Knowing how to properly wash and care for your hooded blanket will help it to last longer and stay in great condition. Although they're easy to look after, there are some things to keep in mind that will help to maintain the quality of your Snuggy over time.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to wash a hooded blanket so that it stays as soft and cosy as the day you bought it.
Can you wash a hooded blanket?
Yes, you can wash a hooded blanket. Snuggy hooded blankets are machine washable, so they're very easy to clean. However, there are some important things to keep in mind to make sure you're washing your blanket correctly.
How to wash a hooded blanket
Follow these steps to wash your Snuggy hooded blanket:
- Check the care label. Before washing your blanket, check the care label for specific washing instructions. This will tell you the maximum temperature you can wash it at, and whether it can be tumble dried.
- Turn it inside out. Turn the blanket inside out before putting it in the washing machine. This will help to protect the outer fabric from any damage caused by the washing machine drum.
- Use a gentle detergent. Use a mild, gentle detergent that's suitable for delicate fabrics. Avoid using fabric softener, as this can damage the fleece fabric and make it less soft over time.
- Wash at a low temperature. Wash your blanket at a low temperature (30°C or below) to protect the fleece fabric. High temperatures can damage the fibres and cause the blanket to shrink or pill.
- Use a gentle cycle. Use a gentle or delicate cycle to protect the fleece fabric. Avoid using a spin cycle, as this can damage the fabric and cause it to lose its shape.
- Air dry or tumble dry on a low heat. After washing, air dry your blanket or tumble dry it on a low heat setting. Avoid drying it on a high heat, as this can damage the fibres and cause the blanket to shrink.
How often should you wash a hooded blanket?
How often you wash your hooded blanket will depend on how often you use it. If you use it every day, you might want to wash it once a week or once a fortnight. If you only use it occasionally, you can wash it less frequently.
It's a good idea to wash your blanket if it starts to smell or look dirty, or if it's been exposed to any stains or spills. Spot cleaning is also a good option for small stains – simply apply a small amount of detergent to the stain and rub it gently with a damp cloth.
How to keep your hooded blanket soft
To keep your hooded blanket as soft and fluffy as the day you bought it, there are a few things you can do:
- Avoid fabric softener. As mentioned above, fabric softener can damage the fleece fabric and make it less soft over time. Avoid using it when washing your blanket.
- Wash at a low temperature. Washing your blanket at a low temperature will help to protect the fibres and keep the fabric soft.
- Air dry when possible. Air drying your blanket is gentler on the fabric than tumble drying. If you do tumble dry it, use a low heat setting.
- Avoid ironing. Ironing a fleece blanket can damage the fibres and make it less soft. If your blanket is creased, try putting it in the tumble dryer on a low heat for a few minutes to help remove any wrinkles.
How to store a hooded blanket
When you're not using your hooded blanket, it's important to store it properly to keep it in good condition. Here are some tips for storing your blanket:
- Keep it clean. Make sure your blanket is clean before storing it. Storing a dirty blanket can cause stains to set and can lead to unpleasant smells.
- Store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing your blanket in a damp or humid environment, as this can lead to mould and mildew growth. A cool, dry place like a wardrobe or airing cupboard is ideal.
- Avoid compressing it. Try not to compress your blanket for long periods of time, as this can damage the fibres and affect the softness and shape of the blanket.
