How do you keep soft blankets soft?

Blankets are the one thing that you want to be softer than anything else, and nothing ruins a perfect comfy-cozy moment like rough, scratchy fabric. Here’s how to be soft-blanket-ready for a lazy afternoon of football, or a night of movie marathons.

Did you know? Natural fibers like cotton and linen often become softer with each wash, thanks to the breaking in of the fabric. This is why well-loved, older blankets can feel incredibly soft.

Steer clear from stiffness and pilling by using gentle detergents and cool water for washing.

From tips on washing and detergents to drying and storage, here we discuss how to make blankets soft again. Different blankets have different care instructions, ranging from the temperature to wash them in as well as what kind of fabric softeners to use.

Whether you're dealing with a pilling blanket or a blanket that has grown stiff over time, we have the right tips to help you understand what you can do to make it soft again. From washing techniques and tricks to proper storage, we’ll share valuable insights to rejuvenate your beloved blanket.

Why Is My Blanket So Stiff?

A stiff blanket can be quite uncomfortable, and there are several reasons why blankets lose softness over time. Here are some common factors that contribute to stiff blankets:

1. Frequent washing, especially with harsh detergents.
2. Using hard water with a high mineral content for washing.
3. The quality and type of the fabric of your blanket may naturally feel stiffer over time.
4. Not using quality fabric softeners.
5. Lower-quality blankets go through fiber breakdown over time.
6. Over-drying your blanket in a hot dryer may damage the fabric.
7. Age and wear may naturally cause your blankets to lose their softness. 

To maintain the softness of your blanket, it’s essential to follow proper care and washing instructions tailored to your specific type of product.

How To Make Blankets Soft Again

Making your blankets soft and cozy again is an excellent way to ensure that they continue providing you with just the right degree of comfort and warmth. Below, are some effective steps to restore the softness of your blankets:

1. Consider opting for a mild, liquid detergent that is suitable for delicate fabrics.
2. Incorporate an eco-friendly fabric softener during the rinse cycle.
3. Ensure that your washing machine isn’t overloaded when cleaning your blanket.
4. Select the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine.
5. Unless specified otherwise, wash your blankets in cold or lukewarm water to prevent excessive shrinkage.
6. Use a low heat setting when tumble-drying your blankets.
7. Consider adding dryer balls in the dryer, as they can help fluff the blankets and prevent clumping.
8. Be mindful of rough surfaces, like agitators in most top-loading machines, that may damage the fabric. 

Generally, after washing and drying your blanket, stretch it gently and fold it until you need to use it. When not in use, store your blankets in a cool, dry place to prevent dust and dirt buildup, which can affect their softness.

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How To Keep Sherpa Blankets From Matting

Are you looking for tips on how to make sherpa blankets fluffy again? The best way to achieve this, is to select a gentle washing machine cycle and use a mild liquid detergent when cleaning your blanket. This gentle approach minimizes friction and ensures your Sherpa blanket retains its softness. Also, washing it in cold water not only conserves energy but also prevents excessive shrinkage.

Generally, steer clear of overloading the washing machine, as this can lead to friction and potential matting issues. In your laundry routine for Sherpa blankets, skip fabric softeners, as they can compromise the texture of the fabric.

When it comes to drying your Sherpa blanket, consider using a low heat setting or, for a gentler touch, or opt for an air-dry setting. This prevents any damage to the fabric. To maintain its fluffiness, post-wash, give the Sherpa fabric a gentle brush with a soft-bristle brush or a lint roller.

How To Make Faux Fur Blankets Soft Again

Faux fur blankets are celebrated for their luxurious softness, but over time, they may lose some of their plushness. To bring back that delightful texture, follow these tips:

1. Start by gently shaking the blanket outdoors to remove dirt and debris.
2. Check the care label for washing instructions, usually recommending cold water, a gentle cycle, and a mild liquid detergent.
3. Minimize agitation during the wash to prevent matting and ensure a thorough rinse to remove detergent residue.
4. For drying, use a no-heat or air-dry setting, and include clean tennis balls or dryer balls to fluff the fur. 

