How to Wash Afghan Blankets In Washing Machine?

Afghan blankets should be washed, preferably in a front load or HE (High-Efficiency) washing machine.

Washers using spindles or central agitators can stretch the blanket’s fabric.

In order to wash an Afghan blanket, make sure to set your washer to run on a delicate or wool cycle and always use mild detergent (non-bleach) and cold water settings.

You can use an extra rinse cycle to remove excess suds from the blanket fibers and lay them flat to air dry naturally.

Key Information	Details
Check the Stitches	– Inspect for weak stitches or fiber splitting. – Fasten loose stitches before washing.
Choosing the Right Washing Method	– Hand wash in a tub with cool water and mild detergent. – Repeat soaking and rinsing until water runs clear. – Avoid machine washing to prevent fiber stress.
Skip the Oxyclean	– Oxyclean can break down acrylic fibers; avoid as a soak.
Water Temperature	– Try using tepid water, neither too hot nor too cold.
Drying Techniques	– Roll Afghan in towels, step on to absorb excess water. – Lay flat on dry towels, use a fan for faster drying.
Fabric Softener Consideration	– Optionally use fabric softener in the last rinse for added softness (It’s best to stay away if possible).

What is an Afghan blanket?

Afghan blankets are usually crocheted blankets woven by hand and are commonly made out of fabric materials such as polyester, cotton, acrylic, or wool. These blankets contain knitted cells or pores and can keep you warmer in cold conditions.

Afghan blankets are quite popular in the form of shawls, which are smaller blankets used to wrap your body for warmth as you walk in a cold climate.

One of the hallmarks of Afghan blankets is the hand-woven fabric that comes in a variety of colors in one piece.

They are also very special because they have beautiful designs carved into them.

Motif Afghans are the most versatile type of popular blanket and can also be found as shawls or scarves.

This particular design is made by weaving multiple square-shaped blocks of different colored yarns or textures and is later joined together along with a fine surrounded border.

How to wash Afghan blankets in a washing machine?

Of all the fabric types, you should include Afghan blankets woven with synthetic materials, cotton, or acrylic for machine washing.

Note: Do not forget to check their care labels for special washing instructions, if any.

Let us quickly pretreat if required to remove excess dirt or mold and mildew formation.

How to hand wash Afghan blankets?

Afghan blankets made using natural fibers should be hand washed as a preferred method.

• Fill a large container with cold water – You can use a sink, basin, bucket, or bowl that can accommodate the blanket.
• Next, add mild liquid detergent and let it mix with water.
• Place the blanket alone and let it submerge in the solution.
• Swirl and swish the blanket in a gentle manner for a minute or so.
• Leave it to settle for about 20 minutes and give it a final swirl and swish as a part of gentle agitation.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water and hang them on a clothesline for air drying.

Note: If your blanket needs sanitation, you can always use a liquid disinfectant like Lysol or Dettol.

How to remove the musty smell from Afghan blankets?

A foul odor from an Afghan blanket is quite common if you leave it in a damp state for long enough.

There is always a possibility of mold and mildew formation on the knitted surface if it does not dry completely.

To remove the musty smell from the blankets, you can choose the pre-treating method.

• Fill a container with warm water and add a mild detergent to it.
• Add half a cup of distilled white vinegar or liquid disinfectant like Dettol and mix it well.
• Next, put the blanket in the container or sink and let it soak in the solution for 10 minutes.
• Swirl it gently with your hands for a while and let it settle for another 20 minutes.
• Then, rinse it thoroughly with clean water before you put it to air dry naturally.

Note: Squeeze gently to remove excess water and, if possible, use towel wrapping to soak up excess water.

For drying, you can lay them flat over a clean and dry surface, which may be a towel or carpet.

Flip them over to evenly dry from either side and make sure the blankets are completely dried before storing them away.

Which is better hand washing or machine washing afghan blankets?

Hand-washing with a gentle detergent and cold water is the recommended technique for cleaning crochet items. If using a washing machine, choose a front-load washer without a center agitator to prevent stretching and damage.

Final Thoughts

Afghan blankets are delicate and need special care, especially during washing.

To be on the safe side, always wash your machine-washable Afghan blankets in cold water and on a delicate cycle, no matter what material they are made of.

Furthermore, it is best not to wash these blankets with non-suitable garments, especially those that you wear on a daily basis.

Lastly, choose the desired washing method depending on the fabric (read the care label). Doing this will help to prolong their lives and keep them in good shape in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions