Whether you use blankets to snuggle up on the couch, cover yourself while you sleep at night, or keep you warm during chilly outdoor excursions, you want them to remain comfortable and cozy over time. However, even the best blankets can lose their softness and fluffiness due to the accumulation of dirt, oils, and harsh detergents. This can cause the fibers to become stiff and uncomfortable, making it difficult to enjoy the soothing touch of your favorite blanket. Fortunately, there are effective ways to restore your blanket's softness and bring it back to life.
How Do You Dry a Blanket Without Ruining It?
Drying a blanket may seem like a simple task, but it requires careful consideration to prevent damage to the fabric. One of the most important steps to take is to choose the right drying method. Air drying and low heat drying are the two safest options for preserving the quality of your blanket.
As the name suggests, this method involves using a low heat setting on your dryer. This will help to avoid damaging the fabric from excessive heat exposure. You should also add a clean, dry towel to the dryer with the blanket to absorb excess moisture.
It’s important to note that high heat can cause damage to your blanket, particularly on soft fabrics. Using high heat can cause curled, reaped or scalloped edges that take away what makes your blanket super soft. This damage can be permanent and may render your blanket unusable.
Another important consideration is the type of detergent you use when washing your blanket. Choose a gentle, mild detergent thats specifically designed for washing delicate fabrics. This will prevent harsh chemicals from damaging the fibers of the blanket.
Lastly, be sure to follow the care instructions on the label of your blanket. These instructions offer specific guidelines for washing and drying your blanket to ensure that it remains soft, cozy and beautiful for years to come.
How to Remove Specific Stains From a Blanket Before Drying It
To remove specific stains from a blanket before drying it, start by identifying the type of stain and treating it accordingly. For example, for a wine stain, blot with a clean cloth and sprinkle baking soda or salt. For grease stains, apply dish soap and gently rub it into the stain. For blood stains, rinse with cold water and dab with hydrogen peroxide. Once the stain is treated, wash the blanket in cold water and then air dry or tumble dry on low. Avoid using high heat as it can set the stain.
By following these steps, you can easily revive a fuzzy blanket that’s lost it’s softness after washing. However, even after taking all the necessary measures, such as using white vinegar while washing and avoiding the dryer, sometimes a blanket may still end up with some fuzziness that requires further attention. So, what can be done in such a situation? Let’s find out in the following section.
How Do You Fix a Fuzzy Blanket After Washing It?
Blankets are an essential item for many people, as they provide warmth and comfort during chilly nights. However, these fabrics can easily become damaged and fuzzy after washing. Fuzzy blankets not only look unsightly, but they can also lose their insulating properties, making them less effective at keeping you warm at night. Fortunately, there are several ways to restore your blankets softness and fluffiness, making it look and feel brand new again.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to fix a fuzzy blanket after washing it’s to add white vinegar during the cleaning process. The acetic acid in vinegar helps to break down any residue or build-up that’s accumulated over time, which can cause the fibers in the blanket to get matted or tangled. Additionally, it helps to soften the fabric, leaving it feeling silky smooth and plush to the touch. When using vinegar to clean a blanket, be sure to choose a gentle cycle and only use cold water to avoid damaging the fabric.
Fabric softeners contain natural oils and lubricants that help to protect and soothe the fibers of the fabric, leaving it soft and fluffy. Simply add a capful of fabric softener to the washing machine during the rinse cycle, and let it do it’s magic. However, it’s essential to note that using too much fabric softener can result in build-up, causing your blanket to become greasy and gross.
If youre looking for a quick-fix solution to get your fuzzy blanket looking and feeling brand new again, try using a lint roller or a brush.
Tips for Preventing Blankets From Becoming Fuzzy in the First Place, Such as Proper Washing Techniques and Storage Methods.
- Wash blankets in cold water with a mild detergent.
- Avoid using fabric softeners, which can leave a residue and cause fuzziness.
- Use the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine.
- Avoid washing blankets with other rough or abrasive fabrics.
- Dry blankets on a low temperature setting or hang them to air dry.
- Store blankets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid folding or crushing blankets, as this can cause pilling and fuzziness.
It’s frustrating when you wash your blanket, only to find that it’s become stiff and hard to the touch. But don’t worry, there are a few common reasons this may happen, and with some simple adjustments, you can restore your cozy blanket to it’s original softness.
Why Is My Blanket Hard After Washing?
Minky blankets, also known as plush or fleece blankets, have become extremely popular due to their ultra-soft texture and cozy feel. However, many people have noticed that after washing or drying their minky blanket, it feels hard and stiff. This issue can be caused by several factors, but the most common one is the use of high heat during the washing or drying process.
Many minky blankets are machine washable, but they require special care to maintain their softness and plush texture. For example, some minky blankets should be washed separately, while others can be washed with other fabrics. Additionally, it’s important to avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals that can damage the material.
Source: How to Make Blankets Soft Again – Sew Sweet Minky Designs
While comforters have become a staple in most households for warmth and comfort, their thicker and fluffier build has made washing and drying them a daunting task.
Why Do Blankets Take So Long to Dry?
The reason why blankets take so long to dry has to do with their material and the nature of the fabric. Most blankets are made from thick, plush materials, such as wool, fleece, or cotton. These materials absorb water much like a sponge, which means that they hold onto moisture for a long time.
When the blanket spins around with the dryer drum, it can become flattened and compacted, making it difficult for air to circulate through the material. This lack of airflow slows down the drying process, as the moisture trapped inside the blanket has nowhere to go.
Comforters are notorious for taking a long time to dry, especially if they’re thick and puffy. The stuffing inside the comforter tends to clump together into pockets of wetness, making the blanket a lumpy mess. To help speed up the drying process, many people recommend adding dry towels or tennis balls to the dryer, which help to fluff up the blanket and promote air circulation.
Larger blankets require more space in the dryer, which can lead to bunching and uneven drying. On the other hand, smaller blankets may dry more quickly, as they’ve less material to hold onto moisture. Therefore, it’s important to match the size of the blanket to the size of the dryer, to ensure even and efficient drying.
Overall, drying a blanket can be a time-consuming process, especially if you want to avoid damaging the material or the stuffing inside. However, with a little patience and some clever tricks, you can speed up the process and have your blankets looking fresh and clean in no time.
Once you’ve removed as much loose lint as possible from your soft blanket, there are a few additional steps you can take to further prevent shedding.
How Do You Stop a Soft Blanket From Shedding?
One of the most annoying things about a soft and cozy blanket is when it starts shedding. The good news is, there are several ways you can minimize the shedding and keep your blanket looking and feeling great.
You can do this by shaking the blanket vigorously outside, using a tennis racket to beat it, or running a lint roller back and forth over both sides of the blanket. These methods will help to remove any loose fibers that are just waiting to shed.
When you wash your blanket, it’s essential to do so on it’s own. Washing it with any other clothing or bedding can cause more shedding due to friction. Use a gentle detergent that’s free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.
If all else fails, you can always take your blanket to a professional dry cleaner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking good care of our blankets allows us to enjoy their warmth, coziness, and longevity. By following the manufacturer's instructions and avoiding harsh detergents, high heat, and overloading, we can preserve the quality of our blankets. If we experience stiff or matted blankets, there's no need to toss them, as using baking soda and white vinegar while washing can restore their softness and fluffiness.