After laundering, a gentle brush of your blanket with a wide-toothed comb or soft-bristle brush can restore its soft and fluffy feel. In general, consider steering clear from fabric softeners, and when not in use, you may store the blanket away from direct sunlight to prevent stiffness. Periodically, you can shake it out to keep dust and debris from settling, maintaining its softness.

How To Keep Fleece Blankets Soft

Fleece blankets are cherished for their soft and cozy texture. Washing your fleece blanket is crucial to prevent the buildup of oils, sweat, and dirt. To maintain the comfort of your fleece blanket, consider following the recommendations discussed below.

1. Choose a mild liquid detergent and cold water to wash it gently.
2. Consider opting for the delicate cycle while avoiding overloading the machine,
3. Skip the fabric softener.
4. Opt for low heat when drying and consider an air fluff cycle. 

In general, be cautious of sharp objects and periodically air out your fleece blanket to keep it fresh and soft.

The Best Way To Wash A Weighted Blanket

Washing a weighted blanket requires special care to maintain its integrity and the even distribution of the weight. Before washing your weighted blanket, it’s best to to first look at the care label on your blanket to see if it’s machine washable or if it needs dry cleaning.

Our Cotton Napper, for instance, is a machine-washable knitted weighted blanket that is made of 100% organic cotton.

After considering the care instructions of your specific blanket, follow these steps for washing a weighted blanket:

Check Machine Capacity: Make sure your washing machine and dryer can handle the weight of your wet blanket.

Treat Stains: Check and treat any stains on the blanket before washing.

Wash Your Blanket:

• Wash separately in cold water to avoid overcrowding the machine.
• Choose a delicate or permanent-press cycle.
• Use a gentle detergent to maintain the integrity of the fabric quality.
• Avoid using fabric softener or bleach. 

Opt for Air Drying or Low Heat Setting: To preserve the integrity of most weighted blankets by preventing damage to the fabric, consider air drying your blanket by laying it flat on a clean, dry surface. If you prefer using a dryer, set it to a low heat setting to prevent excessive stress on the blanket’s stitching and seams. Regularly check for any signs of overheating and remove the blanket promptly once it’s dry to the touch. Avoid high heat settings, as they may compromise the quality and effectiveness of the fabric.

By following these steps, you can keep your weighted blanket clean and cozy for many peaceful nights to come.

How To Deal With A Pilling Blanket

Pilling on a blanket can be frustrating, but it’s a common issue that can be addressed. Here’s how to deal with a pilling blanket:

1. You may start by washing the blanket according to the care label instructions.
2. Consider investing in a fabric shaver or sweater comb designed for removing pills.
3. For more stubborn pills, you can carefully use small scissors or a razor blade.
4. A lint roller can be used to pick up loose pills from the blanket.
5. You may use a velcro strip attached to a handheld brush to rub over the pilled areas. 

To prevent future pilling, consider washing your blanket in cold water with a gentle detergent. And whenever possible, opt for air-drying your blanket rather than using a dryer because heat from the dryer can contribute to pilling

Choosing The Right Blanket Fabric Softener

Choosing the right fabric softener is important to maintain the softness and comfort of your blankets. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Choose between a fabric softener liquid, dryer sheets, and dryer balls based on your preferences and laundry needs.
2. Opt for fragrance-free softeners, especially if you have sensitivities.
3. Prioritize hypoallergenic fabric softeners if you or your family members have sensitive skin.
4. It may also help to select concentrated formulas to reduce waste in the long run.
5. Ensure the fabric softener is compatible with your washing machine type. 

Conclusion

When it comes to reviving the softness of your blankets, it’s all about tailored care and the right washing techniques. From using gentle detergents and delicate cycles to the choice of fabric softeners, the tips we share above offer a path to coziness restoration.

It helps to invest in blankets made of natural and sustainable materials as these typically maintain their softness much more easily. By understanding the unique requirements of different blanket types and adopting these practices, you can recover the original comfort and steer clear of stiffness and pilling.