Blankets are very crucial for the appropriate warmth during the cold months, and comfort in general. Nonetheless, for you to be able to maintain the blankets to the best of your potential, there are a number of things you need to consider when cleaning and maintaining your blankets. SNUGGLELOVE LLC provides ways in which you can take good care of your blankets that will help you both make them last longer and enjoy their softness and warmth even more. In this detailed guide, you will find how to properly wash and what to avoid when handling your favorite cozy blankets.
Understanding Blanket Materials
Several forms of cleaning are compulsory, as different materials cannot be cleaned in the same way. Therefore, the initial step towards safely and effectively handling your blanket is to identify your fabric’s needs.
Common Blanket Materials:
Fleece: Fleece blankets have numerous properties, such as being lighter and warmer than cotton or denim blankets. They do not require as much washing and ironing as cotton blankets. It’s always advisable to wash them using a washing machine, and they will dry very fast.
Cotton: In the long end use, cotton blankets also have the character of breathability and can be used all year round. They are also washable with a washing machine with the understanding that they will shrink, provided they are not washed well.
Wool: Wool blankets are soft, warm, long-lasting, very comfortable, appealing, and cheap, but they need to be well handled as they are very sensitive and can shrink or harm permanently. They always require professional or unique cleaning procedures.
Sherpa: They have the softness of sheepskin because they were designed to have the kind of fluffy feel that makes Sherpa blankets distinctive. They are commonly washable with the washing machine but must be kept dry since they tend to stick together, especially if left to dry.
General Cleaning Tips
It also recommended that blankets should be washed frequently so that they can be free from sandy particles as well as dust. Here are some general tips for cleaning blankets:
Before Washing:
Read the Care Label: It is always important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially if they are provided on the care label. This will help you determine the proper ways of cleaning your blanket to avoid ruining it.
Shake It Out: When pre-treating your blanket, shake it first to eliminate visible dirt and dust particles.
Spot Clean: If the fabric has small and more specific discolorations, wash the affected area gently with mild soap and water.
Washing Tips:
Use Mild Detergent: Always wash the blanket with a mild washing powder that does not have a strong smell, as this destroys the fabric and the color of the blanket.
Cold Water Wash: Wash using cold water in order to avoid the fabrics shrinking up or fading in terms of color, for fabrics like the woolen and cotton ones particularly blankets.
Gentle Cycle: The washing machine always has a gentle or delicate option that should be chosen to reduce the pressure on the clothes.
Drying Tips:
Air Dry: When washing your blankets, avoid using high heat, which is detrimental to them. Always allow your blankets to dry naturally. Spread them on a flat surface if you want them to dry, or let them hang on a wooden hanger if you are using one.
Low Heat: If one has to use a dryer, one should choose a low heat setting to avoid compromising the blanket’s size and softness.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: They continue that direct sunlight should not be allowed to shine on the blankets for too long, as this erodes their colors; therefore, they should be dried in a shaded area.
Maintaining Blanket Freshness
Other methods of freshening the blankets before use can help prolong their lifespan and the comfort they offer.
Tips for Freshness:
Regular Shaking: Shake out your blankets regularly to get rid of dust and dirt.
Sun Freshening: When the weather is good, get used to hanging your blankets outside and allowing them to soak up the sun for a few hours. The activity of sunlight helps reduce the bacterial content and eradicate the smell.
Fabric Sprays: Occasionally, use a fabric freshening spray, but be sure to do so in moderation so that it does not harm the environment. There are specialized sprays on the market, and one must purchase the right one for the material used on the blanket.
Storing Your Blankets
Correct storage is inevitable for any blanket, particularly when not in use, to enhance its quality.
Storage Tips:
Clean Before Storing: Always wash your blankets before folding or putting them away to prevent dirt and stains from permanently settling on the fabric.
Use Breathable Bags: Stack blankets unfolded and store them in clean cotton drawstring bags or pillowcases. These materials let some air through but keep out dust. Do not use plastic bags, as they must accrue thick moisture, which will cause mildew.
Avoid Compression: Avoid over-compressing blankets because this has the tendency to destroy the fibers, leading to a loosened blanket. Pack them in a cool, dry place with adequate ventilation. They should be stored in a cool, dry area and in large volumes.
Handling Common Issues
In some cases, this may cause the blanket to become worn out more quickly, while in other cases, it could cause the blanket to last longer since some issues are solved in the early stage.
Common Issues and Solutions:
Pilling: When a fabric is squeezed, the fibers act against each other and clot into round shapes. Loosen it with a fabric shaver, then use a pumice stone to gently shave off the pills.
Stains: First, locate the stains and, if possible, treat them with a stain remover suitable for the blanket fabric. For tough stains, one can follow the following recipe: mixing baking soda with water.
Odors: In case the blanket you’re using has become a receptacle of some bad smells, sprinkle some baking soda over the blanket and leave it to stand for several hours then shake off the baking soda and wash the blanket as normally.
Conclusion:
The softness of your cozy blankets requires proper cleanliness and maintenance so as to ensure they remain fresh and last long in perfect condition. The knowledge about different types of material that make up various types of covers is crucial since it helps one know how to clean them effectively. Blanket maintenance mainly involves regular washing, correct drying techniques after cleaning, and good storage methods. These tricks will enable you to keep using your favorite throws without compromising quality or lifespan expansion. If you want your snuggly blankets to be with you for a lifetime, take good care of them by keeping them clean always and contact SNUGGLELOVE LLC.
