Learning how to wash hand knit blanket properly only requires three steps to finish. Remember that hand-knitted blankets are pretty delicate compared to other blankets, so it’s best to hand wash them when cleaning. But if you’re curious if they are washing machine-safe, this article will discuss both methods.
Have you tried different ways to knit a blanket yet? You might be interested in a tutorial on how to finger knit a blanket. It’s relatively easy, and you can bookmark this guide so you’ll know how to wash it over time.
How To Wash Hand-Knitted Blankets
Step 1. Know the knitted blanket type
To ensure the proper care practices for your knitted blanket, identify the type of fiber that it uses. Natural materials such as alpaca, cashmere, and wool yarn must be hand-washed to avoid damaging the delicate fibers and shrinking the blanket. You can also check the yarn tag for the cleaning instructions.
Step 2. Prepare cold water and mild detergent
Hand-knitted blankets are best hand-washed so that you can be as gentle as possible to keep the fibers from getting ruined. You don’t even have to wash hand-knitted blankets frequently unless they have accumulated too much dirt or odor. Additionally, use cold water mixed with mild detergent to prevent the blanket from fading or losing its texture.
Avoid cleaners such as bleach or those that use alcohol with hand knit blankets. Fabric softeners are also incompatible with knitted blankets, and they won’t help soften the material. If you must soften the yarn, you can use white vinegar diluted in water.
Step 3. Soak and rinse the blanket
Soak the knitted blanket and move it around the water mixed with detergent. This will help the soap penetrate inside the fibers and clean the blanket thoroughly. You don’t need to agitate the blanket as you do with clothes because you might risk stretching its shape.
Remember not to soak the hand knit blanket with other items to prevent staining. After several minutes, remove the soapy water and replace it with clean water. Repeat rinsing the blanket until there are no more residues from the detergent.
How Do You Wash A Knitted Blanket In The Washing Machine?
Some knitted blankets that use synthetic fibers like polyester and acrylic are compatible with cleaning in the washing machine. Natural yarns like linen and cotton should also be machine washable. However, use mild detergent and place the blanket in a mesh laundry bag to avoid ruining the material.
It would be best to use cold water and the washer’s gentle cycle on knitted blankets. Then, tumble dry the blanket if the materials are not delicate. High temperature can melt some fibers, and mechanical dryers can even cause knots to become undone.
How To Dry Hand-Knitted Blanket
Hand knitted blankets are best air-dried somewhere with good ventilation and out of direct heat. Dryers can deform the blanket’s shape, and the knitted work might get ruined. After washing, gently press out the water it has soaked, then roll the blanket in a towel to eliminate the excess moisture.
Reshape and lay the blanket flat if the yarn type is prone to stretching. Otherwise, you can hang the blanket on a clothesline. Be sure to let the knitted blanket dry thoroughly to avoid musty odors.
How Do You Defuzz A Knitted Blanket?
Do not be tempted to pull out the fuzz or threads that come out of your knitted blanket. You might stretch or loosen the knitted yarn. Instead, trim them as close to the blanket as possible without causing holes. You can also use a knit shaver or sweater comb if you’re working on a large fuzzy knitted blanket to save time.
We have taught you before about removing lint from blankets, but knitted blankets are also prone to pilling and collecting fuzz. Besides learning the proper way to clean and wash a hand-knit blanket, you should also know how to deal with the loose fibers on top of the knitted blanket. A knitted blanket can get fuzzy after time or if you cleaned it too harshly.
How To Wash Woven Blanket
Woven blankets are polyester and cotton fabrics or cotton blended with polyester. They are typically machine washable at the delicate cycle, but if you’re unsure, it’s better to hand wash woven blankets. Avoid bleach or other harsh cleaners, and then dry the blanket thoroughly before using.
Air drying would also be the safest way to dry a woven blanket.
Conclusion
Hand-knitted blankets are indeed a labor of love, so you must clean them properly. A quick recap of this three-step guide on how to wash hand knit blanket includes checking the yarn type, soaking the blanket in soapy water, and then rinsing it thoroughly. Please use gentle detergent and cold water without wringing or squeezing the blanket excessively.
Once done, gently press the blanket to remove the liquid it soaked. Roll the blanket with a dry towel to further eliminate the excess water and let it air dry. Some yarn types might not be as delicate and allow machine washing, but you should always check the tag for peace of mind.
Did you know that washing or getting the blanket wet is more than a cleaning practice? Here is how to block a crochet blanket to help it retain its shape and size.