How to Wash Crochet Blanket: Essential Care Tips
How to Wash Crochet Blanket?
To wash a crochet blanket, start by hand washing a wool crochet blanket in cold water with a mild detergent formulated for wool.
Rinse the blanket in clean, cold water until the water is clear and free of suds.
Gently squeeze out the excess water, lay the blanket flat on a towel, and roll the towel to absorb more water without wringing.
Air dry the blanket.
For crochet blankets made of acrylic, linen, or cotton yarn, place them in a laundry bag and wash them on the gentle cycle in cold water using a gentle, bleach-free detergent.
They can be air dried or tumble dried on a heatless tumble dry setting.
It is recommended to use a laundry bag in washing machines with a central agitator to prevent misshaping the stitches.
Hand washing steps involve filling a washing vessel with cold water, adding detergent, gently swishing the item in the solution, gently squeezing the garment to push the soapy water through the fibers, draining the soapy liquid, rinsing with fresh cold water, repeating the rinsing process until the water is clear, removing excess water by gently squeezing, transferring the item to a dry towel, rolling the item in the towel to absorb liquid, laying it flat to dry on a towel or other flat surface, reshaping as needed, and allowing it to dry for 24 hours.
If machine washing is necessary, place the item in a large delicates bag, select a gentle cycle, use cold water and mild detergent, and air dry or use low dryer heat to dry the item.
Key Points:
- Hand wash wool crochet blanket in cold water with mild detergent
- Rinse in clean, cold water until water is clear and suds-free
- Squeeze out excess water and lay flat on towel to absorb more water
- Air dry the blanket
- For acrylic, linen, or cotton crochet blankets, wash in laundry bag on gentle cycle with bleach-free detergent
- Air or tumble dry on heatless tumble dry setting
Did You Know?
1. The practice of crochet originated in Europe during the 19th century, but it was actually inspired by an ancient art form called “tambour embroidery” which originated in India.
2. Crochet stitches are named after the tools used in their creation. For instance, the “slip stitch” is named after the motion of slipping the hook through a stitch, while the “single crochet” is named after the single pull-through motion required.
3. Did you know? Crocheting has been found to have therapeutic benefits such as reducing stress and increasing relaxation. It is known to have a similar effect on brainwaves as meditation.
4. The largest crocheted blanket ever made measures over 12,000 square meters and was created in Johannesburg, South Africa. It took a community of over a thousand people to complete the project.
5. If you want to give your crocheted blanket a fresh smell, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Spritzing the blanket lightly will leave it smelling wonderful without damaging the fibers.
Washing Wool Crochet Blankets By Hand
When it comes to washing wool crochet blankets, it’s important to take extra care to preserve their delicate fibers. Hand washing is the best method to ensure that the blanket remains in excellent condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to washing wool crochet blankets by hand:
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Fill a washing vessel with cold water and add a mild detergent specially formulated for wool. Ensure that the detergent is completely dissolved in the water by mixing it well.
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Gently swish the crochet blanket in the soapy solution, taking care not to wring or scrub it. The gentle swishing motion is enough to dislodge any dirt or grime without damaging the delicate stitches.
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After gently washing the blanket, it’s time to rinse it. Drain the soapy water and rinse the blanket with clean, cold water. Repeat the rinsing process until the water runs clear and free of suds. This ensures that all traces of detergent are removed from the blanket.
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Next, it’s crucial to remove excess water from the blanket without wringing it, as this can cause the fibers to become misshapen. Gently squeeze the blanket to push out the excess water, then transfer it to a dry towel.
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Lay the blanket flat on the towel, making sure it is spread evenly. Roll the towel up, gently pressing down to absorb more water. This helps to speed up the drying process.
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Finally, lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface and allow it to air dry. It’s advisable to reshape the blanket as it dries to ensure that it maintains its original shape. Depending on the humidity and air circulation in your area, the blanket may take up to 24 hours to dry completely. With these careful steps, your wool crochet blanket will come out clean and fresh, ready to be enjoyed once again.
