Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Preparing your quilted blanket for washing
• Part 2 of 3: Washing your quilted blanket
• Part 3 of 3: Drying your quilted blanket
• Tips

When we think of a quilted blanket (quilt) we often immediately think of comfort: it is a soft, quilted blanket that keeps us nice and warm. But did you know that these blankets are an ideal gathering place for dust mites, dust and other dirt and that the build-up of these can increase the chance of allergic reactions? Keeping the quilted blanket clean is not only extremely important for your health, but also for the life of the blanket. While it may seem like a tedious job at first, washing your quilted blanket (filled with down or an alternative to down) is a very doable task. In this article, the word "blanket" refers to "quilted blanket" at all times.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Preparing your quilted blanket for washing

1. Check out the label on the blanket. The blanket should have a label with washing instructions on it. Most quilted blankets with down or an alternative to down can be washed at home with a mild detergent, but some may only need to be steamed.
   • Under no circumstances deviate from the prescribed washing instructions on the label. For example, look carefully at the required temperature adjustment with regard to washing machines, tumble dryers, etc.
2. Determine if your quilted blanket needs to be washed. Padded blankets should be washed every few months. If you have allergies, you may want to wash your quilted blanket once a month.
   • You don't have to wash the entire blanket if there is only one stain in it. See Step 4 on how to treat stains.
3. Check for holes and the condition of the seams. Before actually washing your quilted blanket, check it for loose threads, holes, and tears. Hopefully the holes or tears are not too big, so you can easily make them with the help of a needle and thread. While this operation will take you a little more time, it will likely prevent the holes and tears from enlarging during the wash.
4. Remove stains. To do this, use a small amount of non-detergent such as Woolite diluted with a little water. Alternatively, you can make a paste of baking soda and water, make a solution that is half soda and half white vinegar, or simply use carbonated water.
   • Try to keep the padding of the quilted blanket away from the stain.
   • Apply a small amount of the cleaning solution to the stain.
   • Blot with a clean, white towel or cloth.
   • Alternatively, you can rub the fabric together to loosen the stain. Then rinse the area with a small amount of water. Wring out any excess water with your hands, then pat the area dry with a clean, white towel.
   • If you are not going to wash your quilted blanket immediately after removing the stains, let it dry in the open air or use a hairdryer. Make sure the blanket is completely dry.
   • Never use bleach or color treatment agents.

Part 2 of 3: Washing your quilted blanket

1. Put your quilted blanket in the washing machine. Make sure it is evenly distributed in the drum. The blanket needs enough space to be properly washed. If it turns out that the machine you have at home is actually too small for the blanket, take it to a launderette and use a large washing machine there.
2. Set your washing machine to a wash program for delicate materials and select the water temperature. The delicate wash cycle is essential to avoid damage to the cover. Choosing the right temperature depends on a number of factors.
   • Depending on the instructions on the label, you can use hot or cold water.
   • If you want to eliminate dust mites and you don't have a dryer, use warm water. Water with a temperature above 54 ° C kills dust mites. If you are concerned that the high temperature will damage your blanket or affect the color, use cold water and use heat while drying.
3. If possible, add an extra rinse to your wash cycle. Depending on your washing machine, this may be an option to set before you start the washing program. If this option is not offered, you have to start a rinse again after the washing program.
4. Use a small amount of mild detergent. Use a detergent that is safe for delicate materials. By using a small amount you prevent too much foam from forming and you also prevent the feathers from being affected.
5. Add a clean pair of white tennis shoes or tennis balls. Adding these items will help distribute the load and ensure an effective wash.
   • Make sure that the selected washing program is suitable for the tennis shoes.

Part 3 of 3: Drying your quilted blanket

1. Place your quilted blanket in the dryer along with the tennis shoes or balls. Make sure the blanket is evenly distributed. The tennis shoes or balls help distribute the blanket evenly.
   • Alternatively, you can use rubber dryer balls or rings to shake up the filling (down and feathers).
2. Dry the quilted blanket on a low temperature. It will likely take several hours to completely dry your quilted blanket.
   • Dry at a high temperature to kill dust mites, but only after consulting the label on the blanket. Keep in mind that tennis shoes and tennis balls are unlikely to tolerate the high temperatures.
3. Shake the quilted blanket frequently during the drying process. Every half hour, remove the blanket from the dryer and shake it up. This aids in the even distribution of the filling and promotes even drying of the blanket. You can then also check the blanket for burn marks. The risk of burn marks is small at a low temperature, but this risk is certainly present at a high temperature.
4. Hang the quilted blanket outside to dry. If it is relatively dry and sunny, you can complete the drying process by hanging the quilted blanket outside a few. This ensures that the blanket will dry completely, which is essential to prevent mildew from forming. Sunlight also helps eliminate dust mites.
   • If it is very warm and sunny outside, you do not need to use a tumble dryer at all. In that case, you can have the entire drying process of your quilted blanket take place outside. Hang the blanket so that the sides dry evenly. Don't forget to shake the blanket occasionally and turn it 90 degrees every few hours. This is to prevent the filling from accumulating on one side of the blanket.
   • If the weather does not permit, hang the quilted blanket indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area. The blanket is evenly dried by using a drying rack. Periodically shake up the blanket and turn it over several times to allow both sides to dry thoroughly.

Tips

• Protect your quilted blanket against dirt and dust with a duvet cover. You put this over the quilted blanket and is easy to remove and can be washed with the rest of the bedding.
• If the washing code states that you should only hand wash the quilted blanket, do so by using a mild detergent in a bathtub or large sink.
• Pat your quilted blanket every morning and hang it out regularly on dry, windy days. This will help circulate the filling of the blanket and will remove moisture, keeping mildew from getting a chance.
• Most manufacturers caution against using bleach as it can potentially damage the blanket and its filling, reducing the life of the blanket. Still, bleach is an effective remedy for dust mites. So if you have problems with dust mites, you can consider adding a small amount of bleach to the laundry.