How to properly wash a blanket in a washing machine

Numerous washing programs, spinning and drying modes in washing machines allow you to “please” almost any material and cope with many types of contaminants. But is everything so simple when it comes to big and heavy things? It is not surprising that the question of how to wash a blanket in an automatic washing machine is one of the most pressing for modern housewives. After all, it is important not only to preserve the quality of the item, but also not to harm the washing machine itself.

Can it be washed in a washing machine?

Many types of blankets withstand the mechanical stress that an automatic washing machine can deliver. But there are exceptions that cannot be subjected to this type of washing. It all depends on the material from which the blankets are made. Is it possible, for example, to prefer hand washing to machine washing when it comes to synthetic materials? Yes! But this statement will not be true for blankets made from natural materials.

For those blankets that can be washed in an automatic machine, there are several general rules:

Before you start washing, you should pay attention to what is written on the label of the blanket, so as not to be surprised by unexpected consequences;
pay attention to the technical features of the washing machine and how many kilograms can be placed in the drum, especially considering that a wet blanket is quite heavy - do not damage the washing machine;
For washing, it is recommended to use only specially designed products, preferably not powder ones;
delicate mode only!

If all conditions are met, a blanket washed in an automatic washing machine will not suffer any damage and will serve for a long time to the delight of its owners.

How to properly wash a blanket in an automatic washing machine?

Knowing how to properly wash a blanket in an automatic washing machine, you can feel like a real master of fabric products, because this is not such a simple task. To do everything right, you need a little specifics:

if the maximum load provided for by the technical parameters of the automatic machine is 4.5-5 kg, this will be enough to cope with a thin synthetic blanket or even a double woolen blanket; if the capacity is smaller or it is too narrow, it is better not to take risks, but wash it by hand or use dry cleaning, because when wet, the weight of the blanket can increase up to 2-3 times;
What is important is how it will be folded when loading into the drum: a small blanket can be placed in any configuration, while a large one can be rolled into a tight snail before loading to avoid unnecessary damage;
When using a liquid laundry detergent (for example, gel), it is better to pour it directly into the drum onto the product - this will allow you to remove dirt more efficiently and contribute to better rinsing of the product;
the safest spin for blankets that are allowed to spin is 400 rpm; first of all, this will increase the service life of the washing machine itself, and of course it will not spoil an expensive and useful item;
if there are stains on the blanket that require special effort to remove, you will have to resort to hand washing rather than choosing a less gentle machine wash;
machine drying for blankets is not used, since this can leave folds and bends on it that can hardly be ironed out, in addition, the structure of synthetic blankets can be greatly damaged by temperature exposure;
It is not worth giving the product to the care of an automatic washing machine too often, since there is a risk of deformation and loss of the original color: the best option is to resort to machine washing no more than once a month;
if there have already been incidents when the machine tore things, you should not experiment with such a large thing as a blanket: most likely, it will harm him.

The main thing in washing with an automatic washing machine is choosing the correct temperature mode and the program in which the washing will be performed. It is also important to remember that no matter what material the item is made of, washing it together with other items is strictly prohibited, even if the dimensions of the machine drum allow this. There is a big risk that the item will paint the blanket an undesirable color, and it will become completely unusable.

Blankets made of synthetic materials

Blankets made from artificial materials - be it plush or faux fur - are simply designed to be washed in an automatic washing machine. They tolerate well the mechanical impact that a machine is capable of inflicting, they will never “shrink” and are unlikely (if the item is of good quality) to change color. Unlike blankets made from natural materials, synthetic ones are not so susceptible to damage - an automatic washing machine will not tear or spoil them. But still, it is necessary to be guided by the specific characteristics of the material from which synthetic blankets are made, since the characteristics of care and washing can differ significantly.

Fleece blanket

If fleece is used as the main material of the blanket, then it is unlikely that you will have to put a lot of effort into washing. A fleece blanket is unpretentious, but you should adhere to the following recommendations so that it remains soft and beautiful for as long as possible:

The program in which washing can be done is delicate with a temperature of 20-30 degrees;
Under no circumstances should you use powder detergents - only liquid ones; you should also not resort to using conditioners or rinse aids, as this may negatively affect the color of the fleece blanket;
the optimal spin for a fleece blanket is minimal so that the structure is not damaged, but some housewives prefer to avoid spinning altogether;
It is allowed to dry only in the shade - fleece fades easily, the product can be positioned vertically when drying; drying with a washing machine is completely contraindicated for fleece blankets - they are too delicate and sensitive to temperatures.

The material is not prone to wrinkles, so there is no need to panic and resort to ironing - once it dries, it will straighten out on its own.

