Sherpa blankets are prized for their soft, plush texture, making them perfect for cozy evenings at home. While machine washing is common, hand washing your Sherpa blanket can help preserve its softness and prevent damage.
This guide will walk you through the steps of hand washing your Sherpa blanket to keep it looking and feeling its best.
Can You Wash a Sherpa Blanket?
Absolutely! While Sherpa blankets require gentle care to maintain their plush texture, hand washing is a safe and effective method to clean them without exposing them to the rough-and-tumble of a washing machine.
How to Wash a Sherpa Blanket
Washing a Sherpa blanket properly is crucial to maintaining its soft, fluffy texture and ensuring it lasts for years. Here’s a detailed guide on how to wash your Sherpa blanket to keep it in pristine condition.
Materials Needed
- Mild Detergent: Choose a detergent that is gentle and designed for delicate fabrics.
- Large Basin or Bathtub: Provides ample space for washing without crowding the blanket.
- Lukewarm Water: Ideal temperature to avoid damaging the fibers.
- Soft-Bristled Brush (optional): Useful for gently tackling any stubborn stains.
Step-by-Step Washing Instructions
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Preparation: Begin by shaking out the blanket to remove any loose dirt or debris. This helps prevent any abrasive grit from causing wear during the wash.
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Mixing the Solution: Fill your basin or bathtub with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Stir gently to ensure the detergent is evenly distributed without creating too many suds.
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Submerging the Blanket: Gently lay your Sherpa blanket in the soapy water, ensuring it is completely submerged. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes, which allows the detergent to penetrate the fibers and dislodge dirt.
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Gentle Agitation: With your hands, carefully agitate the blanket in the water. Avoid rough handling; instead, think of it as gently massaging the fabric to coax out dirt without stressing the fibers.
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Spot Cleaning: If you notice any stubborn spots, apply a small amount of detergent directly to the area and gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush. This targeted cleaning should be done cautiously to avoid damaging the fabric.
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Rinsing: Drain the soapy water and rinse the blanket with cold, clean water. Repeat the rinsing process several times until all soap residue is removed. It’s crucial that no detergent remains, as this can make the blanket stiff.
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Drying: Carefully lift the wet blanket, supporting it evenly to avoid stretching. Transfer it to a dry towel and roll the towel with the blanket inside to gently squeeze out excess water. Unroll, then lay the blanket flat on a drying rack away from direct heat and sunlight.
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How to Wash Sherpa Blanket Without Ruining It
To wash your Sherpa blanket without ruining its texture, follow these additional tips:
Best Practices for Safe Washing
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Temperature Control: Always use cold to lukewarm water for both washing and rinsing. Hot water can significantly damage the integrity of the Sherpa fibers, leading to shrinkage and matting.
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No Fabric Softeners: Avoid using fabric softeners, which can build up and stiffen the fabric. If you need to soften the blanket, opt for white vinegar in the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener.
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Gentle Cycle or Hand Wash: If you choose to use a washing machine, set it to the gentle cycle. However, hand washing is preferred to control the handling and avoid the mechanical stress of a machine.
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Avoid Heavy Agitation: Whether hand washing or using a machine, minimize agitation. Sherpa blankets can become matted when agitated too vigorously.
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Proper Drying Technique: Never use a tumble dryer on high heat. If you must use a dryer, set it to the lowest heat setting and include a few dryer balls to help fluff the blanket as it dries. Air drying by laying the blanket flat is the safest method.
Additional Care Tips
- Frequent Shakes: Regularly shake out your blanket to fluff up the fibers and prevent matting between washes.
- Immediate Stain Attention: Address spills and stains as soon as they occur by spot cleaning with a mild detergent solution. This prevents the need for aggressive washing later.
How to Dry a Sherpa Blanket After Washing
Proper drying is crucial to maintain the fluffy texture of your Sherpa blanket.
Drying Steps
- Towel Roll Method: Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel and blanket together like a jelly roll to press additional water out of the blanket.
- Air Dry: Spread the blanket out flat on a drying rack away from direct heat and sunlight. Flip it over periodically to ensure it dries evenly.
Enhance the cozy feel of your freshly washed Sherpa blanket with a comfortable and supportive Puffy Lux Mattress. The right mattress can transform your sleep experience just as much as a clean, plush blanket enhances your relaxation time.
As a parent, maintaining the family’s cozy blankets involves a gentle hand, especially with delicate materials like Sherpa. Hand washing our favorite Sherpa blanket not only became a soothing weekend ritual but also an effective way to extend its life, keeping it soft and inviting for movie nights and snuggles.
Conclusion
Hand washing your Sherpa blanket is a straightforward process that preserves its luxurious texture and ensures it remains a cherished comfort item in your home. By following these steps, you can keep your blanket clean, soft, and fluffy for years to come.
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