Faux fur blankets are luxurious additions to any home, offering both warmth and a touch of elegance. However, their care can seem daunting due to their delicate nature. This guide will walk you through the best practices for washing faux fur blankets, ensuring they stay fluffy and soft for years to come.
Can You Wash a Faux Fur Blanket?
Yes, you can wash faux fur blankets, but it requires gentle handling to maintain their integrity. Understanding the material and following the correct washing procedures are key to preventing damage.
How to Wash a Faux Fur Blanket
Caring for your faux fur blanket properly extends its life and keeps it looking its best.
Materials Needed
- Gentle detergent
- Large basin or front-loading washing machine
- Cool water
Washing Instructions
Washing a faux fur blanket correctly is crucial for maintaining its softness and visual appeal. Here’s an extended guide on the proper techniques for washing these luxurious items, ensuring they remain a cozy part of your home decor.
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Preparation: Before washing, give your blanket a good shake to remove any loose dirt or debris.
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Spot Clean: If there are localized stains, apply a mild detergent solution directly and gently scrub with a soft brush.
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Washing: Fill a bathtub or large basin with cool water and add a capful of mild laundry detergent. Submerge the blanket and gently agitate the water with your hands. Let it soak for no more than 30 minutes.
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Rinsing: Drain the soapy water and rinse the blanket with fresh cool water until all detergent residue is removed. This may require several rinses.
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Drying: Press out as much water as possible by rolling the blanket in a clean, dry towel. Unroll, then lay flat to air dry completely. Avoid using heat as it can damage the fibers.
How to Wash Faux Fur Blanket in Washing Machine
Machine washing can be suitable for faux fur blankets if done carefully:
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Machine Settings: Place the blanket in a front-loading washing machine to avoid the agitator of top-load models. Set the machine to the gentle cycle with cold water and use a mild detergent.
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Detergent Choice: Use a detergent designed for delicates. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners as they can break down the fibers and coating that give the faux fur its soft feel.
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Drying: After washing, shake the blanket to fluff up the fibers and lay flat to air dry in a shaded area. If you must use a dryer, use the air-fluff or no-heat setting with tennis balls to help fluff the fibers.
Ensuring your sleep and relaxation area is as luxurious as possible can significantly enhance your comfort at home. Pairing a freshly washed faux fur blanket with a Puffy Lux Mattress can create the ultimate comfort zone.
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How to Wash Dry Clean Only Faux Fur Blanket
Faux fur blankets labeled as “dry clean only” require special care to maintain their quality and appearance. While professional dry cleaning is often recommended, there are ways to handle these items at home if you proceed with caution.
Considerations Before Washing
- Material Sensitivity: Understand the fabric composition of your blanket, as some materials might react poorly even to mild detergents.
- Care Label Instructions: Always refer to the care label for any specific instructions or warnings.
- Test for Colorfastness: Before cleaning the whole blanket, test a small, inconspicuous area with a damp white cloth to see if the dye transfers.
Home Dry Cleaning Kits
These kits are a practical option for handling dry clean only items at home. They typically include a stain remover, a cleaning bag, and cleaning cloths that release a steam-cleaning agent during a dryer cycle.
- Spot Cleaning: Treat any spots or stains with the provided stain remover according to the kit instructions.
- Packing the Dryer Bag: Place the faux fur blanket in the dry cleaning bag along with a cleaning cloth. The bag limits the exposure of the fabric to heat while the cloth helps to clean gently.
- Dryer Settings: Follow the kit instructions for setting your dryer. Usually, a medium heat setting for a specified time is recommended.
- Post-Cleaning: Remove the blanket immediately after the cycle ends to reduce wrinkles. Hang or lay flat to air out any residual cleaning smell.
Professional Dry Cleaning
When in doubt or if the blanket is highly valuable or delicate, opting for professional dry cleaning is the safest choice. Dry cleaners have specific solvents and equipment designed for delicate items, which home kits cannot replicate.
How to Wash Polyester Faux Fur Blanket
Polyester faux fur blankets are somewhat easier to care for due to the durability of polyester fibers. However, the plush pile of faux fur still requires gentle handling.
Washing Instructions
- Machine Setting: Use a front-loading washer if available, as top-loaders with agitators can be too harsh. Set the machine to a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent damage to the fibers.
- Detergent: Use a mild, liquid detergent. Powder detergents can clump and stick to the fabric, especially in cold water.
- Fabric Softener: Avoid using fabric softeners as they can coat the fibers and reduce the blanket’s fluffiness over time.
Drying Polyester Faux Fur
- Low Heat: Use the lowest heat setting on your dryer or opt for air drying. High heat can cause the fibers to melt or deform.
- Drying Without a Dryer: Lay the blanket flat to dry on a clean surface. Turn it occasionally to ensure it dries evenly. Do not hang faux fur as it can stretch the fabric.
Fluffing Up After Washing
- Shaking: After washing and partially drying, give your blanket a good shake to fluff up the fibers.
- Brushing: Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush the faux fur. This can help restore its natural fluffy appearance.
As a parent and pet owner, washing our family’s faux fur blankets becomes a necessary routine to keep our living space clean and comfortable.
I’ve found that taking the time to wash them properly not only preserves these luxurious items but also makes our snuggle time more enjoyable.
Matching the plush comfort of a freshly laundered blanket with the cloud-like softness of our Puffy Lux Mattress really turns our living room into a cozy haven.
Conclusion
Washing a faux fur blanket doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can keep your blankets looking and feeling their best.
Whether you choose to hand wash, machine wash, or even take them to a professional, understanding the needs of your faux fur blanket is key to maintaining its beauty and function.
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