Acrylic and polyester blanket

Products made of acrylic and polyester are not subject to frequent contamination, since they are mainly used as bedspreads that do not allow dust and air to pass through, which can be saturated with bad odors. It is very easy to wash such protective blankets in an automatic washing machine:

select the delicate mode (or hand wash mode): the temperature of these programs is not high and is excellent for acrylic and polyester;
in order for the product (especially a fluffy blanket) to be more pleasant to the touch and look great after washing, it is recommended to use a softening conditioner when washing, which will also help reduce the static effect that is often manifested in synthetic fabrics used;
You can use maximum spin - this will not ruin the item, but it will take less time to dry;
You can dry it by hanging it vertically on a clothesline or on a drying rack - acrylic and polyester are not prone to stretching or deforming under their own weight.

The polyester product is so unpretentious that with minor dirt you can even resort to the “quick wash” or “hand wash” mode, and spinning will not have any harmful effect. However, it is strictly forbidden to dry it thanks to the possibilities provided by an automatic washing machine, just as it is impossible to place it on radiators for drying, since polyester is afraid of high temperatures.

Faux fur blanket

Faux fur blankets are the most bulky - they are difficult to place in the drum of a washing machine, and you also need to be attentive to the technical parameters of the washing machine, because when wet they are very heavy. How to properly wash a fluffy plush blanket or a “grass” blanket so as not to harm either the automatic machine or your furry pet? Here are a few features:

delicate mode is perfect for “fluffy” made from faux fur; the temperature should not exceed 30 degrees;
You can’t squeeze it too hard, otherwise the “fur” may become deformed;
It is best to dry outside, in the fresh air, and to avoid bending, periodically the product will need to be switched to the other side or moved;
during drying, when it is almost dry, you can carefully comb it using a soft brush so that all the “hairs” are even and laid in one direction;

Since faux fur has a rather delicate structure, it can be washed no more often than after three months. In between washes, a vacuum cleaner with a small attachment will do a good job of removing dust. If you notice greasy stains on the surface of the blanket, liquid dishwashing detergent can easily remove them. Of course, its use in relation to such a “fragile” thing is doubtful; many housewives resort to this method.

Microfiber blanket

Microfiber is a very pleasant material that holds temperature well, which is why microfiber blankets are very popular. However, such material can often become dirty and the fluffy surface can become crushed. Therefore, washing is inevitable.Microfiber blankets can be washed either by hand or in a washing machine. Here are some tips:

wash only in a delicate mode;
the temperature, both when washing by hand and in a machine, should not exceed 60 degrees;
wring with minimal force so as not to damage the fluffy surface of the blanket;
drying is possible only in a horizontal position, since the wet material will be quite heavy;
drying the blanket should not be left in the open sun.

Viscose blanket

A product made of viscose is similar in care to polyester and acrylic blankets. The recommended program is "delicate wash". Spinning can be done at maximum speed, but dry only "naturally", without resorting to drying in a machine. For washing, you can use both powder and liquid detergents, because they are washed out quite easily and the fabric will be rinsed better. To improve the condition of the blanket, it is permissible to add a special conditioner. Unlike its application to fleece blankets, in this case, the conditioner will only be beneficial.

In general, blankets made of synthetic materials tolerate "water procedures" in an automatic washing machine quite well. The only exception, perhaps, are fleece ones, which can change their original structure from strong mechanical impact and are very afraid of direct sunlight. To make the pile of the blankets softer, it is permissible to use conditioners specially designed for this purpose.

Blankets made of natural materials

Giving preference to items made from natural materials - wool, silk, cashmere - you need to be prepared to provide them with proper care. In addition to banal pollution, such natural things can be subject to moth “infestations”, they strongly absorb odors, and quickly accumulate dust. Can these blankets be washed in a washing machine?

Yes, but everything and only in the most dire cases. For example, a woolen blanket can only be washed by hand, and even then without much effort. Large “natural” throws are especially difficult to properly care for and clean. In case of total contamination, it is worth remembering that there are dry cleaners that can do all the work without risk. However, if you are enthusiastic enough, you can try washing it yourself. Moreover, difficulties during washing may not arise with all materials.

Cotton blanket

Among products made from natural materials, items made from cotton are considered the easiest to care for. Owners of cotton “coziness” are unlikely to encounter problems with the accumulation of dust in the fabric, sensitivity to environmental odors and difficulties in removing dirt. A cotton blanket can be washed in an automatic machine without any worries. It is enough to install a special program for washing cotton products. Such a thing is not picky about temperature and mode, just like it is about detergent. But it is better, of course, to use a liquid product rather than a powder one. A few recommendations on how to wash a cotton bedspread:

the item, depending on its size, is folded several times before loading into the drum;
it will absorb a large amount of water, so you should be especially attentive to the technical parameters of the automatic machine itself - a blanket that has absorbed water may be too heavy;
It is recommended to use the maximum spin so that the item is well wrung out;
You can dry a cotton bedspread vertically, simply by hanging it on a clothesline or drying rack.

