HOW TO MAINTAIN AND CLEAN YOUR BLANKETS?

Throws are essential accessories to add a touch of warmth and comfort to your home. Whether you use them to snuggle up in on chilly winter evenings or as a decorative piece, knowing how to care for and clean your throws is essential to preserve their softness and shine. In this article, we offer practical advice and tips for caring for your throws depending on their material.

Know the Materials of Your Blanket

Before you begin maintenance, it is crucial to know the material of your blanket. Here are some common types of materials and their characteristics:

• Wool : Natural, warm, and durable, but may shrink if washed in hot water.
• Cotton : Soft, breathable, and easy to care for, but can wrinkle easily.
• Fleece : Lightweight, warm, and shrink resistant, but may pill over time.
• Velvet : Very soft and luxurious, but requires special care to avoid damage.

Read the Care Label

The first step in caring for and cleaning your throws is to carefully read the care label . This label provides crucial information on how to wash and dry your throw without damaging it. Each material requires specific care, and following the manufacturer's instructions is essential to prolonging the life of your throw. Common symbols to know include:

• Machine wash : Indicated by a wash tub. Follow temperature recommendations.
• Hand wash : Indicated by one hand in a tub. Use cold or lukewarm water.
• Dry cleaning : Indicated by a circle. Entrust your blanket to a professional.

Machine wash

If your blanket is machine washable, follow these steps for effective cleaning :

1. Choose the right cycle : Use a delicate cycle to avoid damaging the fibers.
2. Use a mild detergent : Avoid products containing bleaching agents or fabric softeners.
3. Wash at low temperature : Cold or lukewarm water is usually sufficient to clean a blanket.
4. Add laundry balls : They help prevent fibers from clumping, especially for wool blankets.

Hand wash

For blankets requiring hand washing:

1. Fill a bathtub or sink : Use cold or lukewarm water and add a mild detergent.
2. Soak the blanket : Let it soak for about 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Rub gently : Concentrate on particularly dirty areas.
4. Rinse thoroughly : Make sure to remove all the soap.
5. Avoid wringing : Squeeze gently to remove excess water.

Drying

Drying is a crucial step to maintain the quality of your blanket:

• Air Dry : Lay the blanket out on a flat surface to prevent it from warping. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
• Machine Dry : If label allows, use a gentle cycle and low heat. Add dryer balls to keep the blanket fluffy.

Care of wool blankets

Wool throws are loved for their natural warmth and durability. However, they require special care to prevent shrinking and felting.

• Washing : Wool should be hand washed or machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and a wool detergent. Avoid products containing enzymes or bleaching agents.
• Drying : Never twist or wring a wool blanket. Blot excess water with a towel and let it dry flat out of direct sunlight.

Maintenance of cotton blankets

Cotton blankets are easy to care for and can be washed more frequently than wool blankets.

• Washing : Cotton blankets can be machine washed at 30-40°C with a mild detergent. To avoid shrinkage, use a gentle wash cycle.
• Drying : Cotton can be machine dried on a low heat, but it is best to let it air dry to preserve its texture.

Care of polyester and fleece blankets

Polyester and fleece throws are durable and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for families.

• Washing : These materials can be machine washed in warm water with regular detergent. Use a delicate cycle to avoid distorting the fabric.
• Drying : Air drying is recommended, but these blankets can also be machine dried on low heat. Avoid using fabric softeners which can damage the fibers.

Caring for velvet throws

Velvet throws add a touch of luxury to your home, but they require special care to maintain their elegant appearance.

• Washing : Velvet should be hand washed with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid rubbing the fabric vigorously to avoid damaging it.
• Drying : Allow velvet to air dry flat to avoid creases and marks. Gently brush the fabric once dry to restore its soft texture.

Additional tips for maintaining your blankets

1. Avoid direct sunlight : Direct sunlight can cause your throws to fade. Place them in shaded areas or use curtains to protect your throws from UV rays.
2. Avoid fading : Wash dark colored throws separately and avoid hot water to preserve the color of your throws.
3. Avoiding Fabric Balls (Pilts) : Use a lint remover or wool comb to remove them.
4. Avoid shrinkage : Follow recommended washing temperatures and avoid high heat drying to preserve the size of your blankets.
5. Using a vacuum cleaner : To remove dust and pet hair, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. This method is especially useful for wool and velvet throws.
6. Store properly : When not in use, store your blankets in a dry, dark place. Avoid squeezing them into tight spaces to preserve their shape and texture.

Conclusion

By following these care and cleaning tips , you can extend the life of your blankets and preserve their beauty and comfort . Each material requires specific care, so be sure to read the care labels and adopt the best practices for each type of blanket so that they continue to offer you warmth and softness with each use. To discover our collection of blankets and choose the one that will perfectly suit your interior, visit our e-commerce site today and transform your home into a true cocoon of softness and style .

The Housses-Tendances.com ™ Team