How to Wash Crochet Blanket? [Hand & Machine wash]

Wanna know how to wash crochet blanket? Or, how do I keep my cozy crochet blanket looking brand new? Washing a crochet blanket can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time. A little guide will keep your beautiful crochet soft, clean, and ready for years of snuggling.

Since these crochet blankets are highly flexible, they can sometimes be hand-washed or put in the washing machine, provided they are made from specific kinds of yarn. The washing type dictates whether the blanket keeps its shape, color, or softness. Acrylic, cotton, or wool all have different washing requirements.

Acrylic yarns are usually tough and may even be machine-washed. Hand washing alone will ensure that wool does not shrink. Hot water and strong chemicals must also be avoided since they damage fragile fibers. So, let’s go step by step through how to wash a crochet blanket from the beginning with easy tips suited for beginners.

Key Takeaways:

• Washing of crochet blankets is either done by hand or in machines.
• Drying is also a big issue because the blanket may shrink or get damaged if not dried correctly.
• Knowing the type of yarn in a blanket ensures that you are using the best washing method.

What Is Crochet Washing?

It refers to carefully cleaning crochet fabrics while protecting the unique fibers and complicated patterns that define each blanket. Many of the blankets made with crochet are made of the gentlest of yarn that may get ruined if they are not washed properly. 

A thorough knowledge of the proper techniques for washing the crochet piece will ensure that it lasts longer while remaining beautiful and elegantly crafted. Specific steps for cleaning your crochet blanket are followed so that problems such as fading, shrinking, or stretching are avoided due to improper care. 

Gentle washing techniques, such as hand washing or a delicate cycle with the proper temperature and detergent, will retain the colors and structural integrity of the blanket. These measures will ensure that your crochet blanket remains fresh and new-looking for years.

How Frequently Do You Need To Wash A Crochet Blanket?

A crochet blanket is rarely washed. For example, it may only need to be washed every 3-4 months or if it appears dirty, especially if used occasionally. On the other hand, if it is constantly used or used by a child or a pet, it must be washed every 1-2 months. 

Determining how frequently you wash your crochet blanket is the best way to ensure that it remains soft, doesn’t lose its color, and retains its form.

What Supplies Will You Need to Wash Crochet Blankets?

Washing your crochet blanket is simple if you have the right supplies. Here is what you need:

Materials:

Tools:

How to Hand Wash a Crochet Blanket? [ 8 Easy Steps]

There are times when hand washing is the best way you can use in cleaning your crochet blanket. You want to wash it gently but still be safe by following the procedures.

Step 1: Use a Basin of Cold Water

Fill a big basin or bathtub with cool water according to the size of your blanket. Cool water is vital because it will not ruin the colors and fibers. Moreover, a spacious basin will give room for the blanket to lay down during washing, which makes the whole washing process easy without tangling the crochet stitches.

Step 2: Mix Gentle Detergent

Add a small amount of gentle, yarn-safe detergent to the water. Do not use regular laundry soap, as it can contain chemicals that will strip the fibers of their softness. Mild detergent for delicate fabrics cleans the blanket effectively without damaging the color, texture, and overall durability.

Step 3: Dip the Blanket

Place it carefully in the basin so it is fully submerged in the water. Gently press down the blanket so that all the air pockets come out. This allows the detergent to penetrate and reach every fabric part. Submerging it completely loosens dirt or grime embedded in the stitches without tearing.

Step 4: Soak for 15-20 Minutes

Soak the crochet blanket in the soapy water undisturbed for 15-20 minutes. Do not stir or agitate the water; this will stretch or distort the delicate crochet stitches. The soaking process lets the detergent gently lift dirt and oils from the yarn, providing a thorough but gentle cleanse.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Empty the basin, add fresh and cold water, and submerge the blanket. Gently swish it to rinse out the detergent; repeat until the water runs clear, leaving no soap in the fibers. Rinsing at length helps the yarn be soft and comfortable.

Step 6: Press the Water out Gently

Press down carefully on the blanket without wringing or twisting. This may stretch the fibers and alter the way the blanket looks. Instead, press it evenly to keep the blanket natural.

Step 7: Blot with Towels

Spread it flat on an absorbent dry towel. Take the two and roll with a light touch of your finger to press out additional liquid. Lay flat since you can blot what liquid is there without stretching a bit if you just pull out the remaining moisture without it getting extended.

Pull off a clean towel to make sure this blanket isn’t wet. If it is, you need to do it again to remove excess liquid before it sits out.

Step 8: Lay Flat to Dry

Lastly, place the blanket on a flat, clean surface for air drying. Gently shape the blanket to its original size, adjusting any edges or corners. Do not hang it, as it will stretch the blanket. Flat drying helps your crochet piece to keep the shape and texture intact. It stays soft, even, and beautiful for years.

How to Wash Crochet Blanket by Washing Machine [ 6 Easy Steps]

This is convenient if one uses the correct settings to wash a crochet blanket in a washing machine. Here’s how you can safely machine-wash your crochet blanket:

Step 1: Use the Delicate Cycle

Set the washing machine in cold water on a delicate or gentle cycle. The former has to be set on cold, for this will also help maintain a very bright color and texture in the yarn. Delicate wash mode is supposed to reduce the agitating movement so as not to ruin the delicate stitches that may appear on crocheting a blanket when it undergoes washing.

Step 2: Use a Mesh Bag

Put the crochet blanket into a mesh laundry bag to avoid snagging or entangling inside the machine. Thus, it forms a barrier, saving the crochet threads from harm and letting the water and detergent move freely. Additional protection must be applied in such a case so that no loss in its original form or integrity of the product occurs.

