How to Wash a Handmade Blanket

A handmade blanket will last for many years if cared for properly. If the blanket is vintage or brittle, then it is best to have it cleaned by a professional. Otherwise the handmade blanket should be safe to wash by hand.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sink or wash basin
• Mild soap such as dish soap, Woolite, or color safe bleach if the fabric has yellowed
• Several clean, dry towels
• Water
• Rubber gloves if desired

1. Fill the sink or basin with enough cool water to completely cover the blanket. The water temperature should feel cool to the touch. Water that is either too hot or too cold may cause damage to some fabrics.

2. Add mild soap or detergent to the cool water. Use the amount of detergent according to the manufacturers instructions. Otherwise add just a few drops of mild dish soap. Gently stir or agitate, distributing the soap or detergent throughout the water.

3. Carefully place the blanket into the soapy water. Make sure that the blanket is completely submerged in the water and completely wet.

4. With the blanket submerged, gently squeeze the soapy water through the fabric. Starting from one end and continuing until the entire blanket has been washed. For a blanket that is especially soiled, it may need to soak in the soapy water for a few minutes. Continue this process until the blanket becomes clean and there are no visible signs of dirt remaining.

5. Drain the water from the sink or basin. During this process, excess soap may be squeezed out of the blanket.

6. Refill the sink or basin with clean, cool water. Do not add soap this time. Squeeze the clean water through the blanket as directed in step 4. Drain the water and repeat the rinse process until there are no traces of soap left in the blanket.

7. Drain the water and gently squeeze any excess water from the blanket, being careful not to twist or wring the fabric as this may cause the blanket to stretch.

8. Open several large towels and lay them flat. Place the clean blanket on the towels and open and lay flat on top of the towels. Starting from one end carefully roll the towels and the blanket in a log until the blanket is completely rolled into the towels. Apply firm pressure to the towel roll to extract any water that may be left in the blanket. Replace towels if they become too saturated with water. Continue pressing and squeezing the roll until the excess water has been removed from the blanket.

9. Unroll the blanket and remove the towels. Lay the blanket on a flat surface to air dry. When the blanket is completely dry, it is then safe to fold and put away.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to remove all traces of soap before drying the blanket.
• Placing the blanket into the dryer is not recommended, as this may cause shrinkage, and may set stains.
• Be careful when squeezing the blanket while wet. Twisting and wringing the blanket while it is still wet may cause stretching.
• Be sure that the blanket is completely dry before folding and storing. Even if the blanket is slightly damp it could mold or mildew.