We all have blankets and throws that have seen better days. And we all have blankets that have fabric pilling, looking less than their former fluffy selves. Luckily, were here to tell you; don't throw away your cozy piece of home decor just yet!
Believe it or not, you can take steps to bring back some of that original softness- and keep it for years down the road. This blog post will show you how to wash your fleece blanket without pilling or causing any damage in the process. Ready to give love back to your beloved fabric friend? Continue reading on!
Washing a Fleece Blanket
Fleece blankets are a great way to stay warm and comfy, but it is important to know how to wash them in order to maintain their softness and prevent pilling. The key to successful cleaning lies in understanding the best techniques and following them carefully.
Treat Stains
To effectively clean a stain on a fleece blanket, it is best to treat the stain before putting it in the washing machine. Ultimately, some blankets may have grease stains or food stains that need to be removed. These stains must be taken care of first before washing the blanket altogether.
When cleaning a fleece blanket, it is important to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. These instructions will often be found on a tab attached to the blanket itsel, or in an insert provided with the product, and will come in the form of laundry symbols of directions.
After reading the care label, you must make sure you use a gentle detergent specifically formulated for washing woolen fabrics. Applying a small amount of soap to the stained area can help to lift the stain off.
Let the soap sit on the stain for around ten minutes before taking a towel and gently blotting up any excess soap. Rubbing or scrubbing the fabric could lead to pushing the stain further into the fibers and thus making it more difficult to remove.
If one try is not enough, then attempt again with more soap until desired results are achieved. Additionally, if certain types of stains, such as dye or wine stains that remain stubbornly fixed, other solutions like oxy-clean may need to be used to remove them fully. It's important to note that bleach can damage the fibers of the fabric, which could lead to pilling or tears, so it's best to not use it.
Washing a Fleece Blanket
When it comes to washing your blanket, you should start by placing a single fleece blanket in the washing machine with no other items. It is usually better not to mix fabrics when washing so as not to cause any unnecessary wear or damage due to rubbing up against other items in the machine.
Next, set the washing machine to "gentle" and add only a small amount of laundry detergent. The laundry detergent you use is very important to the outcome of your fleece blanket. A trusted, eco-friendly solution is Tru Earths' laundry detergent strips.
These strips are made of the finest ingredients and are free of 1,4-dioxane, parabens, phosphates, added dyes, and chlorine bleach. In other words – it will get your items clean without leaving any residue on them, as traditional detergents can do, but better. We just make it healthier for you and the environment.
These laundry strips pack all the cleaning power of a regular laundry detergent into a tiny, pre-measured strip that you just toss right into the washing machine. It's eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and ultra-concentrated, meaning a single strip is enough to clean an entire load of laundry. This is why these strips are the perfect choice when it comes to washing your fleece blankets.
It's important to emphasize that fabric softeners should not be used as they can damage and weaken the fibers of the fabric. Additionally, using hot water settings might cause excessive shrinking, making the blanket unusable or unwearable.
Drying Your Fleece Blanket
Air drying a fleece blanket is generally the safest method to avoid pilling. Clotheslines work best in warmer weather, but if the temperature drops, using a dryer in a gentle setting could be the only option.
It's important to note that high-quality materials are likely to endure heat better than lower-quality materials, so you'll have a better chance of success if your blanket isn't made from synthetic fibers and is instead composed of natural wool or cotton.
If air drying isn't feasible, then take care when using the dryer by selecting the gentle cycle and removing the blanket as soon as it's finished. Be sure to check for signs of pilling before folding and storing away.
Depending on its size, it may be beneficial to take your fleece blanket outside and shake it out from time to time to fluff up its fibers and keep it free from lint or dirt buildup. Proper care and maintenance allow you to enjoy your cozy fleece blanket for many chilly nights ahead!
Why Does Pilling Happen?
In summary, pilling on sweaters and piling on blankets can occur if they are of low quality or very old. This happens because the threads have not been woven tightly enough, and so when washed, they can start to come apart. Therefore, it's best to invest in a high-quality fleece blanket that is tightly woven and more durable in order to avoid pilling or damage caused by washing.
Also, this type of blanket will last longer and be worth the extra cost. When washing any kind of fleece blanket, one should always take care and follow the specific instructions regarding how to wash it in order to get the best results. It's also important to remember that different types of fabric may require different washing techniques.
For example, some materials require cold water, while others may need warm water for the best results. Furthermore, using a gentle detergent specifically made for polyester fabrics can also help ensure your fleece blanket is well-cared for and will last much longer.
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