Here's how to dry-clean blankets and quilts at home without getting them wet..
Pre-Winter Cleaning Tips: Winter is just around the corner, and it is time to bring out the blankets, quilts, and warm sheets stored in your closets. However, after being packed away for months, they often develop a musty odor and accumulate dust. Therefore, cleaning them before use is essential. People usually send heavy quilts or blankets to a dry cleaner, which can be quite expensive. But did you know you can easily clean them at home?
Yes, there are simple methods to clean them at home without soaking the entire quilt. Completing this task before the November chill sets in saves you from a last-minute rush and can also reduce cleaning costs.
Here is how to clean heavy blankets and quilts at home:
1. First, check the fabric type
Before you start cleaning, make sure to read the care label on the blanket or quilt. It specifies whether the item is machine-washable, requires hand washing, or needs professional dry cleaning.
Excessive scrubbing or water can damage delicate fabrics like wool. It is better to have silk, heavily embroidered, or very expensive quilts professionally cleaned rather than attempting to clean them at home. On the other hand, many synthetic and fleece blankets can be freshened up significantly just by removing dust and airing them out.
2. Shake them out and air them thoroughly first
Take the blanket or quilt to a balcony or an open, clean area and shake it out vigorously. Afterward, spread it out in a well-ventilated area for a few hours. If possible, let it sit in mild sunlight for a while. However, avoid exposing it to harsh sunlight for extended periods, especially if the fabric is colored or delicate. Flip it over halfway through so that both sides get properly aired out. This helps reduce the musty odor and slight dampness caused by storage.
3. Remove months of dust with a vacuum cleaner
If you have a vacuum cleaner at home, run it at a low or normal speed. Pay special attention to edges, seams, corners, and folds, as dust tends to accumulate in these areas. If you do not have a vacuum cleaner, you can gently clean the blanket or quilt using a soft brush. Avoid beating or scrubbing vigorously, as this can damage the fabric fibers.
4. Do not soak the entire quilt for small stains
If there are stains in only one or two spots, there is no need to submerge the entire quilt or blanket in water. First, check the fabric care instructions. If the fabric allows, gently dab and clean the stained area using a slightly damp cloth and a little mild soap.
Avoid the mistake of scrubbing hard, as this can cause the color to fade or damage the fibers. It is best to test any soap or cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous part of the fabric first.
5. Do not spray perfume or fragrances to mask odors
If the blanket smells musty from being stored in a closet, air it out in the open for a few hours. Open the room's windows to allow for proper ventilation. Do not spray excessive amounts of perfume or room freshener on the blanket just to mask the odor. Also, avoid applying baking soda, vinegar, or other home remedies directly onto expensive or delicate fabrics; not every method is safe for every type of fabric.
6. Clean the quilt cover as well
We often clean the quilt but overlook its cover. If the quilt cover is washable, wash it separately and dry it thoroughly. Using a clean cover prevents the quilt from getting dirty quickly and makes the next cleaning session easier.
When should you avoid cleaning at home?
Don't try to clean every quilt at home just to save money. If the label says "Dry Clean Only," the fabric is delicate, it features heavy embroidery, or it has a lingering smell of dampness and mildew, it is better to have it professionally cleaned.
Make sure to do these 5 things before November:
Read the label – understand the correct cleaning method for the fabric.
Shake out blankets and quilts – remove months of accumulated dust.
Use a vacuum cleaner – especially along the edges and corners.
Air them out in mild sunlight – to reduce dampness and stale odors.
Store only after they are completely dry – place them in a clean, breathable cloth bag.
By doing this, your warm quilts and blankets will be ready for use before the November chill sets in, saving you from a last-minute rush to get them cleaned. Most importantly, decide on the cleaning method based on the fabric and care instructions, rather than simply following your own preference.