How To Wash Blankets The Right Way According To A Tidal Scientist – LifeSavvy

When it comes to getting cozy, nothing works like the perfect blanket. Unfortunately, these warm, fluffy blankets are prone to getting dirty. After all, many of us carry them around our homes as emotional support items.

So how do you wash your blankets the right way and ensure they stay as good as new?

LifeSavvy talked to tidal scientist Darenton Randall about the best ways to care for your mantas, and it’s easier than you think.

How do you wash blankets the right way?

When it’s time to wash your blanket, you might be tempted to mindlessly throw it in the washing machine. You’ll dump your regular detergent into the drum, set the cycle to regular, and think you’re good to go. However, according to Randall, cleaning blankets is a bit more complex. And the first thing you should do is check the care label.

“Not all blankets are the same,” Randall said. “It’s important to follow the care label for specific instructions to ensure proper handling of the blanket.”

How to wash machine washable blankets

Of course, your care label is the best place to start, but if you accidentally cut it or don’t understand the confusing washing symbols on some, Randall has some common steps for machine washable blankets.

1. Choose the gentle or delicate wash and spin cycles, and then change the water setting to cold.
2. Add a laundry detergent formulated to combat invisible stains. Randall recommended Tide Hygenic Clean.
3. To add scent and eliminate odor, Randall also recommended a supplement that helps dissolve odor-causing residue and other types of buildup to keep your blanket vibrant and fresh.
4. Adjust the cycle to add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed.
5. Tumble dry the blanket on very low heat. This could take a few hours due to the setup, but adding a dry towel that can help absorb moisture can speed up the process.

How to wash blankets that cannot be machine washed

What if you have a blanket that is not machine washable? Can you still clean it on your own? According to Randall, yes, but you’ll be doing a little extra work.

1. Fill a tub or sink with cold water which will help preserve the colors.
2. Add a teaspoon of detergent to the water.
3. Submerge the blanket in the tub or sink and gently stir and agitate the blanket by hand.
4. Drain the tub or sink and refill it with fresh water.
5. Add fabric conditioner to the rinse water and tumble the blanket several times before letting it soak for 2-3 minutes.
6. Gently wring out the blanket and dry it flat.

How do you clean stains from a blanket?

So what if your entire blanket doesn’t need cleaning? Maybe you threw it in the machine a few days ago, but boy, did that peanut sauce from your Thai meal last night drip to the brim. Well the good news is Randall says you can clean a blanket and it’s not that hard.

First, you’ll brush or blot as much of the stain as possible. Next, apply a small amount of detergent to the soiled area. Blot the stain with a clean white cloth, then rub the fabric of the blanket. Allow the blanket to try and repeat if necessary.

Of course, if you take your blanket with you wherever you go (or have kids who love to bring their favorite blanket with them), it may not be possible to keep detergent nearby. In this case, Randall recommends keeping Tide To Go wipes nearby for emergencies. Even if something gets on your blanket while you’re at home, they’re still great, easy ways to remove light soil from the fabric before your blanket’s next wash.

Why is it so important to wash the blanket?

When you start to see food stains, discoloration, or feel a strange oily residue, it’s time to wash your blanket. That’s pretty obvious, but if you’re waiting until those signs appear before washing, you may not be doing your blanket any favors.

“The average person excretes up to a liter of sweat per day, as well as 60 grams of dead skin, salt and sebum,” Randall said. “Now, let’s be real. It’s safe to say that most of us don’t wash our blankets every day. So just think of the sheer amount of body dirt, dust, and potential food stains your blanket is collecting!

Those bits of dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells may not be immediately visible to the naked eye, but according to Randall, they can alter the appearance of your blanket. He told LifeSavvy that over time, the collection could make her blanket look dirty and eventually odors could set in.

So do you need to wash your blanket every day? No, not according to Randall. However, when it comes time to wash (which is usually every two weeks), it’s important to use a high-quality detergent to remove visible and invisible dirt.

Whether you have a favorite blanket and want to make sure it stays in pristine condition for as long as possible, or you realize it’s been a minute since you cleaned your kid’s blanket, these expert tips from a tidal scientist will help you. will help Clean blankets should be known.