If you’re wondering how to wash a knitted blanket in a washing machine, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the fibers. Once the cycle is complete, remove the blanket and gently squeeze out any excess water. To dry the blanket, lay it out flat on a clean towel, reshaping it as needed. Avoid hanging the blanket to dry, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape.
Are you looking for the best way to clean your knitted blanket? Washing a knitted blanket in a washing machine is not only possible, but it’s also simple and easy.
With just a few steps and the right materials, you can have your blanket looking as good as new in no time! Follow this guide to learn how to safely wash your knitted blanket using a gentle cycle, cold water, mild detergent, then lay flat to dry with reshaping as needed.
You don’t need any special skills or tools – all you need is some patience and attention to detail.
What You'll Learn
Gather Materials
Gather the necessary items for washing your knitted blanket, like a gentle detergent and cold water, to ensure your blanket is cared for properly! Before you begin, make sure you have all the materials needed.
You should choose a mild detergent that is designed specifically for delicate fabrics. Additionally, it’s important to use cold water since hot water can cause shrinkage or damage the fibers of your blanket. If you need other cleaning materials like bleach or fabric softener, be sure to read and follow any instructions on the product before using it.
It’s also helpful to keep in mind any special washing techniques recommended by the manufacturer of your knitted blanket before starting.
To get the most out of this process, make sure you don’t overload your washing machine with too many items at once. When choosing what else to include in the washing cycle with your knitted blanket, opt for other delicates or wool fabrics so they won’t be damaged by more abrasive items during the wash cycle. Doing this will help prevent color transfer onto your knitted blanket as well as over-agitation that could lead to yarn loss or pilling on its surface.
Now that you’ve gathered all of the necessary materials and chosen what other items will go into the load with your knitted blanket, it’s time to prepare it for its wash cycle!
Before putting it into the machine, take a moment to give it a quick look over and remove any visible dirt spots or stains from its surface using a stain remover if needed. Once this is done, close up any buttons or ties on its surface so they don’t catch onto other items during agitation phase of its wash cycle.
After these steps are complete, you’re ready move onto loading up your washer!
Prepare the Blanket
Before you begin, prepare your knitted fabric by giving it a gentle fluff with your hands – like shaking out a soft cloud.
After that, pre-soak the blanket in cool water and mild detergent for about 20 minutes. This helps to loosen any dirt or stains before washing the blanket in the machine.
Next, air dry the blanket outside or indoors if necessary and preferably away from direct sunlight.
Finally, reshape the knitted fabric as needed so it retains its original form after drying.
With this preparation done, you’re now ready to set up your washing machine for cleaning your blanket.
Set the Washing Machine
It’s important to select a gentle cycle when washing your knitted blanket in the machine.
Cold water is best for this kind of fabric, as hot temperatures can cause shrinkage or damage.
Make sure you’re using a mild detergent that won’t be too harsh on the material.
Select a Gentle Cycle
You’ll want to choose a gentle cycle setting on your washing machine to ensure that your knitted item is handled with care.
Many modern machines feature several different settings and cycles, so take the time to look through the options and select one labeled as ‘gentle’ or ‘delicate.’
As you browse through the cycle settings, it may be helpful to think of how they apply to the specific material of your knitted blanket – for instance, if it’s made of delicate cashmere or wool fibers, you’ll want to opt for a gentler option.
Once you’ve made your selection and set up the machine accordingly, you’re ready for the next step: choosing cold water.
Choose Cold Water
To ensure the best results, select a cold water setting on your washing machine. Picturing icy waves lapping against a shore can help you visualize the gentleness of this cycle.
Cold water is important because it helps protect delicate fibers from damage and shrinkage while still removing dirt and stains from the knitted blanket. Here are a few points to consider when choosing a cold water setting:
- The temperature should be no higher than 30°C (86°F).
- Choose the lowest temperature possible for the cycle.
- Avoid using hot or warm water temperatures as they can cause fabric to shrink or deform.
Using cold water will also help keep colors vibrant and prevent fading over time. By sticking to these guidelines, you’ll get optimal results without damaging your blanket.
Now that you’ve selected cold water, it’s time to add detergent…
Add Detergent
Put just enough mild detergent in the washing machine to get your knitted blanket clean without damaging it. It can be easy to overdo it with detergent, but a small amount is all that’s needed for most fabrics. However, if you’re dealing with an especially soiled blanket or one made of heavier fabric, you may need more. Here are some tips on choosing and adding detergent:
Detergent Types | Benefits | Considerations |
---|---|---|
Liquid | Easy to measure; eco-friendly options available | Can leave residue on clothes |
Powder | Generally cheaper than liquid; eco-friendly options available | Can leave residue on clothes |
Pods | Pre-measured amounts; usually pre-dissolved |
Adding detergent should be done after putting the dirty blanket into the washing machine and adding water. Make sure not to overload the washer with too much laundry since this can cause heavy articles like blankets to tangle together during the cycle. If using powder, pour it directly into washer drum before loading clothes as directed by manufacturer instructions.
If using liquid or pods, make sure they dissolve completely before placing items into wash tub. Be mindful when handling pods since their concentrated ingredients may irritate skin and eyes. Once you’ve added the necessary amount of detergent for your particular load size and type of fabric, you can now run the cycle according to your washing machine settings or those given by garment label instructions.
Run the Cycle
Now that the detergent’s been added, it’s time to run the cycle! To protect your knitted blanket, use gentle settings and cold water. The washing temperature shouldn’t exceed 30°C (86°F).
Here are some tips to keep in mind when running the cycle:
- Safety: Always turn pockets inside out before placing them in the washing machine. Check for loose buttons or zippers and fasten them securely.
- Settings: Use a gentle cycle with low spin speed. Choose a mild detergent suitable for delicate items.
By taking these steps, you can ensure your knitted blanket comes out of the washing machine looking like new! Once you’ve finished running the cycle, it’s time to dry your blanket by laying it flat on a drying rack or other surface.
Dry the Blanket
Once the cycle is complete, you can quickly and easily dry your precious item by laying it flat on a drying rack or other surface – no reshaping needed! You should let the blanket air dry for best results. Depending on what type of fabric the blanket is made from, your blanket may take anywhere from several hours to a full day to completely dry.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use a low-heat setting in your clothes dryer. A rule of thumb when using a dryer is that if the fabric is natural (such as wool or cotton), then use the lowest heat setting possible; if the fabric is synthetic (such as polyester or nylon), then use the highest heat setting possible. Be sure not to leave it in too long though, otherwise you could cause damage!
Natural Fibers | Synthetic Fibers |
---|---|
Low Heat Setting | High Heat Setting |
Wool/Cotton | Polyester/Nylon |
When air drying your knitted blanket, make sure that it’s away from direct sunlight and any kind of heat source that could cause discoloration or shrinkage. Hang it up over an open area where fresh air can circulate around it so that there’s no risk of mold growth during the drying process. It’s also important to fluff up and reshape your blanket after its been washed so that it doesn’t become stiff once dried. This will help keep its shape and softness intact for years to come!
Conclusion
You’ve just finished the job. You can be proud of yourself for washing your knitted blanket in a washing machine.
The process was easier than expected, and now you have a clean, soft blanket that’s ready to use again. With your newfound knowledge, you can confidently tackle this task anytime it needs doing.
Plus, with the rhetorical device of alliteration to add emphasis—you’ve washed the woolen wonder without worry—you can’t help but feel accomplished!
Congratulations on successfully washing your knitted blanket!