You can wash most blankets weighing up to 20 pounds in your household washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach, which can damage the blanket's fibers over time, and fabric softeners, which may create a buildup that gives your blanket a scratchy feel.
If you have a “soak” cycle, then first let it soak, and then it should be manageable to arrange it evenly in the washer, and that should keep it from off-balancing.
Submerge the Blanket: Fully submerge the blanket and gently agitate the water with your hands. Soak and Swish: Let the blanket soak for 15-20 minutes. Swish it around occasionally to help loosen dirt. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water.
Is it okay to wash a weighted blanket? Yes, it is! You can wash your weighted blanket in a large capacity commercial washer but only if it's made from steel, glass or plastic beads. You also need to check the care tag to confirm that it's machine washable.
After laundering, a gentle brush of your blanket with a wide-toothed comb or soft-bristle brush can restore its soft and fluffy feel. In general, consider steering clear from fabric softeners, and when not in use, you may store the blanket away from direct sunlight to prevent stiffness.
What mode you wash a blanket on is also important. To wash a wool blanket, make sure to select a delicate setting on your washing machine and set the water temperature to cold. Using this setting to wash blankets will help ensure the wool doesn't get damaged.
Use the cold water setting on your bedding and other oversized items for a gentler wash. Hot water can make colors fade or run. The extra rinse setting is also a good idea, because it ensures the detergent completely washes out of the bulkier material.
No problem! Simply throw your blanket in the wash with hot water and add about a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment and reap the benefits of your like-new blanket.
When paired with your laundry detergent, ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda uses the power of pure sodium bicarbonate — a natural occurring substance — to: Neutralize odors by balancing pH levels, and. Soften wash water, so you can use less detergent or bleach — and make it more effective.
You can wash most blankets weighing up to 20 pounds in your household washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach, which can damage the blanket's fibers over time, and fabric softeners, which may create a buildup that gives your blanket a scratchy feel.
A regular-capacity washer between 3.1 and 4.0 cubic feet will let you load in 12 to 16 pounds of laundry, while a larger-capacity model between 4.2 and 4.5 cubic feet can hold up to 20 pounds or more.
If your blanket measures 15 to 20 pounds, you can wash your blanket simply in the comfort of your home. Just put it in a gentle mode, mild detergent, and cold water. Blankets comprising glass microbeads and plastic Poly pellets generally are safe in the machine.
9. Heavy Duty. The Heavy Duty washing machine cycle uses hot water and high spin speed for thick, heavily-soiled fabrics, like towels and jeans. Loads washed in this cycle may take longer because these items tend to absorb more water than other types of fabrics.
Always separate each blanket before tossing it into your washer. Otherwise, they might all clump together in one big, unclean bundle. And the same goes for dryers too! No one wants dirty or wet blankets at the end of laundry day, so take your time.
The Risks of Overloading Your Washing Machine
Strain on the Motor: When the drum is overloaded, the motor is forced to work harder, increasing the risk of overheating or early failure. A burned-out motor can be expensive to repair or may even require replacement.
A washer with 4.5 cu. ft. capacity or above should also be able to handle king-sized duvets and comforters, so make sure you're getting the capacity you need to avoid trips to the laundromat.
Mechanical Agitation: The agitation and tumbling during a washing cycle can put stress on the fibers, causing them to break loose from the weave or knit of the blanket. Water Temperature and Chemicals: Using hot water or harsh detergents can weaken fibers, making them more likely to shed.
Hot water can cause the fibers to break down, leading to a rough texture. Cold water is gentler and helps the blanket retain its softness. Mild Detergent Only: Opt for a mild detergent without strong chemicals or bleach. Harsh detergents can strip away the blanket's softness, making it feel scratchy after washing.
Choose the right detergent.
Gentle detergents designed for delicate fabrics may make your new bedding feel softer with just a few washes. It's best to avoid bleach or harsh detergents because they can damage the fibers and make the fabric feel stiff.
Use A Lint Roller
It's also a great tool for removing pet hair, dust, and other debris that can accumulate on the surface of your blanket. To use a lint roller, simply roll it over the surface of your blanket in one direction until all visible lint has been removed.