At What Temperature to Wash Plaids ? Practical Guide

What temperature for which blanket ?

throws are essential companions in our interiors, whether placed on the sofa, on the bed or to curl up comfortably in a moment of relaxation.

These household linens provide warmth and comfort, but must be carefully maintained to maintain their softness and beautiful appearance for as long as possible.

Importance of maintaining throws

Regular maintenance allows you to extend the lifespan of your favorite throws and maintain their pleasant touch. Softness is so important in a cocoon like the sleeved throw !

Washing at the correct temperature depending on the material and the appropriate method is essential to remove dirt while preserving the fibers and patterns.

Factors to consider before washing

Before washing your throws, a few points should be taken into account:

• The type of fabric (cotton, wool, synthetic, silk...)
• The maintenance recommendations on the label
• The size of the blanket
• The presence of delicate patterns or appliqués
• The degree of dirt
• The sensitivity to heat of the material

These factors make it possible to determine the optimal washing method and the appropriate settings.

Also read: who is the inventor of the plaid ?

Washing Methods

To wash your throws gently, you have the choice between several methods:

Hand wash

The hand wash is ideal for delicate throws such as those in virgin wool, silk or velvet. This method preserves better the fibers.

Use a basin with warm water and a delicate product such as Marseille soap. Rub gently to remove stains. Rinse thoroughly.

Machine wash

For most throws, the washing machine is practical provided you choose the appropriate program.

Prefer a gentle cycle at low temperature, between 30°C and 40°C.Use a mild liquid detergent suitable for fragile textiles.

Avoid overloading the machine and packing the blanket to limit wrinkling and wear.

Tips for treating stains

Before washing, you can pre-treat stains with pure or diluted Marseille soap.

For greasy stains, dab gently with a cloth soaked in white vinegar.

Against odors and to soften the fibers, add a few drops of lavender essential oil or a bag of lavender in the wash water.

Also read: how to wash and clean a throw ?

Specific Temperatures according to Plaid Materials

The optimal washing temperature depends on the type of fabric your throw is made from.

Wool throws

virgin wool throws are ideally washed by hand, in cold water (30°C max). This protects delicate fibers sensitive to high temperatures.

For machine washing wool throws, always use delicate cycles at 30°C. You can add an antistatic product to prevent felting. Turn the blanket inside out before putting it in the machine. Wool has difficulty withstanding washing cycles that are too aggressive.

Cotton throws

Cotton can be washed up to 60°C, but 40°C is ideal for preserving the softness of the fabric without damaging the fibres.

To revive a cotton blanket, do not hesitate to use hot water (60°C max). This will remove embedded dirt. But rinse with warm water so as not to dry out the fibers.

Synthetic throws

synthetic fibers (polyester, acrylic) are generally washed at 40°C, or even 60°C in the event of heavy soiling. They tolerate heat.

well

Synthetic throws can be washed frequently without altering the fabric. However, be careful of pilling and lint, treat them quickly with a razor or thread cutter.

Also read: does 100% polyester keep you warm ?

Silk throws

30°C maximum for silk throws, by hand or by machine with a delicate program. Silk is very sensitive to high temperatures.

Silk fears humidity. Once washed, avoid leaving your silk throw damp and dry flat in the open air . sun can degrade colors.

Velvet throws

30°C to 40°C for velvet throws, spotted with soap before washing. Velvet deforms easily under the effect of heat.

After washing a velvet throw, use a hot iron on the reverse side to restore volume to the pile. Be careful not to burn the fabric: use a cloth.

Linen throws

Linen throws are ideally washed at 30°C by hand or in the machine on a delicate program. Linen does not tolerate high temperatures and aggressive washing.

As linen creases easily, iron your linen throw under a damp cloth after washing and drying, using a steam cycle.

Also read: why does a blanket keep you warm ?

Conclusion

Regular maintenance of throws according to the materials which they are made of is essential so that they last over time.

The softness of the throws is preserved by choosing the right method and the appropriate temperature. A hand wash or a gentle program in the machine is preferred.

throws made from noble materials such as wool, silk or velvet require the most precautions, with mild temperatures not exceeding 30- 40°C.

Summary of tips

• Read the label for composition and care instructions
• Hand wash the most fragile throws
• In the machine, choose a delicate program and a temperature of 30°C to 40°C
• Adjust the temperature according to the material: wool, cotton, synthetic...
• Use a mild liquid detergent for sensitive textiles
• Dry flat, in the open air, avoiding exposure to the sun

With these a few precautions, you will be able to enjoy your favorite cozy throws for many years.

Also read: How to know if you are allergic to polyester ?

FAQ

Answers to some frequently asked questions.

How to wash a blanket to keep it soft ?

To preserve the softness of a blanket, wash it by hand or in the machine at a maximum temperature of 40°C, with a detergent suitable for delicate textiles. Preferably choose a special wool or silk washing program.

Which program to wash a blanket ?

The best program is the delicate cycle at 30 or 40°C. Some washing machines offer a special program wool or silk ideal for fragile blankets.

How to wash a pilou pilou throw ?

As the pilou pilou is a delicate fabric, wash your throw by hand or in the machine at 30°C maximum, with a detergent suitable for sensitive textiles. Dry it flat. Discover our step-by-step advice in our guide: How to wash clothes and throws in pilou-pilou ?

What temperature to wash a fleece blanket ?

fleece blankets are generally machine washable at 30°C or 40°C on a delicate program, turning the blanket inside out. wrong side before washing.

Can a polyester blanket go in the dryer ?

Yes, polyester throws hold up very well to being put in the tumble dryer. Choose a cycle at low temperature to avoid shrinkage. Take the blanket out at the end of the cycle to avoid the formation of pilling due to overdrying. Polyester holds up well to the heat and agitation of the dryer. It dries quickly and regains its softness. It is therefore an ideal fabric for machine drying.

Updated 2 July 2024