Silk blanket

A silk bedspread is very delicate, so the effects of an automatic washing machine can destroy it, tearing or crumpling it, since it will not be possible to fold it into a tight snail. In order not to harm it, it is better to resort to full washing as rarely as possible. If stains and dirt are local in nature, you can clean them with a soapy solution using a brush, avoiding rough friction. The solution for such an operation is prepared with the calculation: 1 liter of water/2 tbsp. l. special gel (powder products are prohibited).

Washing by hand requires special care - the blanket should not be wrinkled too much. It’s better to just put it in the bathtub, fill it with warm water (no more than 30 degrees) and dissolve a special liquid detergent. It is permissible to dry a silk blanket only horizontally, so that there are no bends and so that the thing does not look wrinkled, since you cannot resort to using an iron.

Wool blanket

A product made from natural wool is considered the warmest, so lovers of real comfort prefer it over any other. But when buying such a blanket, you need to take into account that a large amount of dust can accumulate in the fabric, and it’s not so easy to remove stubborn odors from it. The woolen “fluffy” is the most problematic in comparison with its “brothers”.

If the contamination is not significant and is local in nature, it is better not to resort to washing in an automatic machine, but to carefully clean the contaminated area with a soap solution (for a better effect, you can add no more than one teaspoon of vinegar to the soap solution). The solution is applied to the fleecy surface of the blanket and the dirt is removed using a soft brush. When resorting to this method, you need to be very careful, since there is a risk of damaging the soft fibers - you should not rub the stain with a brush “to the holes”, but only lightly clean it off.

If it comes to washing, then it is recommended to prefer hand washing to washing in an automatic machine. The mechanical impact that a woolen “fluffy” will be subjected to in an automatic washing machine can negatively affect its structure. In addition, after such a “technical” procedure it may look somewhat crumpled, and the villi will look more like icicles. To prevent such an incident from happening when washing by hand, you should listen to the following tips:

the water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees, otherwise the product may change shape;
In no case should you use standard washing powder - only liquid shampoos intended for wool, or a solution of shampoos;
When washing, you cannot exert a strong physical impact on the product - it is better to simply leave it in water for 10 minutes, and then rinse it carefully;
You can dry a wool blanket only on a flat surface (for example, horizontally on a dryer), do not bend it or hang it horizontally - the blanket will stretch under its own weight.

Cashmere products are no exception among woolen blankets - they also do not tolerate mechanical stress and require manual care and washing at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees.

Bamboo blanket

A bamboo bedspread is no less sensitive than a silk one, so the best option for it would be hand washing under the same conditions as for silk. It is strictly forbidden to dry it in direct sunlight - it may lose its original color and become rougher after drying.

If we summarize the features of washing blankets made from natural materials, we can highlight the following key ones:

the temperature at which washing is done in an automatic washing machine should not exceed 30 degrees on average;
instead of an intense “mechanical” spin, it is better to prefer a calm, voluntary drainage of water by placing a blanket in the bath and waiting for 10 minutes, then you can wrap the blanket in a terry towel and blot thoroughly;
priority washing mode – “wool”;
if you are washing a light-colored blanket, you can also use powdered laundry detergents containing oxygen bleach; a product containing enzymes is suitable for blankets with bright prints;
In order for the blanket to dry evenly, you need to periodically shake it and turn it over during drying so that no bends appear on the product.

Before washing an item made from natural material in an automatic washing machine, you can soak it in the bathtub in lukewarm water for half an hour.

What problems can arise after washing in an automatic washing machine and how to prevent them?

The most common problems that can arise after “mechanical” washing are shrinkage or rolling of the fibers.Why is this happening? There are several reasons:

perhaps the rinsing was insufficient, so the material became hard and fluffy;
if pellets appear, the reason for this may be the insufficient quality of the material from which the blanket is made or too frequent washing in the washing machine, which affected the structure of the material;
incorrectly selected mode and temperature;
errors in drying and spinning, after which the blanket is guaranteed to become deformed.

If the product, after it has been washed, becomes, in the bad sense of the word, unrecognizable, it’s okay, since many mistakes in this situation can be corrected. For example, in the case of pellets, you should resort to removing them using a special machine. Of course, people often use “homemade” methods, removing them with scissors or even a blade, but this is strictly not recommended, since we are talking about delicate materials (even synthetic ones) - you can seriously damage the surface of the blanket and only aggravate the situation.

What is the right thing to do if the blanket shrinks? You can simply try to wash it out. However, during the drying process you will have to periodically stretch it strongly. The main thing is to do this evenly to prevent even greater embarrassment. You can also use a steamer. In this case, you cannot stretch it too much, because after using the steamer the material will be very pliable. We must not forget that it is permissible to steam only from the inside out, so that the external feed is not damaged.

If the material has become very hard or even “needle-like,” most likely it has not been rinsed well.Everything is very simple - all you need to do is rinse it again without resorting to a washing machine.

If you want to get a brand new blanket, first you need to become thoroughly familiar with the care features of the material that will be its basis. It is better to choose based not on beauty, but on whether it will be possible to provide sufficient care so that it remains “in shape” for as long as possible.