How to Wash Fleece Blankets? Full Washing Guide

With these hints, you can learn how to wash fleece blankets to keep them warm season after season.

Fleece throws and blankets are cozy and come in a virtually limitless array of hues, patterns, and sizes. By adhering to a few care instructions to avoid pilling and fuzzing, they are lightweight, strong, and simple to maintain.

In order to keep your fleece blankets in the best condition, you must launder them in a way that is specifically suited for fleece fabric. Laundering them as you would cotton blankets will likely damage fleece blankets, causing them to pill and quickly lose their shape. Using our instructions, you can properly wash a fleece blanket.

How to Machine Wash a Fleece Blanket?

You can use your washing machine to wash your fleece blankets:

Except for those that are trimmed with materials or decorations that need to be dry-cleaned only, almost all fleece blankets are hand- or machine-washable. Prior to putting the blanket in the washing machine or bathtub, take the time to read the care label.

It can be challenging to clean fleece fabrics of oil-based stains. To pretreat stains before washing, apply a dab of a strong laundry detergent or an enzyme-based stain remover. Utilizing a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth, apply the stain remover and work it into the fabric’s fibers. Before washing the blanket, give the stain remover at least 10 minutes to work.

If the blanket is not heavily soiled, the gentle cycle is recommended to prevent excessive wear to the fibers. If the blanket was used for a pet or is very dirty, select the permanent press cycle, It has a cold rinse and a lower spin speed to prevent set-in wrinkles. If you’re washing fleece, only ever use cold or warm water—never hot.

For fleece fibers, a mild detergent (such as Woolite, Hex Performance, or Ivory Snow) is best. Never add fabric softeners or chlorine bleach to the wash or rinse cycle.

Lint from lint-producing materials, such as cotton flannel or terry cloth towels, can be drawn to fleece like a magnet. Follow the advice for reducing and removing lint from laundry, and avoid washing fleece blankets with towels, sheets, or cotton clothing.

If possible, skip the automatic dryer and hang the blanket on an indoor drying rack or outdoor clothesline. This prevents static cling and the friction that can cause pilling. If you need the blanket right away, dry it by itself on low heat with a few wool dryer balls added to keep the fibers fluffy.

How to Hand-Wash a Fleece Blanket?

It might be preferable to hand wash fleece blankets due to their fragility. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Use a Large Sink Or Tub

If you are hand-washing a fleece blanket, the washing vessel should be large enough so the blanket is fully submerged in the water and has some room to move around. Typically, a bathtub, laundry sink, or sizable plastic storage container will do.

Follow the Washing Guidelines

Apply the same instructions for machine washing: pretreat stains, use a gentle detergent, and cool water.

Submerge and Soak

Fill the tub with cool water and add the detergent. Add the blanket and gently squeeze it until it is completely saturated with water and submerged. For about 20 minutes, let it soak. Then, squeeze gently the fabric to help remove the soil. the water from the washer.

Rinse Well

Fill the tub with fresh water once more, then gently squeeze the blanket and lift it in and out of the water to rinse the fibers. If there are still suds present, you might need to drain the water and rinse again. Keep gently squeezing the blanket; do not wring it to get rid of the extra water.

Dry the Blanket

The blanket can drip dry by being hung. Because of how wet it will be, floors need to be covered to prevent flooding.

Tips for Washing Fleece Blankets

• When washing the blanket, utilize cool water, a mild detergent, and the delicate cycle.
• Wash fleece in a separate washing machine from lint-producing materials.
• When the fleece is damp and beginning to look a little matted, gently brush it with a soft bristle brush.
• Use a front-loading washer or a top-loading washer without a center agitator if at all possible to lessen friction that can lead to pilling.
• Use a small amount of detergent; using more soap won’t necessarily make your blanket cleaner.
• Avoid using bleach, which can deteriorate the blanket’s fibers or alter the dye.
• Avoid using high heat to dry your fleece blanket because it might cause the fibers to melt or shrink.

Ironing

Fleece blankets shouldn’t be ironed because if the iron is too hot, the fibers could burn or mat. The blanket should be dampened if it has too many wrinkles, then hung to dry naturally. To eliminate wrinkles, you could also steam your clothing on low heat.

Storing

After washing, fold your fleece blankets neatly and tuck a fragrant dryer sheet inside the final fold if you’re storing them. This will keep the blanket fresh while it is kept in your linen closet.

Here is some useful information about sewing blankets:

• Throw Blanket Size: Which is Right for You?
• How Much Yarn Do You Need for a Blanket?
• How Many Granny Squares to Make a Blanket?
• How Many Skeins of Yarn for a Blanket?

Why You Should Wash Your Fleece Blanket Properly

• Fleece fabrics are very gentle and easily get dirty

Lightweight, cozy, and comfortable are the qualities of fleece fabrics. At low temperatures, they can be cleaned in a washing machine. However, they are much more prone to soiling than other fabrics and are also very delicate.

Fleece materials are extremely soft and susceptible to damage, unlike cotton fabrics, which are frequently more coarse. Additionally, they are made of synthetic materials, which prevents easy scrubbing. Because of this, if you want your fleece fabrics to last longer, avoid machine washing them and instead wipe them down with a soft cloth.

• Keep colors vibrant and long-lasting

Fleece throws can be used in a variety of ways. On your bed, couch, or tent while camping, you can use them as a throw. If you wash this blanket it will keep the colors vibrant and long-lasting.

These blankets are frequently used on beds and sofas, but be careful because the washing machine could cause them to fade.

• Reduce the allergens that are trapped within the fabric

Any clothing that has a lot of hair and dander on it should be washed frequently. Simply washing the clothes on a regular basis will help to reduce the allergens in the air, which helps to reduce the symptoms that people with allergies experience when they are around furry pets.

These items will continue to aggravate those who are allergic to numerous things when significant amounts of dust and other allergens accumulate inside the fabric of these things. When necessary, wash the blanket to remove any allergens that may have become embedded in the fabric.

• It will stop the bacteria, fungi, and mildew on this blanket from spreading.

Bacteria are microscopic organisms that thrive in warm damp environments. When you use or touch your blanket, bacteria from your hands and body can be transferred to it as well. Numerous bacteria may be present in your blanket, some of which may not be harmful to users but others may do so.

Why Does My Blanket Have a Musty Odor After Washing?

Your blanket probably didn’t get completely dry, which is why it smells funny. Large blankets cannot always be dried completely in some dryers. Use the extra-large washers at a laundromat to wash your large blankets, or, if the weather is right, try hanging them outside.

Other factors could include using too much or too little detergent, washing at the incorrect temperature, or failing to treat stains beforehand.

Conclusion: Wash Fleece Blankets Properly

It is important to wash fleece blankets carefully to prevent damage. Typically, improper washing and drying cause them to pill or shred. High-quality fleece, often labeled as “plush” or “luxe”, is more durable and will not pill at all. However, that does not mean you should wash them carelessly.

Your blanket will remain durable and cozy to wear if you follow the steps on the list above.

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