Hand washing blankets is a much gentler approach to getting them clean than using the washing machine which can sometimes cause the fabrics of blankets to stretch out of shape.
Read this guide on how to wash blankets in the bathtub and gain helpful tips on how to get the task done properly to ensure your blankets come out looking spotless, feeling soft, and without fading or stretching out of shape.
Why Should You Wash Blankets in a Bathtub?
First, the bathtub is the only space in the home that is long and wide enough to allow for a large blanket to lie relatively flat in, to soak well. If you use a bucket, you run the risk of scrunching up the blanket which could result in some spots getting missed or not being exposed to enough water and detergent.
What Do You Need To Wash A Blanket?
As we always say over here at Cleanipedia, be ready with everything you need for a task before you begin. Otherwise, you end up having to take a break several times during the job to go and fetch ingredients or tools that you have forgotten. When wanting to know how to hand wash blankets, here is your list of what you need:
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A clean, empty bathtub
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Good quality hand washing powder, like Surf Hand Washing Powder, and a good quality fabric softener.
10 Steps to Wash a Blanket in a Bathtub
How to wash heavy blankets at home
Follow these 10 simple steps:
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Plug the bathtub and fill it with cold or cool water and add a cup of Surf Hand Washing Powder. Mix the powder around with your hand to make sure it dissolves well in the water.
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Place the blanket into the bathtub, laying it down as flat as possible. Try and get most, if not all, of the fabric to be submerged under the water.
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Soak the blanket in the bathtub for 1 – 2 hours.
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Making sure you have clean feet, get into the bath and use your feet to stomp the blanket. Swishing and stomping the blanket helps to allow the detergent to penetrate in the fibres of the blanket to remove the dirt and stains. Make sure you continuously turn the blanket to enable all sides of the blanket to get stomped on.
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Drain the water out of the bathtub.
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Add clean, cold water to the tub (that still has the blanket in) and rinse the blanket well. If you have a handheld shower nozzle, use that to spray down the blanket to help you rinse it well.
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Replug the bathtub and add your desired fabric softener. Usually, a capful of fabric softener into a bath full of water for one blanket is sufficient.
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Drain the bath once again and let all the water run out from the blanket for approximately an hour. When the water has drained, squeeze and wring the blanket as much as possible to get the excess water out.
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Place the blanket on a wire table if you have one or hang it outside on the washing line and allow it to dry in natural sunlight for the entire day.
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Make sure the blanket is completely dry before folding it and putting it away. If you fold it when it’s still damp, you could get mould growing in it. So, best to let it dry fully.
Apart from blankets, you can also use these tips to wash your thickest winter woolly clothing too. Read our blog on How to Wash Winter Clothes for more tips.
What to Avoid When Washing Blankets in a Bathtub?
There are a few absolute no-no’s when it comes to how to wash blankets by hand. Make sure you’re aware of what not to do when washing blankets in the bathtub to avoid damaging your precious fabrics.
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Never use bleach or any detergents with bleach in them when washing blankets.
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Do not use hot water. We are often tempted to use hot water for hand washing because we think hot equals clean. However, when it comes to hand washing it is better to use cool or cold water to avoid any colour running or any fabric stretching too.
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Never use a tumble dryer for your heavy blankets. The heat and movement could cause your blanket to stretch or even shrink. It’s best to hang your blanket in direct sunlight and allow it to air dry that way.
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