How to wash throw blankets and bedspreads: care for different types of fabrics

Everyone has their favorite throw blanket. It’s nice to wrap yourself in it and warm your feet on a weekend evening while watching TV. Or drape it over your shoulders when it’s chilly outside and you’re sitting on a veranda with a steaming cup of tea.

Large throws can serve as gorgeous accent pieces, setting the style of your room and replacing a bedspread or summer duvet.

Caring for throws and bedspreads is a tad more of a hassle than for bed linen or towels, which are most often made of cotton fabrics, which are easy to wash out stains from. Usually, a wool blanket requires special care and attention.

Of course, if your throw is made of artificial materials (such as acrylic), it can be machine washed, and it will dry quickly. Such products don’t really wrinkle, and have good shape retention properties.

What is the best way to wash blankets and throws made of various fabrics?

Throws made of wool

Wool blankets are some of the most common throw coverings. It’s better to take wool items to the dry cleaners instead of taking risks with machine washing. For example, you can’t machine wash a bedspread made of valuable wool, such as cashmere.

This delicate material will deform, pill, and lose its natural beauty and softness. Alpaca, fleece merino, and angora can’t be washed either.

Care tips for such items:

• Do not wash
• Do not bleach
• Dry-clean only
• Do not tumble dry

One way to clean your throw at home is by using a roller with one-sided adhesive paper on a spindle. It is good for removing lint, hair, and down from pets. This method is perfect if you need to clean your throw from pet hair. You can use adhesive tape refills or a reusable roller.

Another way of cleaning your throw from odors and dust and refreshing it is the good old-fashioned snow cleaning method. Remember how our grandmothers used to beat rugs in the snow? It was both dust control and airing out at the same time.

Gently brush the fabric on both sides in clean, dry snow. This is a time-tested method that is almost forgotten, but still effective.

Cotton and silk-based throw blankets

You need to be extra careful with throws made of other natural fabrics (e.g., cotton or silk). Such natural fabrics are very delicate and require special care. Only professional dry cleaning is suitable for such items.

Throws and bedspreads from cotton or blended fabrics (e.g., a combination of cotton and modal or viscose in light summer models) are more practical compared to natural silk. It is possible to machine wash such throws or wash them manually at home.

Here are the care tips for them:

• Machine wash at 30°C
• Gentle detergent (preferably liquid)
• Low-speed spins

We recommend drying cotton knitted throws on a horizontal surface to avoid deforming or stretching the fabric.

Fleece throw blankets

Knowing how to wash throw blankets is essential if you work in a home textile store, especially if the throw blankets are fleece. The care instructions should be followed carefully, because fleece blankets might be sensitive. Check the washing instructions on the care label first.

If you’re using a washing machine, wash a fleece throw separately in warm or cool water, using a moderate cycle and a mild detergent. Fabric softener should be avoided because it can harm the fleece's fibers.

To avoid creases, take the blanket out of the washer as soon as possible, and don't wring or twist it. Instead, give the bedcover a gentle shake before lying it flat or hanging it to dry naturally. In order to protect the fleece fibers, keep it out of the sun and extreme heat.

You can keep your throw blanket comfortable and clean for many years by following these instructions.

In conclusion, when you wash fleece blankets, always read the care label, wash separately, use a gentle cycle, avoid using fabric softener, air dry by laying flat or hanging, avoid using direct sunlight, and avoid high heat.

Blankets with faux fur and synthetic fibers

It's crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's directions when cleaning faux fur throw blankets for optimum results. These blankets can typically be washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.

It's crucial to avoid using bleach or fabric softeners because they can harm the faux fur fibers. To avoid any damage, it is advised to air dry the blanket after washing rather than placing it in the dryer.

It's also crucial to keep in mind that faux fur blankets need special cleaning instructions to preserve their softness and look. If you keep your throw bedspread clean and in good condition, you can enjoy it for many more chilly evenings.

Actually, you can care for products made of beautiful, plush faux fur at home. These items are machine washable by setting a delicate mode at 30°C.

The “Amara” collection from Togas features several faux fur bedspreads that are soft to the touch, fluffy, and gorgeous. These models resemble the fur of a black panther, rabbit, and chinchilla.

They are designed for people who love the softness and puffiness of real fur, yet have decided on more practical and ethical options.

How are thick throw blankets washed?

To maintain the quality of heavy throw blankets, it is crucial to wash them according to the recommended care instructions. For any specific washing instructions, first check the care label.

To avoid causing any harm to the blanket's fibers, wash it in cool or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle. Avoid using hot water or a vigorous cycle, as they can result in shrinking or pilling. In order to avoid tangling or machine damage, it is also advisable to wash heavy blankets separately.

These easy suggestions will help you keep your weighted blankets warm and clean for many years to come.

Difficult stains

How do you get rid of gum that accidentally stuck to your throw? Take it to the dry cleaners. There is also a common method to try if you’ve got an inexpensive faux fur item on your hands. Put it in the freezer.

Make sure the gum is on the outside when you put in the throw, and fold it in a bag. After an hour in the freezer, the frozen gum will easily peel off the fabric. And if the throw is large and doesn’t fit, what to do then? You can go for a gum removal spray (dry chemical ice).

Or, say, you have a stain from paraffin or candle wax. A romantic candlelight dinner by the fireplace may result in accidental drops of wax, not only on the tablecloth, but also on a throw draped over your shoulders.

How can throw blankets be dried?

It's crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's care directions when it comes to drying throw blankets. In general, air drying or hang drying are options for most throw blankets. Laying the throw blanket flat on a spotless, dry surface will allow it to air dry.

Alternatively, you might allow the throw blankets to hang dry on a drying rack or clothesline. Before using the throw blanket once more, make sure it is dry completely to prevent mildew and odors.

To prevent fabric damage, it's important to first check the care label on any throw bedcovers that you can tumble dry on low heat.

How frequently must I wash throw blankets?

Throw blankets should be washed on a regular basis or as soon as they begin to smell or appear soiled. Washing most throw blankets can be done by machine washing without issue, but some delicate or polyester blankets might need to be done by hand washing or be dry cleaned.

Use a gentle cycle with cold water and the manufacturer's instructions, which include using laundry detergent to remove dirt and pet hair.

FAQ

Is it possible to dry throw bedcovers using a dryer?

It depends on the material and the care instructions. Check for any shrinking or damage before putting the throw blanket in the dryer if the care label permits it.

Can throw bedspreads be washed using a washing machine?

The answer varies based on the particular throw bedspread and the maintenance recommendations provided. Others need special care, such as hand washing or dry cleaning, while some may be machine washed.

What occurs if you neglect to launder your bedcovers?

Your bedcovers can gather dirt, perspiration, body oils, and dead skin cells if you don't wash them, which can encourage the spread of bacteria, dust mites, and foul odors.