Blankets are a staple for comfort in American homes, but keeping them clean and fresh can be tricky due to varied fabrics and frequent use. This guide provides practical, at-home methods to clean blankets effectively, whether you’re dealing with pet hair, lint, or stubborn wrinkles. The steps below outline accessible tools and safe practices to maintain softness and longevity.
Quick Answer
Best overall approach: Use a gentle wash cycle or spot-clean as needed, followed by a thorough drying method appropriate to the blanket’s fabric. For quick lifts between washes, vacuum upholstery attachments remove surface debris, while fabric lint removers and fabric shavers address pilling. Keep pets’ hair in check with a dedicated pet hair remover roller, and smooth creases with a handheld garment steamer.
What You’ll Need
- Fabric lint remover brush for blankets
- Vacuum cleaner upholstery attachment for blankets
- Fabric shaver for blankets
- Pet hair remover roller for blankets
- Handheld garment steamer for blankets
Before You Start
Check the care label on each blanket for washing instructions. Selection of hot water or delicate cycles depends on fabric. Avoid high heat that can shrink or distort fibers. Empty pockets and fasten closures to prevent snagging. For large blankets, use a washing machine with ample space or consider professional cleaning for delicate materials. Give yourself enough time: washing, drying, and finishing may take several hours, depending on the blanket’s size and fabric.
Step-By-Step: How To Clean Blankets
- Sort blankets by fabric type and color to prevent dye transfer and damage.
- Shake out loose debris outdoors or over a laundry tub to minimize indoor mess.
- Pre-treat stains with a gentle, fabric-safe cleaner following the product’s instructions.
- Run a quick surface cleanup using the vacuum cleaner upholstery attachment for blankets to remove dust and hair.
- Machine wash blankets on the appropriate cycle and water temperature as per care label, using a mild detergent.
- After washing, run an extra rinse cycle if the blanket tends to hold soap residue.
- Dry according to fabric type: line dry when possible, or use a low heat tumble dryer; add clean tennis balls to retain loft for quilts and fleece.
- While drying, periodically check to prevent overdrying, which can cause stiffness or static.
- Inspect the blanket for remaining lint or pills; use the fabric lint remover brush for blankets or fabric shaver for blankets as needed.
- For minor wrinkles, pass a handheld garment steamer for blankets over the fabric at a safe distance.
- Store the clean blanket in a breathable space to maintain freshness and reduce mustiness.
- Repeat routine cleaning as needed, especially during allergy seasons or heavy use periods.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persistent lint after washing | Lint attractor fibers or dryer static | Rerun with a gentle dryer sheet or use a lint roller | Wash separately from heavy lint sources |
| Pilling on blanket surface | Friction from washing or fabric wear | Careful use of a fabric shaver for blankets | Avoid over-washing; wash on delicate |
| Stains that set after washing | Improper pre-treatment or hot water on protein-based stains | Pre-treat with enzyme-based stain remover and wash with cold water | Treat stains promptly |
| Fabric shrinking after wash | Hot water or high heat drying | Wash on cold or warm as label allows; air dry or use low heat | Always follow care label |
| Fuzz or lint on new blanket | Loose fibers | Brush with fabric lint remover brush for blankets | Choose high-quality fabrics and proper washing |
Common Mistakes
- Using hot water on delicate fabrics, causing shrinkage or color bleed.
- Overloading the washer, which prevents thorough cleaning.
- Skipping the rinse cycle, leaving detergent residue behind.
- Neglecting to check care labels before choosing a method.
These missteps can leave blankets stiff, faded, or damaged. Following fabric-specific guidance helps maintain softness and longevity.
Tips For Best Results
- Run a quick surface clean with the vacuum cleaner upholstery attachment for blankets before washing to remove hair and dust.
- Use a gentle detergent designed for delicates; avoid heavy fragrances that may irritate sensitive skin.
- For pet owners, run a weekly pass with the pet hair remover roller for blankets to minimize hair buildup between washes.
- Store blankets clean and dry to prevent mildew; consider breathable storage bags for long-term protection.
Call A Professional
Stop signs to seek professional help include persistent stains resistant to standard cleaners, fabrics that require dry cleaning only, or blankets with value fabrics (silk, cashmere) that could be damaged by home methods. If there is any uncertainty about fabric type or washing method, consult a professional cleaner for tailored advice.
FAQ
Can I wash all blankets in a standard washing machine?
Most everyday blankets can be machine washed, but follow the care label for fabric-specific guidance.
What if my blanket is very large or heavy?
Use a large-capacity washer, or consider hand-washing or professional cleaning if necessary.
How can I remove pet hair from blankets without washing?
Use a pet hair remover roller or a lint brush to lift hair from the surface.
How do I prevent lint and pills from forming?
Wash on gentle cycles, use a fabric shaver only when needed, and brush with a lint remover after washing.
Is fabric softener okay for blankets?
Check the care label; some blankets benefit from fabric softeners, while others may lose loft or attract more lint.
How do I clean blankets with wool or cashmere?
Use cold water, a mild detergent, and a delicate cycle, or opt for hand washing and air drying to protect fibers.
Can I steam clean blankets?
Yes, a handheld garment steamer can refresh blankets between washes, but avoid soaking or over-wetting.
Buying Guide
When selecting blankets, consider factors that impact cleaning ease and long-term comfort. Examine size, fabric, and weave, as well as how easy the blanket is to clean and maintain. Noise level and energy efficiency apply to washing equipment rather than the blanket itself, but choosing energy-efficient washers and low-noise appliances can simplify routine care. Placement matters for storage and drying space, especially in small living areas.
Key Buying Factors
- Size: Ensure the blanket fits your bed and laundry space; oversized blankets may require commercial machines or line drying.
- Fabric and weave: Cotton, polyester, fleece, wool, and blends have different washing needs; delicates require gentler cycles.
- Care instructions: Look for blankets with clear, simple care labels to minimize missteps.
- Loft and warmth: Higher loft blankets trap warmth but can shed fibers; expect to lint sometimes and plan accordingly.
- Maintenance tools: Stock handy tools like a fabric lint remover brush, a fabric shaver, and a pet hair remover roller for quick upkeep between washes.
- Storage and freshness: Breathable storage options and moisture-control aids help keep blankets clean between uses.
Thinking about cleaning methods and maintenance routines? A balanced approach—regular surface cleanup, careful washing, and timely use of lint-removal tools—helps blankets stay cozy and clean longer. If in doubt, prioritize fabric safety and follow care labels to protect the blanket’s feel and color.