Polyester blankets are standard in almost every home. Their softness and durability make them famous. However, their durability can be affected if they are not cleaned properly. Ironically, many people don’t even know how to wash polyester blankets.
Due to this unawareness, many blankets are discarded every year. People spend hard-earned money on buying new ones instead of cleaning and washing the old ones. By proper maintenance and cleaning, these blankets could have been in use for years.
If you’ve been doing so, this will be a full stop to your routine. After reading this piece, you will keep one blanket for years and save your bucks. So, let’s dive into it.
Tools for Washing Blankets
There are a few tools and supplies that you’ll have to arrange. With those, the washing process will be complete effectively. Those supplies include:
- Microfiber cloth
- Bathtub or bucket
- Washing machine
- Sponge or cleaner
- Vinegar & baking soda
- Detergents (recommended for your polyester blanket
If you are in a hurry, you’ll also need a dryer machine. This dryer will help you quickly dry the blanket. If you don’t have this machine, sunlight is also a good option. However, your blanket will take more time to dry. The choice is yours: sunlight or dryer.
How to Wash Polyester Blankets Using a Washing Machine?
There are two ways to wash the polyester blanket. The first one is to use the washing machine. It is quick and requires little human effort. The second option is to clean the polyester blanket by hand. It is tiring and requires more time and effort.
Many prefer using the second method because it gives them more control over the washing process. Polyester blankets are also sensitive, so their hand-washing is suitable. Here is the step-by-step process of cleaning the polyester blanket with the washing machine.
1- Pre-cleaning with Microfiber cloth
Before starting, clean the blanket with a dry microfiber cloth. This is important for removing the dust particles present on the blanket. If you don’t remove them, they will be challenging to remove later. These particles will be incorporated into the fibers when the planet gets wet. Thus, removing them before washing is good practice.
2- Put Blanket in Machine
Once the blanket is cleaned, should it be put in the washing machine? Make sure to put the machine on a prolonged cycle or speed. The higher agitation will weaken the blanket’s fabric if you don’t reduce the speed. Moreover, the machine must be loaded with a manageable load. Overloading can affect the function and performance of the machine itself.
3- Add detergent
Add two to three drops of mild detergent to the washing machine. It is important to note that only use detergent recommended by the manufacturer. Some detergents are very sharp and powerful. Please don’t use them, as they can damage the blanket. Mild detergent offers a better and safer washing experience.
4- Add Vinegar or Stain Removal
Use vinegar or any artificial stain removal if you notice any stubborn stains. Vinegar helps remove stains and improve odor. Add two to three drops of vinegar like detergent, as excess can have a harmful impact. Switch on the washing machine and give it time to work its magic.
5- Rinse blanket
Once you are confident that the blanket is clean, it is time to rinse it. This will help remove all the detergent and vinegar residue. You should remove the blanket from the washing machine and wash it with pure water. After this step, your blanket will be ready to dry.
6- Dry Blanket
Once the washing process is completed, dry the blanket. There are two effective ways to dry it: the dryer machine or sunlight. If you prefer a dry machine, ensure it is set to its slowest speed. Excess heat from the dryer machine can shrink or melt the fibers.
Quick Tip: Don’t use a bleaching agent when washing the polyester blanket. It will affect the softness of the fibers. Even if the blanket is white, don’t use it. You can utilize either vinegar or baking soda for improved cleaning.
How to Wash Polyester Blankets By Hands?
Hand-washing polyester blankets is safer. The reason is that you have complete control over agitation. While using the machine, you don’t have that control. Uncontrolled agitation can damage the fibers of blankets. There are a few minor differences between machines and hand washing.
Here is how you can wash the polyester blanket by hand.
- Fill the basin or washing tub with cold or lukewarm water. Add a few drops of mild detergent to a half-full basin and mix the detergent with water. It is recommended that gloves be worn during hand-washing blankets.
- Clean the blanket with a dry microfiber cloth. This pre-cleaning will remove all dust particles and other contaminants. This step is common for both hand and machine washing.
- Put the blanket in the bucket with water and detergent. Let it sit in the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use a few drops of vinegar if your blanket is dirty and stained. You can also use baking soda if there are too many stains. Agitate the mixture with the blanket and let it wet on all sides. Rinse water when you’re confident that the blanket is clean.
- Dry the blanket in the dryer machine. However, ensure that the dryer is at its lowest temperature. It is recommended to leave the blanket under sunlight for natural drying. This will remove the odor and give the blanket freshness.
Quick Tip: Use only one tablespoon of baking soda if the blanket has extreme stains. Put baking soda on the stain and rub it with a microfiber cloth. This will remove the hardest stains. However, remove the stains with vinegar and detergent if they are not burdensome. Sometimes, baking soda can have a harmful impact, so detergent and vinegar should be the priority.
