The care instructions on a synthetic blanket may specify a maximum heat setting, for example, while blankets in vibrant colors or patterns might call for a particular type of detergent. If your blanket didn’t come with care instructions, try looking up tips on how to safely wash the fabric online.
To lift away greasy or oily residue, try sprinkling a small amount of corn starch onto the stain and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. It will absorb the oils in the stain, after which you can simply wipe it off. Avoid scrubbing at stains too forcefully. Doing so could just end up spreading them around and making them worse.
If you need to wash multiple blankets, separate them by material and color to minimize friction and prevent them from bleeding dye onto one another. Wash your plush blanket in as small a load as possible. [4] X Expert Source Safir AliProfessional Dry Cleaner Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
An added benefit of going with the gentle cycle is that it’s shorter than the other cycles, which means you’ll be back bundled up under your favorite blanket in less time.
Most fleece blankets are designed to be stain-resistant, so a basic soap-and-water combo will usually be more than enough to get them nice and clean. Fabric softeners can actually damage fabrics that have been treated with water-repellent finishes, so it’s best to forego these products. [7] X Expert Source Safir AliProfessional Dry Cleaner Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
It may take up to 24 hours for a wet blanket to dry completely. Turn on your overhead fan or situate your blanket in front of a portable fan or air conditioning vent to get some extra air circulating around it. [9] X Research source
On some dryers, the tumble dry setting may be labelled as “air fluff. ”[11] X Research source Avoid timed drying cycles, as these typically apply the same amount of heat as regular and permanent press settings.
It will take longer for your blanket to dry completely on a lower heat setting, but it’s the best way to keep it looking and feeling new. If you want, you can toss a dryer sheet in with your blanket to infuse it with a fresh, clean scent. While liquid fabric softeners should be avoided, dryer sheets won’t cause harm to delicate fabrics like fleece.
To smooth out wrinkles after blanket has dried, fold it and drape it over the back of your couch or place it at the bottom of a stack of other blankets.
If you need a heavy-duty solution to dirt or discoloration, look to alternatives like white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or oxygen-based cleaning products instead. [14] X Research source
Be careful not to press down too hard with the razor, or you could accidentally cut or scrape the fabric. A razor can work wonders on minor pilling, but it may not be as effective for dealing with matting and other textural imperfections.
