How to Clean Blankets by Material

Wool Blankets

1. Detergent Choice: Use cold water and wool-specific detergent. Avoid regular laundry powder or alkaline cleaners, as they can strip wool’s natural oils.
2. Washing Method: Gently rub stained areas—never wring, twist, or scrub hard! This prevents fiber breakage, shrinkage, or deformation.
3. Drying Tips: Lay flat on a well-ventilated rack or clean surface to air-dry. Keep away from direct sunlight (it can make wool brittle and yellow). Never hang wool blankets to dry, as they may stretch.

Cotton Blankets

• Machine Washing: Choose a gentle cycle (e.g., "Delicate" or "Wool") with mild detergent. Keep water temperature below 30°C and avoid long soaks (to prevent color fading or fiber loosening).
• Hand Washing: Dissolve mild detergent in warm water, submerge the blanket, and gently press. Focus on stained areas, then rinse thoroughly until no suds remain.
• Drying Note: Hang or lay flat to dry. Direct sunlight may cause fading, so opt for a cool, ventilated spot.

Polyester Fleece Blankets

• Machine Settings: Wash directly in the machine on a gentle or "Synthetic" cycle with room-temperature water.
• Drying Warning: Never use high heat! Polyester can harden or lose elasticity when exposed to hot dryers. Air-dry naturally, or use the dryer’s low-heat setting if needed.
• Pro Tip: For fuzzy polyester blankets, wash them inside out to protect the fleece layer from wear.

Bonus: Care for Coral/Flannel/Lambswool Blankets

• Coral/Flannel: Use a laundry bag to protect the fuzzy surface. Wash on gentle with water below 30°C. Skip fabric softener (it can stiffen fibers). Air-dry, then gently brush with a soft bristle brush to restore fluff.
• Lambswool: Treat like wool—hand-wash with neutral detergent, press out excess water (don’t wring), and lay flat to dry. Comb gently with a wide-tooth comb afterward to prevent clumping.

Daily Maintenance & Storage Tips

Daily Care

• Regular Air-Drying: Hang wool blankets in shade once a month, and cotton/polyester ones weekly for 1–2 hours to remove moisture and odors. Avoid over-drying, as it can make fibers brittle.
• Gentle Brushing: Use a soft brush to comb fleece in the direction of the fibers weekly—this reduces dust buildup and keeps it fluffy.
• Prevent Stains: Avoid placing blankets on floors or messy surfaces, and skip eating/drinking on them to minimize spills.

Washing Do’s & Don’ts

• Do use mild, fragrance-free detergents (e.g., baby-safe formulas) to avoid irritating fibers or causing allergies.
• Don’t over-scrub, use bleach, or expose to high heat—these damage fibers, cause pilling, or shrink blankets.
• Do rinse thoroughly! Residue from detergent can trigger allergies or make blankets stiff.

Storage Guidelines

• Prep First: Ensure blankets are completely dry (moisture causes mold!). For wool, add a mothball wrapped in breathable paper (avoid direct contact with fibers) to prevent pests.
• Choose Containers: Use cotton or linen storage bags (avoid plastic, which traps moisture). Store in a dry, well-ventilated closet, away from damp floors or walls.
• Check Regularly: Inspect stored blankets every 3 months. If damp, air-dry again before re-storing.

FAQs