How to Wash a Crochet Blanket Correctly?
Crochet blankets add a unique touch of warmth and beauty to any home. Not only do they instantly upgrade the ambiance of a space, but they are also easy to care for and maintain. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your crochet blanket looking beautiful for years to come.
In this article, we’ll be walking you through the basics of how to wash a crochet blanket. We’ll cover everything from pre-washing considerations to post-wash care so that your crochet blanket will remain pristine and soft. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Each yarn and fiber has different washing needs. Always refer to the yarn label for best results.
It’s also important to refer to these guidelines when selecting yarn for a project. You may not want to select a yarn or a fiber that needs to be dry cleaned or sparingly handwashed for a crocheted baby blanket. Mary Maxim Yarns are nearly all machine washable, and our baby yarns are specifically designed to be well loved by babies and easy to clean.
Can You Wash a Crochet Blanket?
It is safe to wash a crochet blanket as longas you take extra care and refer to the proper washing instructions located on the yarn label.
In general, it's best to hand-wash crochet blankets in cold water with a gentle detergent. If your blanket is large or very delicate, you may want to consider taking it to a dry cleaner or using a specialized laundering service.
How Often Should You Wash a Crochet Blanket?
When it comes to how often you should wash a crochet blanket, the answer varies depending on factors such as the type of yarn and the frequency with which it’s used.
Generally speaking, hand-made crochet blankets can be washed every two to three months or when they become visibly soiled. If you use your blanket only occasionally, you can get away with washing it less often.
What is Your Crochet Blanket Made Of?
Your crochet blanket can be made of various materials, including wool, cotton, acrylic yarn, and bamboo. The type of material you use to crochet your blanket can play a role in how and when it should be washed.
Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, and alpaca are more delicate than synthetic materials like acrylic, polyester, or nylon. Washing them too frequently or with harsh detergents can cause damage to the fabric over time. It's best to check the instructions on the yarn label before washing.(Check this guide of beautiful free crochet patterns)
For more delicate materials, hand-washing in lukewarm water is usually recommended and air-drying is preferable to machine drying. Synthetic fibers are generally more resilient and can withstand higher temperatures and more frequent washing.
Read the Care Instructions
When it comes to caring for your crochet blanket, reading the care instructions on the label is essential. With proper care, you can make sure that your crocheted blanket lasts for years and looks beautiful in your home.
The care instructions will tell you how to safely clean and maintain your crochet project so that it remains strong and vibrant.
How to Wash Crochet Blankets by Hand
Washing by hand should be used in lieu of machine washing for any crochet blankets that are delicate or have embellishments.
Once the crochet blanket is soaking, use a mild detergent and gently agitate the water. Taking care not to create too many suds, lightly massage the fabric of the crochet blanket with your hands.
Rinse the crochet blanket thoroughly until all soap residue has been removed. Squeeze out any excess water then roll it in a dry towel to absorb any additional moisture.
Place the crochet blanket on a clean flat surface and carefully pull it into shape, stretching gently to maintain its original size and design. Allow it to air dry completely before placing back into use or storage.
How to Wash a Crochet Blanket in the Washing Machine
To keep your crochet blanket looking nice for years to come, be sure to follow these instructions every time you wash it in your washing machine.
Carefully remove any knots or tangles from the blanket before washing. Once the knots are gone, turn the crochet blanket inside out. This helps keep it looking smooth and prevents any loose strings from catching on other items in the washing machine.
Choose a gentle cycle and cold water when washing your crochet blanket. Hot water may cause the yarn to shrink or felt, so it's best to avoid it if possible. You can also add a mild detergent or fabric softener to help clean and soften the yarn.
Place the blanket into the machine by itself(or with other delicate items like other blankets or towels) for a gentler wash. When the cycle is finished, gently remove the crochet blanket from the machine and lay it out flat on a towel.
Reshape any corners as needed and allow the blanket to air dry. Do not wring the water out of a crochet blanket as this can cause it to lose its shape. Once dry, your crochet blanket is ready to use again!
How to Dry a Crochet Blanket
Once the crochet blanket has been either handwashed when you are unsure of the , it should be air-dried. If possible, lay the blanket on a flat surface such as a large towel or bed sheet. This will help ensure that the edges do not become distorted while drying.
It is important to note that direct sunlight can cause colors to fade and some fibers may also shrink or melt when exposed to too much heat, so it is best to dry the crochet blanket in a warm, dry place, or tumble dry on low as indicated on the yarn label.
If the crochet blanket cannot be laid flat due to its size, then it can be hung on a clothesline or drying rack indoors. It is important that the edges of the blanket are not weighted down as this can cause them to stretch and distort.
Once the blanket is dry, inspect the edges to ensure that they are not overly stretched or distorted. If necessary, steam block the edges of the crochet blanket to help them keep their shape. This can be done by using a steamer or iron, but never use direct heat on the fibers. Then, fold the blanket and store it away until the next time you need it.
How to Care for a Crochet Blanket: After-Cleaning Care
Once your crochet blanket is clean, there are a few more steps you can take to ensure it will stay in its best condition.
Fluff the Blanket
Fluffing a crochet blanket after washing helps restore the softness and texture of the fabric, which makes it much more comfortable and pleasant to use. It also brings back the shape of the blanket, as it removes any wrinkles or creases that may have formed during washing.
Fluffing can help to prevent pilling or fuzziness, which can occur with some types of fabric. It keeps the yarns in place and reduces the shedding of fibers over time.
Storage
After washing your crochet blanket, it is important to store it properly in order to maintain its shape and texture.
To do this, first, make sure the blanket is completely dry before folding or storing it. If you need to smooth out any wrinkles.
Once the blanket is dry, fold it gently along its edges and place it into a breathable container such as an old pillowcase or fabric bin. Make sure there is enough space in the container so that air can circulate freely around the blanket. This will help to keep it from becoming too compact or wrinkled. Finally, store the blanket in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
Blanket Washing FAQ
Does crochet shrink when washed?
Generally, most crochet items made with acrylic, cotton, or wool are safe to wash in cold water and then lay flat to dry. However, some yarns, such as mohair, can shrink significantly when they come into contact with water.
In addition, washing crochet items in hot water or machine drying them can cause more shrinking and distortion of the item's shape. So it is important to consult the care instructions on the yarn label before washing a crocheted item.
Does washing crochet make it softer?
Yes. Washing crochet with warm water and gentle detergent ensures fibers relax and soften up. This process is especially beneficial for items made from scratchy or stiff fabrics like cotton and linen. On some yarns there is a coating applied to the fiber to maintain structure until it is either knit or crocheted into the finished piece. This naturally breaks down and softens in the wash.
Additionally, using a fabric softener in the rinse cycle can help further improve the texture of your crochet item by adding a layer of lubrication between the yarn fibers.
Should I avoid the spin cycle when washing by machine?
It is always a thoughtful gesture to give someone a handmade gift, such as a crocheted blanket. However, it is important to make sure that the item you are gifting is clean and free from any dirt or debris.
Washing your crochet blanket before you give it away ensures that the recipient won't have any unwanted surprises when they open the gift.
Should I wash a crochet blanket before gifting it?
When washing a crochet blanket by machine, thespin cycle should be avoided. This is because the agitation of a spin cycle,when combined with the load weight of the blanket, can cause the delicatefibers to stretch and fray, ruining the look and feel of your crocheted piece.
Conclusion
This guide is designed to help protect yourcozy crocheted items while maintaining their beauty and softness. We hope thatthis article has given you the confidence and knowledge needed to care for yourcrochet blankets without worry(You can also check the crochet temperature blanket chart).
