How to make blankets soft again is probably one of the top questions of those who own or intend to buy a blanket. There are no words that can describe the cozy and comfortable feeling these blankets bring on cold winter days. We can’t be happier than to curl up in warm, fluffy blankets, enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee, and turn on a favorite movie. It is a very pleasant and happy experience after a stressful working day.
However, after a period of use, your beloved blankets are no longer as soft and smooth as the original. You wonder what is the cause of such undesirable results. Looking for a way to revive your blankets and make them as soft as feathers? Coincidentally! Here we give you simple tricks to help you solve that problem! Continue reading to be able to successfully apply it to your blanket.
Contents
1. How to Make The Blanket Softer When Machine Washing ?
The basic cause of a blanket’s roughness and softness is dirty blankets and it’s time to take it to the laundry and restore that softness. One of the simple, quick, and time-saving ways is to put the blanket in the washing machine to wash it. This method is quite useful for those who are busy and do not have time to wash their hands, but there are some notes and principles that you need to follow:
- Step 1: Prepare all the things you need: washing powder, detergent, a dirty blanket, and white vinegar,…
- Step 2: Before putting the blanket in the machine, shake off all the debris to make sure there is no debris left somewhere in the folds or fluff, we can also pre-treat stubborn stains first by applying 1 -2 drops of detergent solution on the soiled area and wipe away with a paper towel.
- Step 3: Set the washing machine to gentle, low heat and the lowest spin possible.
- Step 4: Add a moderate amount of detergent or detergent to the detergent drawer. Make sure that you absolutely do not use too strong detergents because they will break the texture of the fibers, making the blanket not only not soft but even stiffer.
- Step 5: Insert the blanket into the drum and start the wash cycle.
- I recommend that you do not wash the blanket with other materials because the washing process will cause friction between the fibers, causing them to become ruffled and lose their original texture.
- If you want to wash together to save money, you should wash clothes of the same color and material to minimize damage to the blanket. So you can do all the laundry at once, saving you time and money.
- Step 6: Wait for this wash cycle to finish: During the washing process, you can add moon vinegar to maximize the cleaning effect and reduce the smell and mold of the blanket.
- Step 7: Hang the blanket on a clothesline or clothes rack to dry:
- After completing the washing cycle, depending on the material of the blanket and the manufacturer’s instructions, it can be dried or not. But I recommend taking advantage of natural light and wind to dry.
- Once it’s completely dry, it can be folded up and ready for the next reuse. You should put a dehumidifier inside your closet to make sure your clothes and pillows are always smelling fresh and clean.
2. How to Make a Blanket Soft by Manual Washing?
For blankets with sophisticated and complex patterns such as beads, embroidery, or rhinestones, machine washing will cause those delicate details to be damaged. In this case, hand washing is the best option. Many people will find this job challenging but don’t worry we will guide you to do it most simply and effectively:
- Step 1: Prepare the necessary ingredients: washing powder, detergent, white vinegar, washing basin, and water hose, …
- Step 2: Gently shake or brush the blanket to remove dirt and debris from the surface of the blanket.
- Step 3: Flush with 1/2 or 3/4 of the wash basin, then dissolve the detergent and white vinegar in the water. If you add more water, it may cause it to overflow after dipping the blanket.
- Step 4: Soak the blanket in the above-dissolved solution for 20-30 minutes so that the fabric can be softened to help loosen the fibers so that the stains are easier to dissolve.
- Step 5: Hand wash gently to remove stains. You should focus on cleaning heavily soiled areas, and rubbing the blanket several times until you get the results.
- Step 6: Fill the basin with water and shake the blanket by moving it up and down until there is no acetum smell and soap residue left in the fibers. A simple sign to help you know if there is soap residue or not is when there are no more soap bubbles, the rinsing process is satisfactory.
- Step 7: Squeeze by hand gently to remove excess water in the blanket.
- Step 8: Hang up a clothesline or drying rack placed in a cool, natural light to dry the blanket. After it is completely dry, we can continue to enjoy the softness it brings.
3. These Natural Products Make Your Blanket Softer
3.1. White Vinegar
The white vinegar is a mild acid that can act as a natural detergent in your blanket wash cycle. Even if you wash it by hand, you should add a little vinegar to it and dissolve it with the cleaning solution you are using to improve the cleaning and deodorizing effect.
The white vinegar will help loosen the fibers of the fabric to dissolve the scum that has accumulated deep within it. So adding white vinegar makes the washing process faster and more efficient because it acts as a natural, organic softener.
In addition, white vinegar also has several other uses such as:
- Helps disinfect fabrics naturally without the use of bleach
- Eliminate unpleasant odors on blankets as well as limit mold
- Is a safe and effective stain remover that does not disrupt the texture of the blanket.
- In case the blanket is sticky with gum when white vinegar is added, it can be removed easily.
3.2. Tennis Balls
You can add tennis balls to the blanket drying cycle to minimize the roughness and softness of the blanket. You should use at least 3 tennis balls thrown in the washing tub and dry them with the blanket.
These balls move in the drum, which will act like a blanket massage for you. Remember that when drying blankets always choose the lowest temperature and the smallest spin cycle because tennis balls are made of rubber which will melt if the temperature is too high.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
4.1 Why is My Blanket Not Soft After Washing?
The main reason why your blanket no longer retains its softness and smoothness after being washed is that you do not follow the principles that 9Blanket has listed above such as:
- Using too high a temperature
- Set a normal wash cycle instead of a gentle, delicate, low-spin cycle
- Using detergents that are too strong will break the texture of the blanket
- Dry the blanket in a place with direct sunlight
Those are the basic causes of your blanket not being soft that you should pay attention to avoid.
4.2. How Do I Keep My Blanket from Flaking or Fluffing?
During the washing process, you should dissolve vinegar in a detergent solution to soften the fabric.
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