A typical laundry schedule involves laundry, but while it's easy to wash sheets and duvets, things get more complicated when it comes to bulkier items like large blankets. In the cooler months, you can use a comforter that doesn't need to be washed as often as other bedding. You should wash your sheets every week, but they do require special attention every now and then. But you shouldn't be harsh and clumsy when washing the blanket; If you don't take care of yourself properly, you can mess up.
Since traditional duvets are filled with goose or duck feathers, moisture and soap scum can cause feathers to clump and flatten in the wash, and it's not fun to miss out on. Even if you have a replacement blanket, usually filled with polyester or rayon, you may end up with unwanted piles. Fortunately, if you know how to wash your duvet properly, you won't have any problems. And easier than you think.
How do you wash the blanket?
According to appliance brand Whirlpool, if you use an extractor hood, you should wash your hood two or three times a year. Placing a cover or sheet over your comforter will keep it looking fresh longer and allow you to wash your duvet cover more often. If you don't have a duvet cover, wash it every two months.
Other experts recommend taking a longer time between shampoos. For example, the sleep experts at The Sleep Foundation note that if you put a cover on your duvet, you may only need to wash it once or twice a year. Because comforters are so delicate, wash your comforters only when necessary. If your wrap is new, Whirlpool advises against using it out of the box due to the possibility of "chemical traces" or other irritants from the manufacturing process.
Washing a comforter, also known as a duvet, requires some deliberate steps.
- Check the care label. Check the care label before washing the blanket. If your cover is made of a particularly delicate fabric (such as silk) and the label says dry clean, you should take it to a local dry cleaner. If the label contains home care instructions, you're good to go.
- Cry again. Then look for tears or breaks that might cause the filler to come off during the wash. Build it if you find it.
- Treat any stains. Check your cover for stains. Stains should be pre-treated with a stain removal solution. If you find traces of blood or pet urine, use an enzyme cleaner to treat them. When the stains are sprayed, remove the blanket from the pulp and leave for 10 minutes.
- Throw it in the washing machine. If you are using a washing machine, make sure that there is enough room for large items. If it's relevant, you're in the clear. Make sure it does not stick to itself.
- Add detergent. Choose a mild detergent. You may want to look for a special mattress cleaner. The smaller the size the better for your quilt.
- Adjust your settings. Use a gentle or delicate wash cycle with warm (not hot) water and an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent residue is removed.
- Start and wait. After washing, wait for the entire cycle to finish.
You can wash the jacket at home, following the same steps.
How to dry a blanket
How you wash your blanket is just as important as how you dry it. Carefully follow these steps to complete the wash cycle:
- Make sure the blanket has enough room in the dryer. You want it to dry completely to prevent mold. Feathers smell differently when wet, so don't worry about the strong smell.
- Set the dry setting to low or gentle. You will probably feel like using a high drying speed, but if the dryer is too hot, it could damage the feathers.
- Stop the dryer periodically. Open the dryer between drying cycles to remove comforter. You can also add wool dryer balls, which can speed up the drying process. Take it out of the dryer and shake it every half hour to remove any residue.
- be patient. It may take several hours for the blanket to dry completely. Blankets are bulky, so slow drying is normal.
things to remember
Other things you need to know to ensure your success:
- Air-drying a blanket is not recommended by most experts due to the increased risk of mold growth.
- Avoid dry cleaning. Harsh chemicals can damage your paint. If you need a professional cleaning, ask a local cleaner if they can hand wash the item instead of putting it in the dry cleaner.
- Because blankets are at risk of mold, you need to make sure the blanket is completely dry. If mold or mildew is visible, it is dangerous to inhale it, so in this case you should take the blanket to a professional cleaner.
- Don't use too much detergent. This can crack the feathers and cause them to flatten and stick together.
- Do not use fabric softener. The remaining fabric softener will stick to the core of the blanket, again causing a loss of tightness and insulation.
- Don't let the dryer get too hot. When examining the comforter, check the temperature to avoid damaging the filling.
Blankets aren't the only accessories that require special care. Check out these tips for washing hard-to-wash clothes. If you struggle to wash your clothes and are tired of them shrinking and ruining your favorite items, read these laundry tips, including how to fix wrinkled shirts.