Blankets are like other things made of fabric; they should be washed regularly. Whether it's quilts or other types of blankets that you use often, it is recommended that you wash them at least once a month to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on them.
Most of the blankets you have in your home can be machine washed if you set it correctly, but if you are not sure which method is best, you can also hand wash it.
1. Try to fit it in the washing machine
Depending on the size of the blanket you want to wash, it may be difficult to fit it into the drum. You will get best results with window or top-opening machines without an agitator because the drum is larger and has enough space for the blanket to move inside. If it is too wide to fit in a standard washing machine or if it is made of a delicate fabric, you should wash it by hand instead.
Take it out to shake it outside and get rid of any dirt and dust it may contain before washing.
The washing machines you find in laundromats are usually larger than the ones you can buy at the store and you might want to go for this option if your quilt is particularly large or thick.
2. Check that the color does not bleed
If you've never washed it before, you should quickly check that the color won't bleed after you machine wash it. Soak part of the blanket in cold water for a few minutes before rubbing it with a piece of white cloth or paper towel to see if the color rubs off.
You should wash it by hand if you observe that much of the color rubs off after soaking in water. Avoid washing new or heavily colored blankets with the rest of your clothes.
3. Choose a gentle cycle and cold water
When you want to wash the blanket in the washing machine, you should always do it in cold water and choose the gentlest setting possible. The washing machine is not going to take care of your fabrics, which is also the reason that it can wash them so well.
The downside to a perfect wash is that the movements of the drum will stretch the fibers, causing them to lose their shape and you will end up with a blanket that will not be like the first days. In addition, hot water shrinks the fibers and could cause the colors to bleed. You must remember this to protect your favorite blankets.
Looking to buy a new blanket instead? This article on the best blanket brands will guide you in the right direction and help you make an informed buying decision.
4. Use a mild detergent
Pour a small amount of mild detergent into the washing machine after filling it with water, but before putting the blanket in. This way the detergent will dissolve more evenly and you will obtain a gentler washing solution which will prevent the detergent from coming into direct contact with the fabrics.
Most detergents are astringent and could wear out or fade fabrics if used in large quantities, so find a detergent designed for delicate fabrics and not put a lot of it in the washing machine. Usually, a small amount is enough to work, a quarter cap should be more than enough.
5. Know how to fill the drum
Put the blanket in the machine and distribute the weight and volume of the machine evenly inside the drum. Otherwise, you will end up with a blanket that has not been washed in all parts and the movement caused by an improperly distributed weight as the drum rotates could throw it off balance. If you are using a horizontal axle unit, wrap the blanket around the axle loosely as you install it in the drum.
6. Wash it
Turn on the washing machine and let it do its job. If the blanket is tough or made of a synthetic material, you can leave it in for the entire cycle. However, you can also take it out and let the washing machine drain after three to five minutes, this is the recommended method for delicate and natural fabrics like wool and down where it is not necessary to wash it through all stages of the cycle.
The longer you leave it in the washing machine, the more likely you are to see it twist, stretch or be damaged. Spinning is the particular step that might be too hard for some materials.
You can safely machine wash some materials like cotton because it does not shrink and synthetic materials like polyester and nylon that won't stretch or shrink.
Conclusion
Use a detergent designed for delicate materials when washing natural or easily damaged fabrics. For best results, you should add detergent to the water before putting the blanket in the machine so that it has time to dissolve completely. If you pour it over the blanket, it could get stuck in the crease.