Tips and Tricks for Home Textile Care: How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Throws and Blankets

General tips for caring for throws and blankets

• Check the label. The manufacturer will give you specific recommendations on washing temperature, washing machine settings, and whether you can use a dryer. Not following these instructions could cause the product to shrink or lose color.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals. Bleach and chlorine-based products damage the fibers, making them brittle. It is better to choose delicate laundry detergents labeled “for wool” or “for delicate laundry.”
• Prevent from over-drying. Direct sunlight or hot radiators damage the fibers and make the material stiff. It is best to dry on a horizontal surface in a well-ventilated room.
• Sort by color. To avoid unwanted dye transfer, wash light-colored items separately from dark and bright ones.

How to care for different types of fabrics

Wool and cashmere

• Hand wash or use the “wool” cycle in the washing machine at a temperature no higher than 30°C. 
• Choose detergents without enzymes or bleach.   
• Dry only horizontally to avoid deformation.

• only be washed by hand,
• in cool water,
• with gentle squeezing through a towel.

Cotton

• Can be machine washed at 30°C on a delicate cycle.
• Use detergents without aggressive ingredients.   
• Dry naturally in the shade to preserve color brightness.

Semi-wool

• Wash at 30–40°C on a delicate cycle.
• Use a gentle spin cycle.
• Dries quickly and does not require ironing.

Bouclé

• Hand wash or machine wash at temperatures not exceeding 40°C, without spinning.
• You may also use professional dry cleaning services.
• Let the water drain naturally and lay the product flat on a horizontal surface.
• If necessary, you can iron the home textile from the reverse side at a low temperature.

Mohair

• Hand wash in cool water.   
• Use suitable wool detergent.   
• Avoid strong rubbing and mechanical spinning.

How to wash a throw: step-by-step guide

Washing by hand:

1. Pour cool water into a basin.
2. Add a special gentle detergent.
3. Soak the item for 10–15 minutes, gently stirring the water with your hands.
4. Rinse thoroughly several times.
5. Press with a towel without wringing.

Machine washing:

1. Select the “wool” or “delicate” cycle.
2. Set the temperature to 30°C.
3. Turn off the intensive spin cycle.

Drying and ironing

1. Dry the item on a flat surface, spreading it out evenly.
2. For delicate fabrics, use a towel as a base.
3. Avoid radiators and direct sunlight.
4. Iron only at a low temperature, using a cloth or gauze as a protective layer.

Removing stains from textiles

1. Coffee, tea: treat with a vinegar and water solution (1:1), gently blot with a cloth.
2. Wine: immediately cover the fresh stain with salt to absorb the liquid, then rinse with cold water.
3. Grease: apply starch or talcum powder, leave for several hours, then shake off the residue and wash.
4. Chocolate: scrape off the excess with a dull knife and rinse the spot with soapy water.

What to do if your throw or blanket has shrunk or stretched?

If your item has shrunk

1. Soak it in cool water with fabric softener for 15–20 minutes.
2. Then gently stretch it back to its original size without making any sudden movements.

If your item has stretched out

1. Place it on a horizontal surface after washing and reshape it by hand.
2. Avoid hanging it up to prevent the fabric from stretching further.

Storing throws and blankets

• Before storage, always wash and dry the item.
• Use covers made of natural fabrics.
• Avoid damp or humid rooms.
• For wool items, add moth repellents.