Crochet blankets are often delicate items, especially if they’re homemade. If you have homemade blankets, you may even have some that are very old. Due to their delicate and often old nature, you have to be careful with how you wash them. So how do you wash a crochet blanket?
The best way to wash a crochet blanket is by hand. This will protect the blanket as much as possible, especially old and handmade blankets. You can machine wash the blanket, but you have to be careful doing so as to not damage it.
In this article, I’ll explain the ins and outs of washing crochet blankets. I’ll explain how to wash them by hand and in a washing machine. Finally, I’ll explain how to store your crochet blankets after washing them to keep them in their best condition.
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Can You Wash a Crochet Blanket?
Crochet blankets can be washed. However, that doesn’t mean you can wash them the same way as your other blankets and clothing. You have to be much more careful when washing them due to their delicate nature.
Crochet blankets, especially those that are handmade, can snag easily and come unraveled, and they can also shrink and become misshapen. They can also be made with various types of yarns made from different fibers. Different fibers may react differently to being washed. And older blankets that have weakened over time are more likely to become damaged due to washing.
If you’re going to wash a crochet blanket, the best way to do it is to wash it by hand. Hand-washing crochet blankets give you more control over the process. It uses less agitation, and the blanket is less likely to become damaged, especially if it is handmade and/or really old.
Can You Machine Wash Crochet Blankets?
Even though washing crochet blankets by hand is the safest way to wash them, many of them can be machine-washed instead. This is especially true for store-bought crochet blankets or newer ones that are more durable. However, you still want to be careful with how you wash them.
The washing machine can cause more damage to the blanket if you use the wrong settings. The blanket can get snagged more in the washing machine than it can by hand-washing it, especially if you wash it with other items. It’s best to wash crochet blankets in the washing machine by themselves. You also want to make sure that you’re using the right settings when you wash them.
How to Wash Crochet Blanket
Below are all the instructions to wash a crochet blanket by hand and in the washing machine. Remember that hand-washing is safer. But, you can wash it in the washing machine if you’re in a hurry as long as you’re careful.
By Hand
When washing a crochet blanket by hand, the first thing you’ll want to do is fill a tub or sink with cold water. Cold water is best to prevent shrinking and damage, especially with crochet blankets that are more delicate. Next, add ½ cup of detergent to the water. You can use any detergent, but gentle detergent is safest to use for older blankets or blankets made with more delicate fibers.
Use your hand to stir the detergent in the water until it is evenly mixed. Place the blanket in the water and swish it until it is well-soaked. Avoid scrubbing and wringing the blanket to prevent damage. Then, drain the water and replace it with clean water.
Rinse the blanket in clean water to remove all of the detergents. Be sure that you don’t wring out the soap or you could stretch the blanket or damage the fibers. When the rinsing water becomes soapy, drain it and replace it with clean water. Repeat this process as often as necessary until all the detergent is rinsed.
After rinsing the blanket, gently squeeze out the excess water. Avoid wringing out the blanket to remove the water. After squeezing out as much water as possible, roll the blanket up in a towel and press down on the towel to squeeze out more water. Lay the blanket flat to dry and as it dries, reshape it if necessary.
Machine Wash
When machine-washing a crochet blanket, remember that it’s best if you wash it by itself. But it can still get snagged in the washing machine, especially top load washing machines. You’ll want to place the blanket inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from damage.
You’ll also want to use cold water to prevent shrinking. Use the gentle or delicate cycle, which uses less agitation and can help keep the blanket from becoming misshapen. You can use regular or gentle laundry detergent. Make sure to use the right amount, no more than ½ cup. If you use too much, it may not get rinsed out completely.
Even though you can wash crochet blankets in the washing machine, you’ll want to avoid doing it too often. Since the washing machine isn’t as gentle as hand-washing, you can damage the blanket by washing it in the washing machine too often, even if you take all precautions when doing so.
How Often Should You Wash A Crochet Blanket?
So how often should you wash a crochet blanket? Unless you use the blanket daily, you don’t have to wash it that often. You may only have to wash it three to four times a year, or even less if it is delicate.
If the blanket gets used more often or becomes stained, you may have to wash it more often. If the blanket has been in storage for a while, you may wish to wash it just to freshen it up. Remember that washing it by hand is best and not to wash it in the washing machine too often.
How to Dry a Crochet Blanket
Just as important as how you wash the blanket is how you dry it. You don’t want to damage it while trying to dry it. The best way to dry a crochet blanket is to let it air dry. You don’t want to put it in the dryer because it can shrink, especially if it is made with certain fibers such as wool or cotton.
When air drying a crochet blanket, you’ll want to lay it flat so it doesn’t become stretched or misshapen. Hanging the blanket to dry can cause the weight of the water to pull down on the blanket, stretching it out. If the blanket happens to become misshapen in the washing machine, reshape the blanket as it dries. Gently pull and stretch the blanket back into its original shape to retain it as it dries.
How to Care for a Crochet Blanket
After washing and drying the blanket, you’ll want to care for it properly to keep it in the best condition. This will also keep you from having to wash it as often. If you use the blanket, make sure to store it away from windows when not in use to prevent fading and discoloration.
If you aren’t going to use it, store it in a cool, dry, dark space such as a closet. You may also wish to store it in a sealed plastic container or bag. This will help keep moisture, moths, dust, and other elements off it. That way, your blanket will stay in the best shape possible when you get it back out again.
What’s the Best Way to Wash a Crocheted Blanket?
The best way to wash a crochet blanket is to wash it by hand. This is also the safest way to wash it, especially if the blanket is old or super delicate. Hand-washing uses less agitation than the washing machine and it is gentler on the blanket. But, you can wash it in the washing machine occasionally, as long as you put it in a mesh bag and use the gentle cycle.
After washing, make sure to dry it while it is laying flat. Store it in a dry area away from sunlight. Following these steps, your blanket will stay in the best shape possible. If you found this article helpful, share it with others and leave a comment. Thanks for reading!