Key Takeaways
A comfortable throw is the key to moments of optimal relaxation at home. Regaining the lost softness of your throw depends on proper washing and drying practices, as well as the use of specific care products. Follow our complete guide and discover how to restore your blanket to all its initial softness.
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Do you have a throw that you love to wrap yourself in on cool evenings, but it has lost its initial softness? Don't worry, we have put together a series of tips and tricks for you to restore your blanket to its original softness.
- Understanding the main causes of the loss of softness in a blanket.
- The importance of proper use of detergents and drying techniques.
- Prevention methods to maintain the softness of your blanket.
- Tips for restoring the softness of a blanket that has already lost its initial softness.
- Specific maintenance of different types of throws to maintain their softness.
Introduction to the softness of throws and blankets
A soft throw is a real pleasure, whether to snuggle up in front of a good film or to warm up on a cool evening. But over time and washing, your favorite blanket can lose its softness and become less comfortable. How to find this much appreciated softness? This is the subject of our article.
A soft throw is like a warm embrace, it just requires a little care to last forever.
— Geoffrey, Founder ofThe Oversized Hoodie®
Importance of the softness of a blanket for comfort
The softness of a blanket is essential for the comfort it provides. A soft blanket is not only pleasant to the touch, but also provides an incomparable feeling of warmth and comfort. It is therefore important to preserve this softness to be able to fully enjoy your blanket.
Find our guide What is a throw to learn more.
Why does a blanket lose its softness?
The impact of using too aggressive a detergent
Using too aggressive a detergent is one of the main causes of a blanket losing its softness. Indeed, some detergents contain chemicals that can degrade the fibers of the fabric and make the blanket less soft to the touch. It is therefore recommended to use a mild and specific detergent for delicate fabrics.
The consequences of poor drying
Improper drying can also affect the softness of a blanket. Drying at high temperatures or spinning too hard can damage the fibers and make the blanket rougher. It is therefore preferable to let your blanket air dry or tumble dry it at low temperature.
The effect of natural wear and tear over time
Finally, natural wear and tear over time can also play a role in the loss of softness of a blanket. Over time, the fibers may become damaged and the blanket may become less soft. However, with good care and maintenance, it is possible to prolong the softness of your throw for many years.
It's not just a matter of cleaning your blanket, but of taking care of it so that it retains its softness and continues to offer you comfort and warmth.
— Geoffrey, Founder ofThe Oversized Hoodie®
How to preserve the softness of your blanket?
Good washing practices
The first step to preserving the softness of your throw is to follow good washing practices. It is important to use a gentle detergent and respect the washing temperature recommended on the product label. Washing at too high a temperature can damage the fibers and make the blanket less soft.
Find here our tips for keeping a blanket soft after washing.
Tips for optimal drying
Drying is also a key step in preserving the softness of your blanket. Air drying is ideal, but if you must use a dryer, opt for a gentle cycle and low temperature. Additionally, avoid twisting or wringing the blanket, as this can damage the fibers.
The importance of proper storage
Finally, storing your blanket can also play a role in preserving its softness. Avoid storing it in a damp or sunny place, as this can discolor the fabric and make it rougher. A tidy blanket is one that stays soft longer.
How to restore the softness of a blanket?
Hand washing techniques
If your blanket has already lost its softness, there are techniques to restore it. Hand washing is one of them. Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent, then rinse the blanket in cold water to remove all soap residue. This can help make the blanket softer.
Tips for effective machine washing
If you prefer to machine wash your throw, opt for a delicate program and use a specific softener for delicate fabrics. Additionally, avoid overloading the machine drum, as this can prevent the blanket from rinsing properly and maintaining its softness.
The use of specific softeners
Using specific fabric softeners can also help restore softness to a blanket. These products contain ingredients that help soften the fibers and make the fabric softer. However, be sure to choose a fabric softener that is free of harsh chemicals and is suitable for delicate fabrics.
Practical case: discover here how to keep a fleece soft!
How to maintain different types of throws?
Wool throws
A wool throw requires special care to maintain its softness. It is best to wash it by hand with a special wool detergent and let it dry flat in the open air to prevent it from becoming deformed.
Fleece throws
fleece throws are generally easy to maintain, including synthetic fleece. They can be machine washed at low temperature with a mild detergent. It is recommended to air dry them to preserve their softness.
Discover the characteristics and specificities of the polar throw in this article: What is a polar throw.
Cotton throws
A cotton throw can generally be machine washed at a medium temperature. However, it is best to air dry it to maintain its softness. Don't forget to iron it on a gentle iron to prevent it from creasing.
Faux fur throws
faux fur throws require special attention to maintain their softness. It is best to wash them by hand or machine on a delicate program. Once washed, they must be dried in the open air and possibly brushed to restore the softness of the coat.
Velvet throws
velvet throws should be washed by hand or in the machine on a delicate program. It is best to air dry them to maintain their softness. Don't forget to iron them inside out to avoid marking the velvet.
