3 Simple Steps to Clean a Crochet Blanket

Crochet blankets take a lot of time to create so it’s best to be extra careful when washing them so as to not ruin the creator’s hard work. If you made the crochet blanket, it’s best to follow the wash instructions on the yarn package. If you bought the crochet blanket and there is a label on it with wash and dry instructions, follow those instructions. If your crochet blanket did not come with any wash instructions, the safest bet is to hand wash and air dry.

The best way to clean a crochet blanket is to wash by hand and then air drying. Here are 3 easy steps you can follow to clean your crochet blanket.

Materials:

• Mild detergent
• Plastic bucket, container, or bathtub
• towels

Fill a container large enough to fit your entire blanket with cold water. You can use a plastic bucket or container, or the bathtub if you do not have a container. Add a small amount of mild detergent to your container and swish it with your hand until suds appear. Once you have your desired amount of laundry detergent mixed in, it’s time to add your blanket. Swirl your blanket around in the water until it is fully drenched. Make sure not to scrub the blanket as this could stretch out the fibers. Gently swirl your blanket in soapy water for at least 5 minutes. 

Drain the soapy water and fill the container back up with cool, clean water. Once again, swirl your blanket around in the water. Repeat this process of draining the soapy water and refilling it with clean cold water until there is no sign of soap in the water. Do not wring out the blanket as this can stretch out the fibers. 

To prepare for the drying process, place some towels on a flat surface such as the floor or a large table. Use enough towels to cover the surface area of your blanket. Drain the water out of the container and lift the blanket, holding it over the container. Do this until the blanket stops dripping heavily. Once again, do not twist or wring the blanket as this can stretch out the fibers. Transfer the blanket onto some towels and fold or roll the blanket into the towels. When the towels become drenched, replace them with new towels, and hang the old towels to dry. Do not hang the blanket to dry as this can stretch the material since the blanket is heavier while wet. Continue to replace the towels, whenever they become too wet, until the blanket is fully dry.

Crochet blankets can be a pain to wash but they are made to be used. They are made with love and care and as long as you have the same love and care when washing them, they will last a long time. 

FAQs

It can be nerve-wracking to wash something so delicate and handmade. Here are some frequently asked questions about washing crochet blankets.

What is considered to be a mild detergent? 

Organic detergents or detergents that are fragrance-free and dye-free are mild detergents. Detergents made for babies or detergents that say, “free and clear” are all good choices of mild detergents. 

How much detergent should I use on a crochet blanket?

If you are sensitive to detergent, you probably shouldn’t use too much. If your blanket is heavily soiled, you’ll want to use a bit more detergent. Just keep in mind that the more detergent you use, the longer the rinse process will be.  

Can I put my crochet blanket in the washing machine?

Hand washing is better because it will keep your blanket in good condition for a longer period of time. However, if you’d rather use a washing machine, try to use a machine without a center agitator that can snag your blanket. Make sure to use cold water, a mild detergent, and the gentlest cycle. You can also use fabric softener in this instance. 

How long will it take to dry?

This depends on the size of your blanket but the drying process can take up to 24 hours. To speed up the drying process, replace the towels whenever they become too wet. If possible, dry the blanket in a warm heated room or where there is a warm airflow, like near a window in a warm climate. You can also use a fan if you have one. If the blanket has dried unevenly, flip the blanket over on a new set of dry towels.

Can I put my crochet blanket in the dryer?

It is best to avoid using a dryer in order to preserve the condition of your crochet blanket. If you’d rather use the dryer to speed up the drying process, make sure to use the lowest heat possible, and a slow spin cycle made for delicate items. 

How do I remove stains from my crochet blanket? 

Stains in crochet blankets are not like stains in clothes. You can use cold water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid or cold water mixed with a bit of heavy-duty detergent and dab it into the material with your hands. You can also try making a white vinegar and baking soda solution. Let the solution sit on the blanket for 15-20 minutes before beginning the washing steps above. If one solution doesn’t work, try one of the others.