Knitted Blanket Care: Easy Cleaning Guide (Viral Tips!)

Knitted Blanket Care: Easy Cleaning Guide (Viral Tips!)

This guide provides simple, effective methods for keeping your knitted blanket clean and fresh, focusing primarily on how to clean knitted blanket safely and efficiently.

Understanding Your Knitted Blanket

Before diving into cleaning, knowing your blanket’s material is crucial. This determines the best cleaning approach.

Identifying the Material

• Cotton: Generally machine washable.
• Wool: Requires gentle handling, often hand washing or specific machine cycles.
• Acrylic: Usually machine washable and dryer safe on low heat.
• Blends: Check the care label for the dominant fiber and follow those guidelines.

Checking the Care Label

Always, always, refer to the manufacturer’s care label. It provides specific instructions on washing, drying, and ironing. Disregarding it could damage your blanket.

General Cleaning Practices

These are general recommendations applicable to most knitted blankets, but always adjust based on your blanket’s specific needs.

Regular Maintenance

• Shaking: Regularly shake your blanket outdoors to remove dust and loose debris.
• Spot Cleaning: Address spills and stains immediately to prevent them from setting.
• Airing Out: Occasionally hang your blanket outdoors (out of direct sunlight) to freshen it up.

Spot Cleaning Techniques

1. Blot the Stain: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the stain, working from the outside in. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
2. Mild Detergent Solution: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cool water.
3. Apply the Solution: Gently dab the stain with the solution, using a clean cloth.
4. Rinse: Rinse the area with clean, cool water.
5. Blot Dry: Blot the area dry with a clean cloth.
6. Air Dry: Allow the spot to air dry completely.

Deep Cleaning: Washing Your Knitted Blanket

Whether you choose to hand wash or machine wash, proceed with caution.

Hand Washing

Hand washing is generally the safest option, especially for delicate wool or handmade blankets.

1. Fill a Tub or Sink: Fill a clean tub or sink with cool or lukewarm water.
2. Add Mild Detergent: Add a small amount of mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
3. Submerge the Blanket: Gently submerge the blanket in the water, ensuring it’s fully saturated.
4. Agitate Gently: Gently agitate the blanket in the water for a few minutes. Avoid harsh scrubbing or twisting.
5. Soak (Optional): Let the blanket soak for 15-30 minutes.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and rinse the blanket thoroughly with clean, cool water until all detergent is removed. This may require multiple rinses.
7. Remove Excess Water: Gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid wringing, as this can damage the fibers. You can also roll the blanket in a clean towel to absorb excess moisture.

Machine Washing

If the care label allows, machine washing can be more convenient.

1. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag (Optional): Place the blanket in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from excessive agitation.
2. Select the Gentle Cycle: Use the delicate or gentle cycle with cool water.
3. Use Mild Detergent: Use a small amount of mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
4. Skip the Spin Cycle (Optional): If possible, skip the spin cycle to minimize stretching and damage. If skipping isn’t an option, use the lowest spin setting.

Drying Your Knitted Blanket

Proper drying is just as important as washing to prevent shrinkage and damage.

Air Drying

Air drying is the gentlest method.

1. Lay Flat: Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface, such as a drying rack or a clean towel. Ensure the blanket is spread out evenly to prevent stretching.
2. Turn Regularly: Turn the blanket regularly to ensure even drying.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Dry the blanket in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Tumble Drying

Tumble drying should only be done if the care label permits.

1. Use Low Heat: Use the lowest heat setting.
2. Tumble Dry for a Short Time: Tumble dry for a short time, checking frequently to prevent overdrying.
3. Remove Promptly: Remove the blanket from the dryer while it’s still slightly damp.
4. Lay Flat to Finish Drying: Lay the blanket flat to finish drying.

Addressing Common Issues

Here’s how to handle some common problems that might arise during cleaning.

Pilling

Pilling is the formation of small balls of fiber on the surface of the blanket.

• Use a Fabric Shaver: Gently remove pills with a fabric shaver.
• Avoid Abrasive Washing: Minimize friction during washing to prevent further pilling.

Stretching

Knitted blankets can stretch easily, especially when wet.

• Support During Washing: Support the blanket when lifting it out of the water.
• Dry Flat: Always dry flat to prevent stretching.

Shrinkage

Shrinkage can occur if the blanket is exposed to high heat or harsh washing conditions.

• Use Cool Water: Wash in cool or lukewarm water.
• Avoid High Heat Drying: Avoid tumble drying on high heat.

Viral Cleaning Tips (Fact vs. Fiction)

Some cleaning tips circulate online but may not be suitable for knitted blankets.

Tip	Suitability for Knitted Blankets	Explanation
Using Baking Soda	Use with Caution	Baking soda can be mildly abrasive and may affect certain fibers. Spot test first. Best for odor removal, not stain removal.
Using Vinegar	Use with Caution	Vinegar can be harsh and may damage some fibers. Test on an inconspicuous area first. Best for disinfecting but dilute well.
Using Essential Oils	Generally Safe	Add a few drops of essential oil to the wash cycle for a pleasant scent. Ensure the oil is compatible with the blanket’s material.
Freezing for Odor Removal	Safe and Effective	Placing the blanket in a freezer for a few hours can help kill bacteria and remove odors without the need for washing.

So there you have it – your quick guide on how to clean knitted blanket! Hopefully, you’re now armed with the knowledge to keep your blanket looking and feeling its best. Snuggle up and enjoy the cozy vibes!