Step 3: Add Gentle Detergent

A mild detergent is created for sensitive fabrics. Ordinary detergents contain something that hurts the crochet. They might damage the fibers, weaken them, or fade them. Delicate detergent cleans the blanket effectively and strips off its softness without the yarn. 

Step 4: Avoid a Spin Cycle

If possible, do not spin or use the lowest spin setting available. High-speed spinning tends to stretch or distort crochet fibers, which can pull the blanket out of shape. Reducing or eliminating the spin helps maintain the blanket’s original condition without straining delicate crochet work unnecessarily.

Step 5: Remove and Blot Excess Water

Remove the blanket from the washer and squeeze out as much of the remaining water as possible by placing it between two towels; wringing or twisting the blanket should not be used because this stretches the fabric’s fibers. This method best dries out moisture without force, leaving your blanket drier while keeping its shape and texture in check.

Step 6: Dry Flat

Lay the blanket flat on a clean surface, shaping it back to its original form as it dries. Do not hang, as this stretches the blanket, especially the larger ones. Flat drying is the best method to maintain the structure and softness of the crochet, which dries evenly and retains its quality over time.

How to Wash a Large Crochet Blanket?

Large crochet blankets can be tough to hand-wash due to their size. Here are a few suggestions:

Use Bathtub for Hand Wash

If your crocheted blanket is too big to fit in a basin, the bathtub provides ample space for an easy wash. Use cold water and a mild, yarn-friendly detergent. Place the blanket into the water and immerse it, then press down. Allow the blanket to soak without agitation because of the spaciousness that doesn’t cause tangling of the blankets and would be thoroughly washed.

Fold Before Machine Washing

Fold this crochet blanket with care so it doesn’t tangle when you put it in the machine. Place it inside a large mesh laundry bag so the loose stitches will not get caught or stretch. With that preparation, delicate stitches are assured safe during the wash cycle. This limits agitation that may cause reshaping; therefore, it holds its integrity.

Spot clean first

Spot cleaning might be a better option when the stains are minor or only small dirty spots. Using a soft cloth and a mild detergent, dab at the stained area without overabling since that could damage the fibers. Spot cleaning is fast and effective to refresh your crochet blanket without subjecting it to a complete wash cycle, thus keeping it in good quality.

How to Wash a Crochet Blanket Made of Acrylic, Linen, or Cotton Yarn?

The difference between washing crochet blankets depends on the material used for the yarn. Here is how you have to wash your crochet blanket using ordinary yarns:

Acrylic Yarn

Acrylic yarn can be very durable and is normally machine-washable, depending on the type. Its care is minimal with cold water and the gentle or delicate cycle of the washing machine. A mild detergent will also prevent color fading. To avoid high heat drying, hang the blanket flat when drying to avoid stretching out or losing shape in acrylic fibers.

Linen Yarn

Linen yarn is relatively fragile and, hence, more common to be hand-washed so as not to ruin the fibers. Cool water, gentle detergent, submerge without scrubbing hard, rinse carefully. The wringing of the linen has to be avoided and blotted out the linen using a towel; this one has to air dry flat for retention of its texture and shape.

Cotton Yarn

Cotton yarn is as durable as acrylic but do not wash in hot water because it shrinks. It is safe to use cold water and a gentle machine cycle, but air drying is best to prevent the fibers from tightening. Lay the yarn flat to dry, and never expose it to high heat, as this will cause stretching. This keeps the cotton’s structure intact and does not stretch it out in ways you do not want it to.

How to Dry Your Crochet Blanket Properly After Washing?

Drying must be treated seriously to maintain the shape and texture of your crochet blanket.

Do not Dry In a Dryer

Avoid drying a crochet blanket in the dryer. The high temperature might cause it to shrink, warp, or lose its fiber texture. For fragile yarns like wool or cotton, high heat damages them by making them lose their softness and stretch after a few weeks. Air-drying preserves the blanket’s original dimensions and texture and avoids damage due to excessive heat.

Blot with Towel

After washing, lay the crocheted blanket flat on a towel. Gently roll it in the towel and press out all the excess moisture without pulling or wringing. This is a much safer technique for dealing with yarns for sensitive crocheting and getting the blanket ready to dry.

Lay Flat to Dry

Lay the blanket on a clean, dry surface, like a big towel or drying mat. Air-dry it by ironing out wrinkles and smoothing the edges, if necessary, to preserve the original form of the crochet blanket. This flat drying prevents the crochet blanket from stretching out of shape while drying evenly to maintain its size and softness.

Use a Drying Rack if Needed

Accelerated drying using a rack aids in better airflow, which enhances proper drying. Placement on a rack without being hanged is advised; this ensures the garment is stretch-free as if caused by self-weight. Drying large blankets is efficient using a rack, so they will dry without distortions in shape.

Care of Various Crochet Fibers

All fiber types of crochet have special care instructions. Here is a quick cheat sheet:

Final Thoughts

It takes a little bit of practice to learn to wash your crochet blanket but well worth the effort to keep it beautiful and feeling cuddly, so take in all of these simple easy gentle ways to keep protecting that special crochet blanket which will ensure it is full of colours, its original shape and soft for more years ahead.

Therefore, whether you spend your chilly nights snuggled with your crochet blanket, or you want to show it off on your sofa, you can finally sleep well knowing that you exactly how to wash it and care for it just right. Hope you have got a clear vision of How to Wash Crochet Blanket. That’s all for Today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)