Machine-Washing Superwash Wool Crochet Blankets
Superwash wool, unlike regular wool, has been treated to be machine washable. This makes it more convenient to clean, but it still requires some special care. Here’s how to machine wash superwash wool crochet blankets:
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Start by placing the superwash wool crochet blanket in a large delicates bag. This will protect the delicate stitches during the wash cycle.
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Select the gentle cycle on your washing machine and set the water temperature to cold. Cold water helps prevent any shrinkage or damage to the wool fibers.
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Add a mild detergent formulated for delicates, specifically one that is suitable for wool. Avoid using any bleach or fabric softeners, as these can be harsh on the fibers.
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Once the cycle is complete, remove the blanket from the delicates bag and shake it out gently to remove any tangles or wrinkles.
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To dry the superwash wool blanket, it’s best to air dry it. Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface and allow it to dry naturally. Avoid using a clothes dryer, as the heat can cause the fibers to shrink or lose their shape.
By following these guidelines, you can safely machine wash your superwash wool crochet blanket and keep it clean and cozy for years to come.
Laundering Acrylic, Linen, And Cotton Crochet Blankets
Crocheted blankets made from acrylic, linen, or cotton yarn are generally less delicate than wool blankets, but they still require proper care to maintain their quality. Here’s how to launder acrylic, linen, and cotton crochet blankets:
To begin, place the crochet blanket in a laundry bag to protect it from tangling and snagging. This step is particularly important if you’re using a washing machine with a central agitator, as the blanket may wrap around it and misshape the stitches.
Next, select the gentle cycle on your washing machine and set the water temperature to cold. Cold water helps preserve the integrity of the fibers and prevent any shrinkage or damage.
Choose a gentle, bleach-free detergent that is suitable for delicate fabrics. Add the appropriate amount of detergent according to the instructions on the packaging.
Once the wash cycle is complete, remove the blanket from the laundry bag and give it a gentle shake to remove any wrinkles.
To dry the blanket, you have two options. You can either air dry it or use a heatless tumble dry setting in the dryer. If you choose to air dry, lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface. Ensure that it is spread out evenly to maintain its shape.
If you opt for the heatless tumble dry setting, place the blanket in the dryer and select the appropriate setting. Avoid using high heat, as it can damage the fibers. Check the blanket regularly to ensure it is drying evenly and remove it as soon as it’s dry to prevent any unnecessary wear and tear.
By following these laundering guidelines, you can keep your acrylic, linen, or cotton crochet blanket in pristine condition, allowing you to enjoy its comfort and beauty for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a crochet blanket be washed and dried?
Yes, crochet blankets can be washed and dried, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions. To do this, place the crochet blanket in a large delicates lingerie bag, allowing it to move freely without tangling while also providing protection. When washing, use a machine without a central agitator, and opt for a delicate cycle with cold water. However, it’s recommended to air dry crochet items whenever possible, rather than using a clothes dryer, to ensure the longevity and preservation of the delicate stitches.
Do crochet blankets shrink when washed?
Crochet blankets can experience shrinkage when washed, especially if they have bigger or looser stitches. The size and tightness of the stitches play a significant role in determining the likelihood of shrinkage or stretching. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind the stitch type used and be cautious while washing crochet projects to prevent undesired shrinkage.
Can you machine wash cotton crochet?
Yes, cotton crochet can usually be machine washed, but it is recommended to exercise caution. While cotton yarn is generally durable, it may shrink slightly in the dryer. To ensure the longevity of sentimental or intricate projects, it is advisable to hand wash them in cold water with mild detergent and allow them to dry flat, as this method is gentler and less likely to cause any damage.
How do you clean old crochet items?
To clean old crochet items, start by filling a basin or sink with two gallons of water and adding a cup of white vinegar. Gently submerge the crochet in the water and allow it to soak for a few hours. Periodically, lightly swish the crochet through the water to help loosen dirt and grime. After the soaking time, carefully rinse the crochet with clean water and gently squeeze out any excess water before laying it flat to dry.