Polyester throws
polyester throws are easy to maintain. They can be machine washed on a medium temperature and tumble dried on a low setting. However, it is best to iron them on a gentle iron to prevent them from creasing.
Would you like to know if 100% polyester keeps you warm? Check out this article.
Mistakes to avoid to maintain the softness of a blanket
Washing a blanket: bad habits
A poor washing habit can easily damage the fibers of your blanket and make it less soft. Avoid washing your blanket with too aggressive a detergent or at too high a temperature.
Errors in drying your blanket: tumble dryer and sun
Improper drying can also make your blanket less soft. Avoid drying your blanket in the sun or in a tumble dryer on high heat. Prefer to air dry or tumble dry at low temperature.
Tumble dryer blanket: good or bad idea? Find out the answer to this question in this guide.
Storage practices to avoid
Poor storage can also affect the softness of your blanket. Avoid storing your blanket in a damp or sunny place. Prefer a dry place away from direct sunlight.
Here, for example, are some tips for storing your throw in your living room.
Expert advice for a blanket that's always soft
Recommendations from plaid manufacturers
Throw manufacturers often give specific recommendations for the care of their products. It is therefore important to follow them to preserve the softness of your blanket. For example, our blog gives you lots of advice on the care and washing of blankets and throws.
Tips from textile professionals
Textile professionals also have many tips for maintaining the softness of a blanket. For example, we often recommend using a specific fabric softener for delicate fabrics or letting the throw air dry.
Advice from experienced users
Finally, experienced users often have their own tips for maintaining the softness of a blanket. So don't hesitate to read the reviews and comments of other users to discover new tips.
In summary: how can you find the softness of a blanket?
| Key points | Advice |
|---|---|
| Choice of washing products | Use a gentle, non-aggressive detergent, and a *specific softener* for delicate fabrics. |
| Washing techniques | Prefer hand washing for delicate *throws* and choose a gentle program for machine washing. |
| Drying | Prefer drying in the open air to maintain *softness*. If you use a dryer, opt for a gentle cycle. |
| Storage | Store your *throw* in a dry place and away from direct sunlight. |
| Specific maintenance depending on the type of blanket | Each type of throw (wool, cotton, fleece, faux fur, velvet, polyester) requires specific maintenance to maintain its softness. |
Maintaining the intense softness of your throw is not a difficult task with good practices in hand. Gentle classic laundry detergent and fiber-friendly drying techniques are key elements of this maintenance. After each machine wash or by hand, let your throw dry in the open air to preserve its softness. A hot iron can also be used to help soften the fibers, provided you do so carefully and on the correct setting.
Optimizing the storage of your throw can also contribute to its durability. A well-tidy and stored blanket will maintain its softness and prevent premature wear. If you have a faux fur throw, a velvet throw or even a polyester throw, each type of fabric requires a special care to stay soft and comfortable.
Finally, if your throw has stains before washing, be sure to follow the specific cleaning instructions to avoid worsening the stains or damaging the fabric . From applying an anti-static product to reduce the adhesion of dirt to delicate stain washing, every step counts to maintain the softness of your throw.
Also read: How to remove stains from polyester?
FAQ on the softness of throws and blankets
How to make a blanket soft?
To restore the softness to a throw, it is essential to adopt good washing practices. Use a mild detergent, suitable for delicate fabrics. Choose hand wash or a gentle machine cycle. Drying in the open air is recommended to keep the fibers of the plaid intact. Finally, using a specific softener can do wonders to regain the initial soft feel.
How to make a blanket soft?
To restore the softness of a blanket, follow similar tips as for throws. Opt for a gentle detergent, which respects the fibres of the textile. machine wash at low temperature or by hand followed by drying naturally will help preserve softness. An anti-static product can be beneficial to prevent dirt buildup and keep the blanket soft and clean.
How to make fleece soft?
To maintain the softness of a fleece, it is crucial to avoid aggressive detergents which could damage the synthetic fibers. Prefer wash by hand or a delicate cycle in the machine. Air drying or tumble drying at low temperature is recommended to maintain the softness of the fleece. Using an appropriate softener can also help maintain the softness of the fleece.
How to wash a Pilou Pilou throw?
To wash a Pilou Pilou throw, start by soaking it in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Gently rub the stained areas without damaging the fabric. Rinse with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. For drying, prefer open air, in the shade. Finally, a soft brush can help restore volume and softness to your Pilou Pilou throw. To find out more, here is the dedicated guide: how to wash a pilou-pilou throw?
How much to wash a blanket?
The washing temperature of a blanket depends on its material. However, to preserve the softness and quality of your throw, a gentle wash cycle at low temperatures is generally recommended, generally no more than 30°C. For a faux fur throw or synthetic fleece, a cold delicate cycle may be sufficient. Be sure to check your throw's care label for specific instructions.
Mis à jour le 17 mars 2024
