Washing a fleece blanket in a washing machine

A fleece blanket can be refreshed in the washing machine, unless the manufacturer specifically prohibits it. Therefore, immediately after purchase, check the label – it will tell you whether it's machine washable and the temperature range you should adhere to. Let's look at how to properly machine wash a fleece blanket and the recommended drying methods to avoid damaging it.

Basic rules of care

It's important to know that fleece is a synthetic knitted fabric made from polyester. Therefore, it requires delicate care, like any non-natural fabric. Synthetics require specific washing instructions.

1. Do not use chlorine-containing detergents. Chlorine damages the structure of the fabric fibers, making them more frayed and stiff, and giving the material an unsightly yellowish tint.
2. It's best to use gels for delicate fabrics. Avoid dry laundry detergent, as its granules don't fully dissolve in water and are difficult to rinse out of the pile.
3. Do not twist the fabric too much when spinning; when washing in a washing machine, this function should be turned off.
4. The water should be slightly warm, up to 40°C.

If you don't have laundry detergent for delicate fabrics or wool, it's best to use regular laundry soap. You can grate the soap and dissolve the shavings in water. It's best to hand wash a fleece blanket, but if you follow the basic instructions, you can try refreshing it in an automatic washing machine.

In the car at your own risk

Washing a heavy fleece blanket by hand can be quite difficult, especially when it's tempting to throw it in the washing machine. If you set the correct program, maintain the temperature, and turn off the spin cycle, machine washing will not harm the fleece. You should act with extreme caution:

• Make sure the blanket fits easily into the drum. If you have to force it in, consider abandoning the idea of ​​automatic cleaning.
• Pour the gel for delicate fabrics and conditioner into the powder compartment;
• Place a couple of tennis balls or special balls (available at any hardware store) into the drum to prevent pilling.
• set the program to “Delicate wash”, “Wool” or manual mode;
• make sure that the water heating in the selected program does not exceed 40°C;
• activate the "No spin" option;
• start the cycle.

It's crucial to follow these recommendations. This will help preserve the fleece blanket's shape, color, and properties. It will retain its original appearance.

Recommendations from experienced housewives

If you don't care how you clean your fleece blanket, hand washing is best. This method ensures the blanket won't become misshapen. If you choose to wash it in the washing machine, be sure to use the gentlest cycle and ensure the spin cycle is turned off.

Before you decide to machine wash, make sure that the bulky blanket fits freely in the drum.

Exceeding the maximum load capacity will damage not only the blanket but also the machine itself. The blanket won't wash properly, and the washing machine will operate at an increased load, which is harmful to the motor and other components.

Manufacturers strictly prohibit drying fleece blankets in the washing machine. This can cause them to become deformed and pilled. You cannot wring out the blanket after either hand or machine washing.The wet cloth should be placed on the grate above the bathtub and excess water should be allowed to drain.

Dry your fleece blanket by laying it flat in a well-ventilated room. Hanging it on a line is not recommended, as it will cause a deep crease in the fabric, bunch up the pile, and stretch the blanket.

   

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