Rules and tips on how to wash a blanket so that it remains soft and fluffy

For three centuries, plaid has served people, creating coziness and comfort. You can make your bed with it to protect it from dust and the paws of the ubiquitous pets. You can wrap yourself in it and drink a cup of aromatic tea.

Everyday use leaves marks on the product, which can only be removed by water-heat treatment (WHT). It must be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer and professionals.

We will tell you in this article how to wash a blanket correctly (at what temperature, in what program, mode) so that it remains soft and fluffy.

Preparatory stage

So that the blanket does not lose its original appearance and softness, Before washing, you need to pay attention to several points:

1. Information about the composition and markings on the label will tell you which type of washing is preferable for this product.
2. A large blanket, regardless of the material, will have to be washed by hand.
3. Assessing the degree of contamination will help you choose a gentle cleaning method.
4. Properly selected detergents will extend the life of your favorite item.

Label information

Labels on blankets provide comprehensive information about composition and care, which will help increase their service life.

Standard for graphic images and their interpretation:

1. Wash. The washing method is determined by the image of a basin with water, the numbers indicate the maximum permissible temperature.



2. Bleaching and dry cleaning. Tips for housewives and professionals to help clean a blanket without risking fibers and color.



3. Spin, dry. Recommendations will help avoid product deformation.



4. Ironing. A crossed out iron on the label means that the fibers of the product may melt under the influence of high temperature.

In addition to care recommendations, the label contains information about the composition, which will help you choose the optimal mode for machine washing, if possible.

If the label on the product interferes with operation, you can remove it, but be sure to keep it. Its absence may result in a refusal to wash the blanket at the dry cleaner.

Types of washing

The choice of cleaning method for each blanket is individual, but there are general recommendations. They can be adhered to if the product label is lost.

In the washing machine

The easiest way to wash a blanket is entrust it to an automatic machine with a capacity of at least 4.5 kg. Most synthetic fabrics and some natural ones tolerate this procedure well if the regime is chosen correctly.

The main condition is that the volume of the loaded product should not take up more than ? drum, otherwise it will not stretch. Absorbed moisture increases the weight of the blanket, which can lead to imbalance of the drum and failure of the expensive assistant.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Load the product into the drum. It is recommended to carefully roll up a large blanket, distributing it evenly along the walls.
2. Select a mode in accordance with the composition, adjust the temperature and spin, following the prompts in the label.
3. Pour liquid detergent and conditioner into the special compartments and start the program.

Spinning is contraindicated for some fabrics; in this case, it is better to avoid it or select the minimum number of revolutions.

This video will show you how to wash a blanket in a washing machine:

Can it be washed by hand?

Hand washing a small item is not difficult. For this you need:

• fill the container with warm water, the temperature should not exceed 30 degrees;
• add liquid detergent and mix;
• lower the blanket, let it get thoroughly wet and leave for 2 hours, for woolen blankets 10-15 minutes is enough;
• Using stroking movements, treat the product over the entire surface;
• move the blanket away from the drain, open it so that all the liquid drains out;
• Add water again and repeat several times until all the soap solution is gone from the fibers;
• drain the water and let the product drain; you can use a wire rack for this.

Dry cleaning at home

Products from natural wool valuable breeds of animals do not tolerate exposure to water, as do natural fur. Dry cleaning is preferable for them, which can be done at home using a soft brush and soap solution.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Shake the product to remove dust.
2. Place on a flat, hard surface.
3. Dilute wool detergent (it can be replaced with shampoo for hair or pets) with water and mix.
4. Dip the brush in the resulting liquid and carefully brush the surface of the blanket on both sides.
5. Dry the product, providing access to fresh air.
6. Clean with a vacuum cleaner (it is better to use a model for cleaning a car).

You can add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the liquid (9% solution, essence will not work). It will give the fibers shine and softness.

Dry cleaning

Professional help is an expensive pleasure, but sometimes you can’t do without it. Especially when it comes to luxury items that are easy to spoil.

How to keep it soft?

To keep the product soft, you need to choose the right detergents. Concentrated gels and special shampoos in combination with conditioners are ideal. They contain enzymes that can cope with dirt at low temperatures without damaging the fiber structure.

