How To Wash A Fleece Blanket Without A Washing Machine

Curling up under a soft, cozy fleece blanket keeps you comfy — the fabric is soft and warm yet breathable and lightweight, making fleece perfect for cozy throw blankets. Plus, it never seems to wrinkle and requires little care except for an occasional washing. However, washing your favorite fleece blanket the wrong way can destroy the soft, plush feel, leaving you with a rough piece of fabric. Handwashing fleece blankets gives you more control over the washing conditions. You'll need a large tub, cold water, and a little detergent to clean your blanket. 

Fleece is made from polyester and other synthetic materials, which are sensitive to heat. That's why washing and drying your blanket on high heat settings can damage the texture. Laundry water temperatures can affect the fibers in fabrics. For example, the hot water can melt the individual fibers of fleece or change their shapes. Aggressive washing cycles can create a rough, unpleasant surface. It can cause the fibers to knot or break due to the friction in the wash cycle. Excess heat may cause the edges of a fleece blanket to curl if the threads and base shrink at different speeds. To avoid those issues, you might choose to hand-wash your fleece blankets.

Certain types of blankets, including silk and mink, can't go in the washing machine, so hand-washing is a must. Fleece blankets can generally be machine-washed, but check the label to verify the acceptable washing methods. However, you may choose to wash a fleece blanket by hand if it's too big for your washer, you don't have easy access to a washer, or you want to avoid damage to the blanket.

To wash a fleece blanket by hand, fill a large container with cold water. You need enough space to fully submerge the blanket and work it around to remove the dirt. A bathtub works well for a larger fleece blanket. Add a few drops of mild detergent. Too much soap can coat the fibers and leave residue that affects the texture and softness. Swish the detergent to make sure it's well-dissolved before adding the blanket.

Toss the blanket into the tub and ensure all parts are submerged. Now, it's time to work the blanket. Agitate it gently to remove dirt and other buildup in the fabric. Swishing the blanket through the water helps get it clean. You can also knead each section gently, making sure you cover every part of the blanket. Allow the soapy water to drain from the blanket as you empty the tub. You can also fold the blanket and press on it to squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean, cold water, swishing the blanket through the water to rinse the fabric. You may need to repeat the rinsing process a few times to get rid of all the soap.

Removing excess water helps the blanket dry faster. Avoid wringing the fabric as it can stretch or damage the fabric. Instead, fold the blanket a few times and press on it to push water out. Place the blanket between two thick towels and press more to remove additional water. You can also roll the blanket in a towel to squeeze out the water. From there, let the blanket air dry. Once dry, you'll be enjoying your comfy blanket again in no time.