How to properly machine wash a blanket, choosing a mode and temperature at home
A warm, fluffy blanket is an indispensable attribute and the embodiment of home comfort. However, daily use leads to the fact that a fairly large amount of dust and other contaminants accumulate in it. Therefore, if you use it often, sooner or later the question will arise, how to properly wash the blanket. In fact, this procedure is quite simple if you know its basic rules.
Rules of care
If you have a washing machine, it won't be difficult to wash a blanket, but it's important to consider what material it's made of. For example, a woolen blanket should be washed separately from other things and only at 30 degrees. However, you should not clean the item too often, as it may warp over time and lose color brightness.
Additional care also includes proper storage and drying. It is recommended to store the blanket in a twisted form - so that it does not bend and wrinkle.
Basic cleaning methods
If you need to clean your blanket at home, you can do two things: hand wash it or machine wash it. But you can also trust the professionals and dry clean the bedspread.
Manually
Some types of materials can only be cleaned by hand. When washing by hand, you should choose a deep container (for example, a bath), since you cannot rinse the blanket in a small basin. Then you need to suck in warm water and dilute the detergent or carpet cleaner in it. Then the blanket is soaked for two hours.
Then it is thoroughly washed and rinsed until the foam is completely removed. The bedspread is first left to drain in the bathroom and then dried on the balcony. This process is extremely time consuming. This is especially true for heavy blankets, which become even heavier with water, and are almost impossible to clean.
In a typewriter
It is much easier to wash a blanket with a washing machine. But before washing, you need to make sure that the material from which the blanket is made can be washed in this way. To do this, read the instructions on the label.
Mode selection
The machine should be set to “Delicate”, “Wool” or “Synthetic” mode for synthetic fabrics.
Temperature
The temperature regime is different for each material. As a rule, the mark should not exceed 30-40 degrees. The most delicate items are fur, cashmere, terrycloth and wool - they are only washed at 30 degrees.
How to choose a product
An ordinary, highly dissolving powder is suitable for washing a blanket, but a liquid gel is better for a woolen product.In addition, an air conditioner should be added in a separate compartment, which will make the blanket soft. Old stains should be pretreated with a special stain remover.
Spinning
When washing blankets, it is recommended to set the minimum value of the number of revolutions during spinning. The safest spin for the product and the washing machine is 400-500 revolutions.
Dry cleaning
Some materials are not suitable for washing or dry cleaning. In this case, the blanket should be taken to the dry cleaning or laundry. Some fabrics do not tolerate contact with cleaning products and liquids.
Dry cleaning will provide safe cleaning that cannot be achieved at home.
What material can be washed in a washing machine
Some materials can be machine washed as they will withstand this treatment better. However, it is important to observe a number of characteristics of each product.
Fleece
To wash fleece items, the delicate mode is activated. It is not recommended to soak such a blanket before washing - it will be enough to roll it up and put it in the drum. The best option is liquid detergents, 30 degrees, no spin, no rinse aid or conditioner. You must dry it flat.
Cashmere
The cashmere product is washed exclusively on the delicate cycle and in cold water. The minimum number of revolutions during spinning is also set. The temperature regime does not exceed 30 degrees. We recommend using liquid detergent.
Synthetic fabric
A synthetic fabric blanket, such as a fleece blanket, does not need to be soaked before washing. The delicate mode and the "Synthetics" program must be set.If there is no particular dirt, the quick wash mode is allowed. The temperature regime should not exceed 60 degrees. To prevent such a product from fading, it must be properly dried.
Features of the care of artificial fabrics
Artificial fabric products can be safely sent to the washing machine to be washed. Such blankets are resistant to wringing, rinsing, and also will not "shrink" or lose color. However, this should take into account the characteristics of each artificial material.
Acrylic, Polyester, Faux Fur
Acrylic and polyester products can only be washed at 40 degrees. For them, a delicate mode or a hand wash mode is suitable. The use of air conditioning and maximum spin is allowed. Faux fur blankets are washed without spin and at 40 degrees. Remove dust from the product before cleaning it.
Fleece
Soft fleece bedspreads can be hand or machine washed. Such products do not accumulate dust and moisture in themselves, therefore their maintenance is quite simple. They are washed with water heating at 30 degrees and a delicate regime. Wringers and conditioners are not used and do not dry on batteries.
Microfiber
The fluffy surface of these blankets is often crushed and dirty. The microfiber product is not "afraid" of exposure to high temperatures. Such a blanket is washed even at 60 degrees. Only the delicate mode is used, with a minimum spin. Do not expose the blanket to the sun while drying.
Stuffed toy
To wash such a blanket, you will need a spacious machine. Before washing, it must be dusted. Then the "Synthetic" mode is set and no more than 40 degrees. Spinning is minimal or not at all. It is recommended to hand wash the plush high pile bedspread.
How to clean natural fabrics at home
To keep rugs made from natural fabrics in good condition, they must be carefully cared for. Cleaning such products is somewhat more difficult, since they do not tolerate machine washing. As a rule, dry cleaners trust covers made from natural materials.
Wool
Woolen products should not be rubbed in water with hands, twisted and squeezed. The drum of the washing machine can alter the appearance of the blanket. Therefore, small stains or dirt should be cleaned with soapy water and a soft brush. When washing hands, care should be taken - the product is placed in a container with warm water and detergent liquid (regular powder will not work). After that, it remains only to rinse gently.
Bamboo
Bamboo blankets are particularly soft and machine wash resistant. However, these rules should be observed: a gentle washing regime and a temperature of 30 degrees are established. It is recommended to use a canvas bag - this will protect the product from deformation.
In addition, only liquid products are used, a minimum of wringing and drying in decomposed form. These blankets can be steam ironed.
Merino
Many merino products cannot be washed in a washing machine. Therefore, read the label carefully before cleaning. If a water bowl is specified, only hand washing is permitted. A wash is selected in a delicate mode, at 30 degrees, the spin is minimal. They also use special detergents for washing - ordinary powder will not work. Conditioner is used for saturation and softness.You must dry on a flat surface, away from an artificial heat source.
How to dry well
Many materials do not tolerate drying in direct sunlight or in heaters. Most blankets are left to drain in the bathroom and then hung out to dry on the balcony or outside. For example, acrylic, fleece, cotton, and polyester don't shrink when dried on a clothesline, but they don't like drying on piles.
Microfiber also doesn't like heaters. Wool, silk, plush and bamboo blankets, as well as faux fur, should only be dried on flat surfaces - when folded, bedspreads will stretch.