Treatment agent

For washing blankets with different compositions, the following are suitable:

1. Laundry concentrate Laska “Care and restoration” will provide gentle cleansing and prevent the formation of pellets, and provide softness without the use of conditioner. For delicate fabrics, the “Wool and Silk” caress is suitable. Price from 180 to 250 rubles per 1 liter.
2. Organic washing gel Sinergetic removes dirt at temperatures of 20-60 degrees, cares for fibers. Suitable for delicate fabrics and children's items. Price 320-350 rubles per 1 liter.
3. Gel concentrate Meine Liebe designed for hand and machine washing of delicate fabrics.Protects against pilling, cares for natural fibers, and is effective in combating stains. Price from 280 to 330 rubles per 800 ml.

Air conditioner

Fabric softeners perform several functions:

• soften the fabric;
• remove static electricity;
• make ironing easier or eliminate the need for it.

Features of the process for products made from different materials

The choice of washing method directly depends on the composition. Blankets made from synthetic fibers are less difficult to care for and can be washed well in a washing machine. The natural composition requires special care and attention.

Synthetic

Products made from artificial fibers are lightweight and soft, but can accumulate static electricity.. Consequently, dust accumulates faster.

All the nuances of the WTO of synthetic blankets are collected in the table:

Natural

Natural fibers are less susceptible to contamination, hypoallergenic, but are susceptible to high temperatures, mechanical impact. The service life of products with this composition, despite the high price, is limited.

To keep a natural fiber blanket in its original form longer, you must take into account the recommendations of professionals:

It is recommended to dry blankets with natural composition in a horizontal position. Products that have mixed fibers are subjected to WTO according to the rules of the component whose percentage predominates.

Self made

Special category requiring careful care. Synthetic and mixed crocheted blankets can be machine washed on a delicate cycle and line dried.

Fabric made using this technique retains its shape well after washing at a temperature of 30-40 degrees.

A product knitted with knitting needles can be deformed. It is necessary to dry only in the unfolded form, and in the case of cotton composition, also steam with an iron.

Large and voluminous

Washing a large, voluminous blanket is a difficult task for a fragile woman, so you definitely need an assistant with physical strength.

In a private home, you can wash a large item in the same way as for carpets.. Necessary:

1. Hang a blanket outside.
2. Prepare a soap solution.
3. Apply the liquid with a brush, paying attention to the most contaminated areas.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water from a hose.
5. Dry, avoiding direct sunlight.

If none of the methods is suitable, there is only one way out - professional dry cleaning.

This video will show you how to clean a large blanket:

Do I need to wash it after purchase?

There is no definite answer; each housewife makes her own decision. It is important to consider:

1. Blankets are produced at large enterprises, using equipment that is not sterile. Plus the hands of employees without gloves.
2. Consumables are stored in warehouses, first at the manufacturer, then at the factory, and are often transported without packaging.
3. In stores, customers select products by touch to make sure they are soft. As a result, dust accumulates and contaminants of various nature appear.

If the packaging has not been opened and does not have obvious signs of contamination, then it is enough to ventilate the blanket to get rid of the “factory” smell. Otherwise, it will have to be washed.

Children's blankets must be washed after purchase., they will come into contact with the baby’s delicate skin. You should only use special products that do not contain aggressive substances or fragrances.

How to dry?

Drying the blanket is an important stage. If you do not follow the rules, the product may not only lose its softness and attractiveness, but also become unusable as a result of deformation.

5 main “don’ts”:

• dry in a vertical position, with the exception of some synthetic blankets;
• use the drying mode in the washing machine;
• expose the product to direct exposure to ultraviolet rays;
• dry near heating and heating devices;
• use a hairdryer for these purposes.

If the blanket is not completely dry, it cannot be rolled or packed. This will lead to the appearance of mold, which is quite difficult to remove.

Products with long pile or blanket grass should be shaken well before drying so that the fibers take their natural position. A dry piece of furniture can be combed first with a large-toothed comb, then with a soft brush, being careful.

Recommendations for care and storage

Recommendations from experienced housewives:

1. To prevent the product from accumulating dust during storage, it is necessary to pack it in an old cotton pillowcase to prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
2. It is appropriate to add cedar or lavender to a woolen accessory; this will repel pests.
3. 1 tablespoon of wine vinegar added to the rinse water will help maintain the softness of blankets made from goat, sheep, and alpaca wool.
4. If an unpleasant odor appears, the product does not need to be washed; it is enough to hang it in the fresh air for several hours, avoiding direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Proper care will extend the life of your favorite item. Following the recommendations will not relieve the blanket from:

• old paint stains,
• oils,
• medicines,
• sweat.

Washing gel with a repair function will not help remove scuffs, rolled fibers and streaks on folds. Careful attitude from the very beginning is the main secret of maintaining the appearance and softness of the product.