Machine washing of a grass blanket

A fluffy, high-pile throw brings a special warmth and coziness to any room. It's so pleasant to snuggle into it on a cool evening. Then comes the time to clean the throw. Let's find out whether it's machine-washable and what precautions you need to take to avoid damaging it.

Is it possible to use a machine?

All recommendations regarding product care are provided on the label. If the symbols on the blanket label allow machine washing, then it is permissible to refresh the blanket in the washing machine. Manufacturers generally do not prohibit this type of treatment, but they recommend choosing delicate programs and strictly observing the temperature regime (the water should be heated to a maximum of 30°C).

Before loading the blanket into the drum, it is best to place it in a special laundry bag; this will prevent the item from becoming deformed and rolling.

When it comes to detergents, it's best to use gels designed for delicate fabrics and wool. Unlike powdered detergents, they dissolve quickly in cold water and rinse completely out of long pile. Avoid using chlorine-based household chemicals for cleaning, as they can not only fade the blanket's color but also damage the fiber structure, making it more fragile and brittle.

You should also turn off the automatic spin function or set the spin speed to the lowest possible setting (up to 400 rpm). Otherwise, the pile will lose its softness and fluffiness, and the fabric itself will become deformed and unevenly stretched. It's best to remove the wet blanket from the drum, let the water drain, and lay it flat to dry.

If a bulky grass blanket barely fits into the drum, don't try to pack it in there. Washing it won't produce the desired results anyway. You'll have to hand wash it or dry clean it.

Let's clean the item in the traditional way

Hand washing is the gentlest way to care for a long-pile blanket. This allows you to more easily monitor the process and ensure the blanket doesn't become damaged. As with machine cleaning, it's important to monitor the water temperature. It shouldn't exceed 30°C.

Washing a fluffy blanket in hot water can cause the pile to shrink and the product to become deformed.

Washing a voluminous blanket is easiest in the bathtub. If it's heavily soiled, you can pre-soak it in soapy water for 20-30 minutes. It's important not to rub the fabric too vigorously, otherwise it will lose its fluffiness. After the final wash, rinse the pile several times to remove any detergent residue.

Don't wring out a high-pile blanket. Lay it on a rack over the bathtub and let the water drain. Dry it horizontally as well—this will help it retain its original shape.

Dry cleaning of a blanket

If wet cleaning your blanket isn't possible, you can try dry cleaning it. This is the least time- and effort-consuming method. The procedure is as follows:

• Shake the blanket thoroughly outside – this will help remove any debris stuck between the fibers;
• Spot-clean stains with soapy water or specialized household cleaning products. Alternatively, you can use folk remedies, such as cleaning greasy areas with an ammonia solution.
• "comb" the pile with a soft brush or a comb for animal hair;
• Hang a blanket on the balcony to air it out. This will oxygenate it and make it smell fresh.

It is necessary to keep the blanket clean, shake it out and comb it periodically. It is recommended to thoroughly wash the grass blanket no more than three to four times a year. Then the product will last much longer.

How to fluff up a blanket again?

Sometimes, after washing and drying, a grass blanket loses its fluffiness. Don't worry about this; it's almost always possible to restore the pile to its original shape. To prevent this, it's important to shake the still-damp blanket thoroughly after removing it from the washing machine.

It's also a good idea to shake the blanket periodically while drying. If this doesn't restore its original fluffiness, you'll need to use a pet comb or a soft clothes brush. Comb the pile thoroughly to restore its original shape.

   

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