How do you fit a large blanket into a washing machine?
If a blanket doesn't fit in the washing machine, washing it can be problematic. It's usually so large that a bathtub is required for washing. Furthermore, after soaking, the blanket becomes heavy and impossible to lift. It's easy to ruin a blanket by hand, so many homeowners try to use a washing machine. But how do you fit a large blanket into the washing machine drum?
Do you need to push hard?
As a rule, a large blanket won't fit in a washing machine, especially if the load capacity is less than 12 kg. Sometimes, however, housewives manage not only to stuff it in but also to start the wash cycle. This risks damaging the blanket and the machine itself, and ultimately results in a ruined item covered in detergent stains.
Therefore, if you can't fit a large blanket into the washing machine drum, it's best to take it to a dry cleaner or wash it by hand. Another option is to take it to a laundromat with professional equipment with a large capacity. Hand washing is the most difficult and requires considerable strength, as a water-saturated blanket becomes very heavy.
If the item is made of natural wool?
The specifics of hand washing a blanket depend on the filling material. Wool bedding usually doesn't fit in the washing machine drum. The only option is to hand wash it:
soak the blanket for half an hour in a soapy solution using a product designed for wool;
change the water;
Pour the special detergent into the basin again and whip up the foam;
place the blanket in the solution for another ten minutes;
Rub the dirty areas gently with your hands;
Important! Do not use a brush to remove stains due to the high risk of damaging the fibers.
rinse the blanket until all remaining powder is removed;
squeeze without applying much force;
let the water drain.
After washing, place the blanket on a flat surface. Wait until it dries, then put it away, folding it neatly. Please note that bedding should not be dried in direct sunlight.
Hollowfiber blanket
You can also hand-wash a blanket with synthetic filling, as it usually won't fit in the washing machine. To do this, fill the bathtub about a quarter full with water. Place the dirty item in the bathtub, dilute the detergent until it foams, and let it sit for an hour.
After soaking, rub the soiled areas by hand or even stomp on them with your feet. Then drain the water and rinse the blanket until all remaining detergent is removed. Leave it in the bath to drain off excess moisture, for about an hour and a half.
Synthetic filler may form lumps after washing, in which case you need to find them and straighten them out.
Lay the blanket out in a ventilated area. Avoid drying it on a heater or in direct sunlight. Blankets made of synthetic padding and holofiber should be washed no more than once every three months.
If there is fluff inside
Down duvets, which also don't fit in standard washing machines, require special attention. Only liquid detergents should be used for washing them. Powder is difficult to remove from the down, leading to clumping. It's best to use a down detergent, which is gentle on the filling.
Fill a large container with warm water and dilute the washing liquid. Place the down comforter in the solution and let it soak for an hour. If any stains are present, wipe the affected areas with laundry soap. Rinse the item several times. Dry the comforter briefly in a dry, warm place; delaying the drying time increases the risk of mold growth.
Professional advice?
Before washing a blanket, it's worth following some professional recommendations. They'll help keep it in good condition even after multiple washes. So, what should you pay attention to when machine washing?
Do not wash damaged blankets.
Do not use chlorine-based products.
Before washing, remove dust with a vacuum cleaner.
Place the blanket into the machine rolled up.
It should not take up the entire volume of the washing machine drum.
Before washing, weigh the item to compare it with the maximum load capacity.
Following the tips above, you can wash even a bulky blanket. If it doesn't fit in the washing machine, you'll have to clean it by hand. This is more difficult, but safer for the blanket and the appliance.
If a blanket doesn't fit in the washing machine, washing it can be problematic. It's usually so large that a bathtub is required for washing. Furthermore, after soaking, the blanket becomes heavy and impossible to lift. It's easy to ruin a blanket by hand, so many homeowners try to use a washing machine. But how do you fit a large blanket into the washing machine drum?
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