This article will guide you on how to clean crochet blankets at home. You have two options: by handwashing or by machine wash.
Of course, the best choice is always by handwashing, since you need to be gentle when dealing with delicate fabrics.
Is the blanket in your hand made by a machine? Then it’s probably okay to use a washing machine if you strictly follow the care label.
Either way, your blanket runs the risk of stretching if you have no idea how to clean them properly.
Tip To Remember
If you’re washing by machine, wash the items separately to avoid colors bleeding to one another.
Using warm temperature might trigger this scenario, so opting for cold water is the safest route.
Before you follow the two methods listed below, determine if the care instruction says “Dry Clean Only.”
In a case like this, you have no option but to pay for a professional to dry clean. If not, look for the yarn wrapper and read for special cleaning instructions.
Hand washing
Step #1. Clean your sink/tub where you will wash the blankets
Blankets vary in size, too. Check your kitchen if it’s clean enough and empty it for use.
For smaller items, using the sink as your washing area makes the process manageable because it fits better.
Bigger items in comparison will call for bigger spaces like the bathtub. Afghan blankets are one example. Cleaning them will be more tricky and strenuous for your hands.
Step #2. Grab the mildest detergent and soak the blankets in cold water
Only mild detergents formulated for babies are soothing to the hands. Grab a spoon to stir up the water, speeding up the dissolving process.
Wait for a moment or two, then check if there are no soap particles left.
When you add the water, don’t fill it to the brim lest the water overflows when you place the blankets. Let the blankets soak and settle at the bottom.
Look for a place without disturbance, then leave the basin there for at least an hour.
Step #3. Rinse the item and twist to remove excess moisture
After washing, proceed to rinse the item to remove soap suds clinging in the stitches. As you dry the blanket, only twist with a subtle force to not damage the stitches.
Never wring a crocheted blanket because it ruins the shape.
Better yet, wrap the blanket in a towel to absorb the remaining moisture.
If you can, refrain from hanging the item in a clothesline (doing so will stretch the stitches).
Exposing the blanket to the sun will also cause fading in the long run.
Machine washing
Step #1. Put the blankets inside a mesh laundry bag
To secure the items, placing them in a mesh bag will help.
Doing so grants the opportunity to wash other delicate items in your laundry basket, like socks and handkerchiefs. Just remember to choose related colors.
Step #2. Pour mild detergent and set to the gentle wash cycle
You only need a small amount of detergent, so use the bottle cap as a guide.
Add cold water into the washer and choose the most gentle wash cycle available in the settings.
Machine wash itself is harsh to handmade items, so keep the speed at a minimum.
Step #3. Use a dryer if possible
Again, refer to the care label before using the dryer. As much as possible, stick to low heat.
To protect the crochet blanket, you can place it in between items, as long as they dry easily.
How often should I wash?
Spare your crochet blankets of the occasional washing. Once a season is usually enough since the fibers wear out quicker than they ought to.
Care practices like opting for mild detergent and using cold water could warrant you more washing days, though.
What if I can’t find the yarn wrapper?
Don’t panic. If you don’t have the care instructions, always resort to handwashing.
The care labels are an indispensable tool for the washing process, so don’t discard them next time.
If you made the blanket yourself, check the identical balls of yarn from the same brand—the label will be the same.
On the other hand, if you purchased the blanket, you can check for a care tag. Contact the store if the blanket doesn’t have a care label.
How do I keep my blankets looking new?
Crochet blankets fade over time, but you can still make them last longer.
For a quick fix, do so with a sweater comb, an item that removes all those annoying fuzz on the surface.
Since the washing process itself agitates the fibers, place your blankets in a laundry bag or a pillowcase to avoid the churning motion.
Materials like wool are sensitive to heat and take damage with exposure. How you store blankets makes the difference.
During summer, putting them inside cotton sacks will help preserve the fibers.
Conclusion
Reaching this line, you must know how to clean crochet blanket on your own. The sheer amount of time and labor you invested in one blanket must translate to longevity.
Cleaning a blanket is something you do regularly, so revisit this article as much as you like.