Soft, fluffy clean blankets. We all want them, but are sometimesare at a loss as to how best to launder them.

I have made it easy for you – here are somegeneral guidelinesto laundering all blankets – from cotton to mohair, and everything in between. Let’s start with a few basic points.

Know what your blanket is made from. Look at the care label and determine whether it is cotton, a blend of cotton and acrylic, nylon, polyester, rayon, wool, mohair or anything else. This will determine the washing method you should use.

Secondly, give the blanket a good shake. This is to get rid of dust and any loose dirt on the blanket. You are almost ready to start washing!

COTTON BLANKETS:

Generally, most cotton blankets can be machine washed. Use the same steps as those for the acrylic blanket below but remember the following:

• Use warm, not hot, water – about 40ºC is sufficient to remove dirt. Hot water will shrink the cotton fibres and could cause the colours to run.


• Use mild liquid detergent and make sure that it is dissolved in the water before adding the blanket


• Set the machine on gentle and wash.. for a minimum time.


• Rinse in cool water, short spin and then dry flat.


• Cotton blankets can be tumble dried on a cool cycle, for a short time. Extremes of time and temperature could result in shrinkage.

The 100% cotton blankets stocked at Linen Drawer: (https://www.linendrawer.co.za/throws-blankets/horizon-pure-cotton-throws ) can be machine washed and tumble dried – no fuss at all!

ACRYLIC, NYLON, POLYESTER BLANKETS:https://www.linendrawer.co.za/throws-blankets/acrylic-furpile

• These blankets are generally suited to machine washing. They do however tend to be quite bulky, so check whether your machine capacity is adequate for your blanket. There should be adequate space after your blanket is loaded in the washing machine for it to be able to move around.


• Set the machine on ‘gentle’ and cool wash. Add liquid detergent.


• A short cycle is recommended for more delicate blankets, whereas heavier blankets can go through the full cycle.


• Shake the blanket well after spinning in order to return the pile to its original state.


• Hang/air dry the blanket or tumble dry on a cool setting.

MOHAIR AND WOOLEN BLANKETS: https://www.linendrawer.co.za/throws-blankets/hinterveld-mohair-throws-blankets

• After a good shake, to dislodge loose dirt and dust, these blankets can be hand washed.


• Fill a large tub withwarmish water – about 36ºC.


• Add a detergent, like Woolite, that is suitable for delicate woollen fabrics. Ensure detergent is full dissolved.


• Place blanket in tub, gently squeezing down to wet. Never agitate vigorously, this will cause your blanket to ‘felt’.


• Squeeze and press the blanket bit by bit untill all the dirt is removed. Never rub, swirl or wring a woollen or mohair blanket.


• Lift away the wet blanket gently, drain away dirty water and refill tub with clean water -35ºC.


• Gently squeeze and press all the detergent out of the blanket, section by section.


• Have a clean sheet or very large towel ready. Lift the blanket gently squeezing out the water and place on the clean sheet or large towel. Roll the sheet or towel with the blanket inside. This helps to rid the blanket of excess water without resorting to wringing.


• Remove from the sheet or towel and gently lay on a flat surface in an airy place to air dry.


• Ensure that you don’t stretch or pull the blanket, remember hair-like fibres are at their most delicate when wet, and can be easily distorted and spoiled.


• It helps to dry the blanket on towels to absorb moisture if you don’t have a large flat slatted surface on which to dry it.

NEVER tumble dry a wool or mohair blanket.

By adopting a practical approach to laundering blankets, you will ensure that you and the whole family have soft, fluffy, clean blankets all year round.

If you need any help, or have any laundering queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Linen Drawer.https://www.linendrawer.co.za/ We have expertise and knowledge to share with you!

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