If you want to know how to wash a Mexican blanket properly, we have simplified the process into two steps. This article will also mention some tips and tricks to ensure that your Mexican blanket maintains its pristine form. Remember that different blankets must be washed according to what’s ideal for their material.
Unlike wool blankets, you’ll have an easier time washing your Mexican blanket. It typically uses cotton or a blend of cotton and acrylic. You can even use the washing machine.
How To Wash A Mexican Blanket Correctly
1. Set the washing machine
Mexican blankets are generally machine-washable, but you must always check for any indications as your blanket may be using a specific material with other cleaning requirements. Once you’re confident that you can put it in the washing machine, set the water temperature to delicate or cold. Mexican blankets are typically hand-woven, which means it’s best to avoid hot or warm water when washing to prevent shrinkage.
Put some mild detergent into the water until the mix reaches the appropriate level for the blanket. You don’t need to be as meticulous if you’re using a front-loading washing machine. Just make sure that your blanket is well submerged to prevent clumping.
2. Complete the cycle and dry the blanket
Finish the washing cycle and take out your blanket to dry. Be sure to flatten and reshape it before hanging it on the clothesline or placing it over a flat surface. As you can expect, you can’t use the dryer for a Mexican blanket because the heat can misshapen the blanket and change its texture.
After your blanket is thoroughly dry, you can fluff it up to lose the stiffness. It’s normal for the newly washed and dried Mexican blanket to lose its softness, but beating it lightly and usage should restore its original feel. Overall, be sure to dry your Mexican blanket thoroughly to avoid mold growth or a musty odor on it.
How Do You Wash A Wool Mexican Blanket?
If your Mexican blanket is wool, you must check if it allows machine-washing. Some wool blankets might prefer to be hand-washed to maintain the material’s integrity. However, most wool blankets are washable in the washing machine as long as you use cold water and the appropriate detergent for wool.
- Soak your wool blanket for 15 minutes in the washing machine with cold water and wool-safe detergent.
- Run the gentle cycle for two minutes and switch the washing machine to the rinse cycle.
- After rinsing, dry your wool blanket outside but avoid direct sunlight. Mexican wool blankets can turn coarse or fade when exposed to direct heat.
How Do You Soften Mexican Blankets?
You might notice your Mexican blanket feeling a bit rough after some time or even immediately after drying. You can restore its softness by moving the blanket in a large bowl of water with the appropriate conditioner for its material. Push the blanket up and down the water to ensure that all its areas are reached by the conditioner and let it sit for 5 minutes before draining.
Mexican blankets can use different materials ranging from cotton, wool, polyester, and acrylic. Mexican serapes are also woven on a loom using a blend of cotton and acrylic, so you must know the proper caring practices for the specific Mexican blanket you have. According to some owners, fluffing their Mexican blanket each time they washed and dried it makes it softer as well.
How Do You Wash A Mexican Yoga Blanket?
Mexican blankets are also commonly used for yoga because of their weave that is ideal for folding into various shapes. But because you’re using it for physical activity, you must keep the blanket clean regularly.
- Fold the blanket in the center and place it in the washing machine. You can have up to four blankets, depending on your washer’s load.
- Set the washing machine with mild detergent and cool water on the delicate cycle and ensure that the blanket stays folded throughout.
- Check if your blanket is still folded, and put the slightly damp blanket in the dryer’s medium heat setting. Do note that some Mexican yoga blankets recommend against using the dryer as they might shrink, so be diligent in checking your blanket’s tag.
- Finish the drying outside and ensure that the blanket dries entirely before reusing.
How Do You Wash Colored Blankets?
Much like colored clothes, the best way to wash colored blankets is to first soak a portion of the blanket in cool water and dab it with paper. This way, you’ll know if the color bleeds and avoid staining when washing with other items. The general rule is only to wash a colored blanket alone or with similar-colored blankets.
You might not be able to wash the colored blanket in a washing machine as well. Some might fade quickly, and it’s best to hand-wash the blanket yourself. Finally, check the label for the water temperature and ideal detergent to use.
Conclusion
If you just brought home a Mexican blanket from your trip or want to ensure that it stays looking brand new, you must know its proper maintenance practices. Our two-step guide has taught you how to wash a Mexican blanket in the washing machine, emphasizing avoiding any form of heat. However, nothing beats checking your blanket label for any cleaning indications.