How to Clean a Chenille Bedspread

Chenille is a soft fabric, typically made from cotton, but may also be manufactured using fibers such as acrylic and rayon. Chenille is commonly used to make sweaters, blankets, scarves and bedspreads. Some tapestry and rugs are also made from chenille. Chenille bedspreads are warm, cozy and extremely durable. How you care for your bedspread, however, can determine how long it will last. Common problems with chenille bedspreads include shrinkage and agitation of the fabric.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bathtub
• Woolite
• Flat clothes drying rack
• Washing machine
• Dryer

Hand-Wash and Dry

1. Fill your bathtub with cool water. Add a cap-full of Woolite to the water.

2. Place your chenille bedspread completely into the water.

3. Press down on the bedspread gently, working the soapy water throughout the fabric. Continue washing the fabric by hand for about 10 minutes, making sure to remove all dirt and stains.

4. Drain the dirty water from the tub and refill the tub with clean cool water.

5. Press the bedspread into the water to remove all of the soap. Continue rinsing the bedspread with cool water until the water runs clean.

6. Squeeze the bedspread gently to remove all of the water. Don't wring it. Place the bedspread on a flat clothes drying rack to air-dry.

Machine-Wash and Dry

7. Set your washing machine to the delicate cycle, using cold water.

8. Spread out your chenille bedspread and place it into the machine. Pour a cap-full of Woolite onto the bedspread and start the wash.

9. Remove the bedspread from the washing machine and place it into the dryer.

10. Dry your chenille bedspread on the delicate cycle, making sure to check it occasionally as it dries.

11. Remove the bedspread from the dryer once the cycle is complete and return it to your bed.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wash chenille bedspreads alone to prevent damaging the fabric. Always check the care label on your bedspreads before washing, because certain chenille bedspreads must only be dry-cleaned.
• Never hang a chenille bedspread to dry, as this will cause the fabric to stretch.

References

• Apparel Search: Chenille Information
• Bedroom Linen: Chenille Bedspreads
• Woolite