Proper care for your blankets: Tips from Beko experts

Spring is here, and soon the Israeli summer will follow. These seasonal transitions bring the need for refreshing closets, swapping winter clothes for summer attire, and revitalizing summer blankets that have spent a long time in storage.

As temperatures rise, it's essential to care for our blankets properly. Before swapping out your warm winter blanket for a lightweight summer one, experts from the Beko brand of electrical appliances explain how to care for our variety of blankets to keep them fresh, airy, and fragrant.

Contrary to clothing items that we often launder and replace throughout the year, blankets can accompany us faithfully for many years. Nearly every household has beloved blankets that have been passed down through generations, like heirloom quilts or blankets with nostalgic value. There are many types of blankets, each requiring different care and cleaning methods. Therefore, it's essential to consider the type of blanket and the materials it's made of, check the washing instructions attached to the blanket, and ensure appropriate washing for each type of blanket.

Fleece Blankets

Contrary to popular belief, fleece blankets can be washed at home. Fleece blankets can last for many years with proper maintenance. Over time, winter blankets may absorb unpleasant odors such as mildew due to improper storage, as well as odors from urine or sweat, and even stains that accumulate during use. Fleece blankets can be laundered in a household washing machine with regular laundry detergent, but ample time should be devoted to drying them. To achieve full drying of the blankets, it's recommended to hang them outdoors in open air, fully opened and not folded. It's preferable to dry the blankets in the shade rather than direct sunlight and ensure they remain in drying until fully dry. Moist blankets that are folded and stored in a closet can accumulate unpleasant odors and stains. Remember that it's possible and even recommended to air out blankets during use in the cold season.

Wool Blankets

Wool blankets serve us both in transitional seasons and as an additional layer in especially cold days. There's great importance in maintaining and cleaning wool blankets, as improper care can ruin the blanket's softness and comfort. Many people use wool blankets without covers, which causes them to accumulate dust and various stains. Therefore, it's important to wash wool blankets more frequently than fleece blankets.

Wool blankets can be laundered in a household washing machine, and it's advisable to select a program specifically designed for wool. If your washing machine does not have a dedicated wool program, choose a gentle cycle, up to 30 degrees, and gentle/light spinning only. Wool blankets and items are not suitable for drying in a tumble dryer but only for hanging or laying the item in fresh air or in a room with an open window.

Terry, Fleece, and Cotton Blankets

Terry, fleece, or cotton blankets are the most commonly used blankets. Many cover themselves with these blankets even in summer, especially during transitional seasons. These blankets also serve us during long evenings in the living room in front of the TV and on chilly nights when we need a light and comforting blanket. In winter, these blankets are a pleasant addition to a fleece blanket. Terry and cotton blankets can be easily washed in a household washing machine. It's recommended to choose a program with a gentle spin, up to 40 degrees, and these blankets should also be dried in open air outdoors.

Important Tip:

It's generally recommended to wash blankets separately from other laundry. When dealing with a fleece blanket or a double blanket, it's advisable to dedicate the entire washing machine to one blanket and not to include additional items. This way, the blanket will be laundered thoroughly, and you'll avoid the risk of color transfer from other items that may stain the blanket. When dealing with single blankets, if they're made of the same material, two blankets can be washed together.

Bonus Tip:

One of the well-known and efficient methods to maintain the freshness of fleece blankets is using tennis balls. Place two or three tennis balls in the washing machine drum along with the blanket and activate the washing machine. The balls will gently beat against the blanket, preserving its fluffy and soft properties.