even more effort accompanying manual scrubbing.
Washing a blanket by hand may also be less effective. If your blanket - especially if it is a wool blanket - is in daily use, it may need refreshing and getting rid of unsightly stains, e.g. after tea or coffee. During hand washing, we may not notice all of them. In addition, by using the washing machine and knowing at what temperature to wash the blanket, you can be sure that it will be done correctly. There are also programs for more delicate fabrics that are worth using. You will find out below about the temperature at which to wash the blanket.
The temperature and washing program of the blanket
Suppose you have decided to clean the sofa throws or bedspread mechanically. In that case, a significant issue that you must remember is the choice of the right temperature and washing program and the cleaning agent - powder or liquid. In this case, it is also best to use the information on the label. However, if there are none or they are insufficient, choose a temperature of 30-40 degrees Celsius so as not to damage the delicate fibres of the blanket. The temperature at which you can safely wash your blanket depends mainly on its composition and the raw materials' properties. Remember that the water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees when washing a woollen blanket. Also, avoid soaking a wool blanket in too cold water - this is an easy way to damage the fibres and make the material felt.
As for the program, the best one will be short and designed for delicate fabrics or wool. This will perfectly clean a blanket or bedspread made of this material without exposing them to damage or stretching. Before choosing it, check the settings of your washing machine. Some models have special programs for washing blankets and duvets. You can also opt for a hand wash program.
Detergents for washing bedspreads and blankets
Equally important as the choice of washing method is using a suitable detergent. What is the best way to clean textiles? The best solution is to replace the standard powder with washing liquid. This will make it much easier to rinse the detergent out of the blanket and keep the bedspread soft.
When it comes to more specific cleaning rules, many of them depend on the blanket's material. For example, if you have a microfiber blanket, remember not to combine it with other materials in the wash. This will lead to the material "compacting" and losing its softness. When putting acrylic blankets in the washing machine, remember to beware of chlorination - acrylic does not tolerate the effects of chemicals very well.
If you want your bedspreads and blankets to retain extra freshness, add a few drops of your favourite fragrance oil to the laundry. An oil with the scent of orange or aromatic lavender will work best here. You can add a small amount of fragrant fabric softener if you want.
Spinning and drying
The question of how to wash a blanket or bedspread is one thing. There is still the matter of drying such a thick material. How to do it effectively and efficiently? First of all, choose the spin wash option. Its power should be adapted to the material from which the blanket or bedspread is made. However, only set it to 400 revolutions - unless you wash fleece blankets. In their case, you can afford higher spin speeds without damaging the material.
When you take the washed blanket out of the washing machine - contrary to what first comes to mind - do not wring it or squeeze it. Lay the spun blanket on the surface of the dryer and wait patiently for it to dry. Optionally, you can speed up the process by putting the washed textiles in a tumble dryer (in this case, it is also better to follow the information on the label). By doing so, however, you have no guarantee that it will not damage the structure of the bedspread or blanket. So if you want to be sure that nothing will happen to them - be patient and wait for them to dry on their own.
How to wash a woollen blanket?
Wool has become very popular because awareness of its excellent thermoregulatory properties is constantly growing. So how to wash a woollen blanket to be sure that its delicate fabric will not be damaged?
Try to wash blankets of this type in the washing machine. Hand washing a wool blanket may be unsafe, especially if you are not skilled at it.
A woollen blanket requires washing on a delicate program. Choose one that offers washing at 30 degrees and moderate drying and spinning. A woolen blanket will certainly not like too high a temperature.
When washing wool, do not use too solid and chemical specifics. The most delicate products should be used for hand and machine washing woollen blankets.
If possible, do not spin the wool after washing. It is better to drain it by hand from excess water - it will retain its properties for longer.
Quickly remove stains from blankets and bedspreads.
Above, we have explained how you can wash the blanket and bedspread without affecting their properties. However, washing in case of dirt should be the last resort. If you notice stains or localized contamination on your blanket, try to remove them as soon as possible. When they penetrate into the structure of the material, it may be impossible to remove them. Unaesthetic dirt will significantly destroy the decorative aspect of each blanket or bedspread, especially if it is brightly coloured.
What is best to use to remove minor stains and dirt? Before reaching for a stain remover, use water and mild soap or baby shampoo. If this method does not help, consider a particular remedy.
Hand wash blankets and bedspreads
If, despite the advantages of washing blankets in the washing machine, you still need convincing about this method and are afraid of damaging them - you can do it more traditionally. How to wash a blanket by hand to effectively clean the textiles from dirt?
It is best to use lukewarm water for this and add washing liquid to it before placing the blanket in it. Once you've done that, put the blanket on and wash it with gentle pressure. Remember to act as efficiently as possible. Some fabrics, such as wool, should be soaked briefly. Once you've dealt with the dirt, rinse the blanket in lukewarm water, preferably twice. Try to do it as accurately as possible. Detergent left on the blanket can damage the delicate structure of the material.
Regardless of the pattern and material, Blankets can be a beautiful room decoration. A few proofs of how they can enrich your interiors can be found, e.g. in the article "cotton Pillows, bedspreads and blankets for winter evenings".
However, for it to be so, and for the blankets to serve you with their invaluable functionality, take care of their proper cleaning and care. This will allow you to enjoy the advantages of your favourite accessory for many years.