How to Wash 100% Polyester Blankets?
Usually, polyester blankets are not 100% pure. The manufacturer uses many other materials with polyester blankets. However, few brands offer 100% pure polyester blankets. People genuinely love them as they are smooth, soft, and comfortable.
However, washing them does not require any different skill or approach. In the section above, we discussed the washing method. You can use any of those, depending on your preferences. All you have to make sure to do is to use cold water instead of warm. All other precautions are the same.
The 100% polyester blankets are very sensitive. If you use warm water, their fibers will shrink, affecting their quality and durability. Therefore, it is essential to use cold water. During drying, set the dryer at its slowest heating step.
How Do I Keep My Blankets Smelling Fresh?
Multiple factors contribute to blanket smells, and knowing them is necessary. However, there are a few simple steps that you can follow to ensure that your blanket smells fresh for a longer time.
- Regular Cleaning: First, you should clean your blanket regularly. We sit, sleep, and sometimes eat on our beds, exposing them to many different things. If they are not clean, the smell is specific.
- Exposure to Air:Regular airing of the blanket is also essential. If you live in an open area, put your blanket under the sun daily. The heat from the sun and air will kill the germs, and your blanket will get fresh without being washed.
- Dryer Sheets:Different dryer sheets are available that work like a charm. They can be used in laundry and add fragrance. Using them with your blanket will give it a fresh and pleasing smell.
- Avoid Moisture:When blankets are not in use, don’t store them in a moist place. Continuous exposure to moisture will give them a musty smell. Before storing, make sure that the storage place is dry.
Using vinegar and baking soda is also good practice. They absorb the terrible odor. However, they are short-term solutions. It would help if you exposed your blanket to fresh air and sunlight. These are free, natural, and easy ways to keep your blankets fresh.
Does Polyester Shrink in the Washer or Dryer?
Yes, polyester shrinks in both washers and dryers. The aggressive agitation in the washer with hot water can damage the fibers. Similarly, the high-temperature setting in the dryer machine can also melt polyester.
Therefore, it is essential to take special care when washing polyester blankets. First of all, you should never use hot water. Cold or lukewarm water is safe. Moreover, don’t use a high cycle or speed in the washing machine. This will lead to aggressive agitation of blankets.
During the drying process, you must use a very low temperature. The polyester will melt and shrink if you use the machine at moderate to higher temperatures. Take the blanket out of the dryer before it dries. It can shrink due to continuous heat if it remains there for an extended duration.
Quick Tip: If your dryer machine does not offer temperature adjustment, do not use it. Instead, put a blanket under the sun. Although it will take longer, it won’t affect your polyester blankets’ quality and durability.
How often Should You Wash Throws Blankets?
There is no hard and fast rule about washing frequency. If the blankets are used too often, wash them once every two weeks. If their usage is infrequent, you can wash them once or twice a month. It will keep them clean and fresh.
How often you should wash depends on your habits. Do you sit in bed a lot? Do you eat in bed? Do you have a pet that sits on your bed? If so, you’ll have to wash the blanket more often. Twice a month would be a good routine.
However, if you don’t use a blanket more often, don’t worry. You can wash it once a month to keep it fresh. It is good practice to air your blankets daily. You can do this by putting them outside under the sun. It will keep them fresh and smell-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash a polyester blanket in the washing machine?
Yes, you can watch them in the washing machine. However, make sure to use a gentle cycle with cold water. If cold water is not available, use lukewarm water. Before washing, remember to read the instruction label provided by the manufacturer.
Should I use fabric softener on a polyester blanket?
I don’t recommend using fabric softener on polyester blankets. These artificial softeners do more harm than good. They coat the fibers and reduce their softness over time. While this might be a short-term benefit, it is unsuitable for long-term softness.
Can I use bleach on a polyester blanket?
No, it would help if you did not use bleach. Many people recommend using bleach in white color. However, it is not good as it can weaken the blanket’s fibers. It would help to go with mild detergent and vinegar for safe results.
Is it safe to iron a polyester blanket?
No, it is not safe. Ironing polyester can damage it by providing more heat to melt the polyester fibers. Use a steamer on a low setting if you need to remove wrinkles.
Can I use a dryer sheet with my polyester blanket?
Yes, you can use a dryer sheet; however, use only a little because these sheets can leave a residue that is not good for the blanket’s durability. The residue can diminish the blanket’s softness and color over time.
Conclusion
Polyester blankets are renowned due to their durability and softness. Many people love having them on cold nights. However, their longevity can be affected if they are not adequately cleaned. Proper maintenance of these blankets is paramount.
This guide explains how to wash a polyester blanket without being an expert. There are two ways to watch them, i.e., via washing machine or hand. I’ve explained both of these methods to make things easier for you. However, follow the precautions listed in the article to get ideal results.