The bulky wash cycle is an ideal washing machine setting for large items such as blankets, comforters, towels, outerwear, small rugs, and pillows. This setting utilizes extra water and a soaktime to ensure items are thoroughly soaked and the detergent is evenly distributed.
If the blanket is machine-washable, use cold water and a wool-safe detergent. First, place the blanket in your machine and allow it to soak in the water and detergent solution for about 15 minutes. Then select a gentle cycle and let it run for about two minutes before switching to the rinse cycle.
Wash in warm water on a delicate cycle. If your washer allows for an extra rinse, use it. Otherwise, you'll need to do a separate rinse to get soap from the down. Dry the blanket on a low heat with dryer balls or some clean white socks with tennis balls stuffed inside, which prevents the down from clumping together.
Select the wash cycle and water temperature indicated on the fabric's care label. Blankets made of fleece, wool, sherpa, knit, crochet or faux fur typically need to be washed in a gentle cycle using cold water.
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.
The bulky wash cycle is an ideal washing machine setting for large items such as blankets, comforters, towels, outerwear, small rugs, and pillows. This setting utilizes extra water and a soaktime to ensure items are thoroughly soaked and the detergent is evenly distributed.
Choose the Right Washing Settings
To avoid this, wash your bedding in cold water, which is also more energy-efficient and gentler on fabrics. Opt for gentle cycles on your washing machine, particularly for delicate items.
Use Cold Water: Always wash your fluffy blanket in cold water. 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.
Extra Dry –The extra dry setting means a longer cycle time, to ensure bulkier items are completely dry. This setting is perfect for drying items like bedding and towels.
On some washing machine models, the delicate cycle may be marked as "Gentle," but the setting functions the same: both the delicate cycle and gentle wash cycles are characterized by colder water temperatures and low agitation or tumbling speeds.
Tumble dry your sheets on the low-heat setting to reduce wrinkling and prevent unnecessary wear. Using a low-heat setting also keeps your fitted sheets fitting snugly—if the dryer is too hot, it may damage the elastic. Avoid dryer sheets, as they can weaken the material and cause pilling over time.
Bed sheets should be washed in the warmest water appropriate for the fabric, using a sheets cycle or the cycle recommended in your washer's use and care guide. If there isn't a cycle specified, a normal or regular cycle will usually suffice for cotton, polyester or linen sheets.
Machine Wash
Use a large capacity washer to allow your blanket to have room to move around freely. Machine wash alone in cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle.
The normal cycle is a bit more aggressive, so it's ideal for sturdy fabrics, like denim, bedding, towels, and most clothing. As the name implies, the heavy duty cycle should be reserved for heavily soiled items since it's longer and uses a high-speed spin.
Use a delicate spin cycle and cold water with a gentle detergent. Avoid fabric softener and bleach. The best drying method is to hang the blanket up to air out, which avoids potential damage from the dryer.
If “hand wash only,” use a fabric-appropriate detergent; work up some sudsy, lukewarm water; and gently press through the blanket. Rinse out in lukewarm water. If your blanket can be machine washed, simply wash in cold water using the gentle cycle. Of course, if the label says otherwise, always listen to the label.
If you use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and add a few dryer balls to help fluff the fabric as it dries. Avoid high heat at all costs, as it can damage the fibres and reduce the fabric's softness and fluffiness. By following these steps, you can keep your fluffy fabric items clean and cosy for a long time.
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.
Some blankets can be machine washed and still come out nice and fluffy. If the label says your blanket is suitable for machine washing, wash in cold water using the gentle cycle. Curling up under a rough-feeling blanket is a sure-fire way to kill the cosy vibe.
It's important to use cold water and a gentle detergent when washing your blanket, as hot water can cause the fibers in the fabric to break down more quickly. For a fuzzy blanket, washing it in cold water on the gentle cycle and adding fabric softener can help stop shedding and strengthen the fibers.
Many washing machines offer specialized cycles for different fabric types. For blankets, use a gentle or delicate cycle to minimize wear and tear.
Don't Wash Your Sheets and Towels Together. Linens and towels should be washed separately for the following reasons: Material Weight: Different material thickness means sharing a wash cycle can cause damage! Different Material: Pilling can be prevented by washing with similar materials and textures.
Step 5: Select Water Temperature & Cycle Settings
Comforters should generally be washed on a bulky or bedding cycle using cool or warm water. If your washer allows, select the extra rinse option to completely remove soap residue from the comforter.