There’s nothing like the feeling of wrapping yourself up in a cozy, fuzzy blanket on a chilly evening. But, after a few washes, these blankets can lose their softness and become stiff and scratchy. Don’t worry, with the right techniques, you can keep your fuzzy blankets soft and fluffy for years to come. Here’s how:
1. Check the Care Label
Before you wash your fuzzy blanket, make sure to check the care label. Some blankets may require special care, such as hand washing or dry cleaning. Following the care label instructions will help prevent damage to the fibers and keep the blanket soft and fluffy.
2. Wash in Cold Water
When washing your fuzzy blanket, use cold water. Hot water can damage the fibers and cause shrinkage. Cold water will help preserve the softness of the blanket and prevent any damage.
3. Use a Gentle Detergent
Choose a gentle detergent that is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Harsh detergents can strip the fibers of their softness, leaving your blanket scratchy and stiff. A gentle detergent will help maintain the softness of the blanket.
4. Avoid Fabric Softeners
Although fabric softeners may seem like a good idea, they can actually make your fuzzy blanket less soft over time. Fabric softeners leave a coating on the fibers which can make them less fluffy and more scratchy. Instead, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help soften the fibers.
5. Wash with Like Colors
When washing your fuzzy blanket, make sure to wash it with like colors. This will help prevent any color bleeding or fading. It’s also a good idea to wash your fuzzy blanket separately from other fabrics to prevent any pilling or damage.
6. Use a Delicate Cycle
When washing your fuzzy blanket, use a delicate cycle. This will help prevent any damage to the fibers and keep the blanket soft and fluffy. Avoid using a heavy-duty or fast spin cycle, as this can cause tangling and damage to the fibers.
7. Dry on Low Heat
When drying your fuzzy blanket, use a low heat setting. High heat can damage the fibers and cause shrinkage. It’s also a good idea to add a few clean tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff up the fibers and keep your blanket soft and fluffy.
8. Avoid Sunlight
Avoid drying your fuzzy blanket in direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the colors and damage the fibers, leaving your blanket less soft over time. Instead, hang your blanket or lay it flat to dry in a shaded area.
9. Store Properly
When storing your fuzzy blanket, make sure to fold it neatly and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in a damp or humid area, as this can cause mildew and damage to the fibers. Storing your blanket properly will help maintain its softness and prevent any damage.
10. Don’t Overwash
Overwashing your fuzzy blanket can cause damage to the fibers and make it less soft over time. Only wash your blanket when it’s necessary, and try to spot clean any small stains or spills instead of washing the entire blanket.
11. Brush the Fibers
After washing and drying your fuzzy blanket, use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush the fibers. This will help fluff up the fibers and keep the blanket soft and fluffy. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush, as this can damage the fibers.
12. Keep Pets Away
Although we all love our furry friends, it’s best to keep them away from your fuzzy blanket. Pet hair and dander can get trapped in the fibers, making the blanket less soft over time. If you must let your pets on the blanket, make sure to wash it regularly to keep it soft and fresh.
13. Shake Out Before Use
Before using your fuzzy blanket, give it a good shake to fluff up the fibers. This will help keep the blanket soft and fluffy, and prevent any matting or flattening of the fibers.
14. Avoid Ironing
Avoid ironing your fuzzy blanket, as this can damage the fibers and make it less soft over time. If you must remove any wrinkles, use a steamer or hang the blanket in a steamy bathroom to help remove any wrinkles naturally.
15. Use Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are a great alternative to fabric softeners. They help fluff up the fibers and keep your fuzzy blanket soft and fluffy. Simply toss a few wool dryer balls in the dryer with your blanket to help maintain its softness.
16. Use a Lint Roller
Use a lint roller to remove any fuzz or lint from your fuzzy blanket. This will help keep it looking fresh and new, and prevent any matting or flattening of the fibers.
17. Don’t Use Bleach
Avoid using bleach on your fuzzy blanket, as this can damage the fibers and make it less soft over time. Instead, use a gentle stain remover or spot clean any small stains or spills.
18. Always Air Dry
If your fuzzy blanket requires air drying, make sure to hang it up or lay it flat to dry. Avoid wringing out the blanket, as this can damage the fibers and make it less soft over time.
19. Fluff Up Daily
To keep your fuzzy blanket soft and fluffy, give it a quick fluff every day. This will help prevent any matting or flattening of the fibers, and keep your blanket looking and feeling great.
20. Use a Fabric Shaver
If your fuzzy blanket is starting to look worn or pilled, use a fabric shaver to remove any pills or fuzz. This will help keep your blanket looking fresh and new, and prevent any damage to the fibers.
21. Don’t Store in Plastic
Avoid storing your fuzzy blanket in plastic, as this can trap moisture and cause mildew and damage to the fibers. Instead, store your blanket in a breathable fabric bag or container.
22. Rotate Your Blankets
To prevent any one blanket from becoming too worn or damaged, rotate your blankets regularly. This will help maintain their softness and prevent any damage to the fibers.
23. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using any harsh chemicals on your fuzzy blanket, as this can damage the fibers and make it less soft over time. Stick to gentle, natural products that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.
24. Don’t Overload the Washer
When washing your fuzzy blanket, make sure not to overload the washer. Overloading the washer can cause tangling and damage to the fibers, leaving your blanket less soft over time.
25. Use a Mild Detergent
Use a mild detergent that is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Harsh detergents can strip the fibers of their softness, leaving your blanket scratchy and stiff. A mild detergent will help maintain the softness of the blanket.
26. Don’t Wring Out
Avoid wringing out your fuzzy blanket, as this can damage the fibers and make it less soft over time. Instead, gently squeeze out any excess water and lay flat to dry.
27. Use a Top-Loading Washer
If possible, use a top-loading washer to wash your fuzzy blanket. Front-loading washers can be too harsh on the fibers, causing damage and making the blanket less soft over time.
28. Avoid the Dryer
If your fuzzy blanket is delicate or requires air drying, avoid the dryer altogether. Hang it up or lay it flat to dry in a shaded area to prevent any damage to the fibers or loss of softness.
29. Use a Mild Stain Remover
If your fuzzy blanket has a stain, use a mild stain remover to spot clean the affected area. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as this can damage the fibers and make the blanket less soft over time.
30. Store Flat
When storing your fuzzy blanket, store it flat to prevent any damage to the fibers. Rolling or folding the blanket can cause matting or flattening of the fibers, leaving your blanket less soft over time.