Like clothing and bedding, blankets need to be washed regularly to stay fresh and free of bacteria. But to save you time and energy, can you wash blankets with your clothing? Let's take a look to see if this is a good idea.
If your blanket(s) and clothing have the same washing recommendations, then it will be fine to wash them together. For example, if you have a cotton blanket and are doing a load of laundry with all cotton clothes, it is fine to wash the blanket with the clothes. However, mixing certain materials can cause damage to your clothes or blankets.
To avoid ruining your favorite blanket, you should always check the washing instructions before putting it in with your clothes. In this article, we will discuss when it's okay to wash your blankets with your clothes. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about washing blankets, so read on!
Can You Wash Clothes And Blankets Together?
Meant to keep you warm and cozy, blankets are a staple in every home. They can be made of a variety of materials, colors, and sizes, and no two blankets are exactly alike.
Like clothing, they can become stained and smelly over time and will need to be washed regularly. But if you have a light load of clothes that need to be washed, can you throw your blanket in with them?
It depends. You have to be careful with how you wash any material, as certain materials can ruin other materials if they are not compatible. In addition, certain colors can bleed in the wash, causing your clothes and blankets to be ruined.
To avoid any damage, you should always check the washing instructions on your blanket before washing it with your clothing. These instructions will tell you what temperature to wash the blanket at and what cycle to use.
If the washing instructions and material are the same for your clothing and blanket, then you can wash them together. However, if they are different, it is best to wash them separately to avoid any damage.
When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and wash your clothes and blankets separately. This will ensure that your clothing and blankets stay in good condition and last many years.
Can You Wash Blankets And Bedding Together?
Like washing blankets with clothes, you have to be careful when washing blankets with bedding. Certain materials, like the down, should never be washed with other materials, as they can damage the down.
Depending on your bedding material, it may be best to wash it separately from your blankets. The fibers from your blankets could spread to your bedding and cause it to pill. Pilling is when the fibers of fabric become matted or tangled, causing the fabric to look fuzzy.
If you want to wash your blankets and bedding together, make sure they are both made from the same material. As mentioned earlier, check the washing instructions to see what temperature and cycle to use.
If you are unsure, it is always best to wash them separately to avoid any damage.
Can You Use Bleach When Washing Blankets?
Bleach is used in many homes as a way to disinfect and brighten clothing, towels, and bedding. But can you use bleach when washing blankets?
Typically, you shouldn't use bleach when washing blankets. The reason being is that bleach can break down the fibers in blankets, causing them to become thin and brittle over time. In addition, bleach can cause certain colors to fade and bleed, ruining your blanket.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, synthetic-filled comforters can be washed with bleach. Stick to hot water, mild detergent, and Clorox bleach when washing synthetic-filled comforters.
Click here to see Clorox bleach on Amazon.
If you are unsure whether or not you can use bleach on your blanket, it is best to check the care label before using it. The care label will list any special washing instructions that you should follow, such as using bleach.
How Often Should You Wash Blankets?
On average, you should wash your blankets at least once every three months. This ensures bacteria and dust mites don't have a chance to build up, which can cause allergies or skin irritation.
If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to wash your blankets more often. In these cases, it is best to wash your blankets every other week or once a month. This will help keep them clean and free of any allergens.
Washing your blankets too often can cause them to wear out faster. Blankets are made of different materials, and some materials can't handle being washed as often as others.
For example, wool blankets should only be washed when they are visibly soiled or stink. Washing them too often will cause the fibers to break down, making them less durable.
On the other hand, cotton blankets can be washed more often, as they are a more durable material.
What Happens If You Don't Wash Your Blankets?
If you don't wash your blankets, then you will be left with a germ breeding ground. Dust mites, bacteria, and mold will all thrive in dirty blankets.
Not only is this unsanitary, but it can also cause skin irritation, allergies, and respiratory problems. In extreme cases, it can even lead to infections.
It is important to wash your blankets regularly to avoid any health problems. Plus, over time, your blankets will still start to stink due to the buildup of sweat, skin cells, and dust.
So, if you don't want to be left with smelly, germ-ridden blankets, make sure to wash them frequently!
Should You Hand Wash Blankets?
Unless specified by the washing instructions, you don't have to hand wash your blankets. Machine washing is perfectly fine and will get your blankets just as clean.
That being said, there are some benefits to hand washing your blankets. For example, it is less likely to damage delicate materials such as silk or wool. In addition, hand washing can help remove any stubborn stains that machine washing couldn't get out.
In addition, you are saving energy costs by not running your washing machine as often. So, if you have the time and patience, hand washing your blankets is a great option!
Can Blankets Go In The Dryer?
Blankets can go in the dryer, but you need to be careful about how you dry them. Different materials have different drying instructions that you must follow to avoid damaging your blanket.
If you use too much heat when drying your blanket, it can cause the fibers to shrink or break down. In addition, certain materials are more susceptible to fading when exposed to high temperatures.
That being said, you don't have to worry about all of this if you use the low or air-dry setting on your dryer. These settings use less heat, so they are less likely to damage your blankets.
For some blankets, air drying is best. This may take up a lot of space and time to dry completely, but it is worth it to avoid any damage.
How Long Does It Take For A Blanket To Air Dry?
The amount of time it takes for a blanket to air dry after a wash can vary. It will depend on the size, material, and environment that the blanket is drying in.
In general, it can take anywhere from one to 24 hours for a blanket to air dry. If you are in a hurry, you can try using a fan to speed up the process.
Just make sure that the area you are drying the blanket in is well ventilated so that it doesn't mildew. If you are lucky and it is a hot sunny day, hang your blanket outside to dry.
The fresh air and UV rays will help kill any bacteria or mold that might be growing on your blanket.
How Do You Keep Your Blanket Fluffy After Washing It?
Like other materials, each time you wash your blanket, it will lose some of its softness and fluffiness.
To help keep your blanket fluffy after each wash, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure to use fabric softener when washing your blanket. This will help add back some of the lost softness.
In addition, fluff your blanket in the dryer on low heat for 10-15 minutes after it is done drying. This will help loosen up the fibers and make your blanket fluffy again.
You can also try using a Downy ball when washing and drying your blanket. This is a fabric softener that you add to your washing machine. It will help keep your blanket soft and fluffy after each wash.
Click here to see this Downy ball on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
To save you from having to buy blankets all the time, it is important to know how to wash them properly. To do so, follow the tips in this article, and your blankets will stay clean and smell fresh for a long time!
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