How to Wash a Barefoot Dreams Blanket

Enjoying your wonderfully soft Barefoot Dreams blanket, but not sure how to wash it? A Barefoot Dreams blanket is extremely comfortable, but like any other blanket, it can get a little dirty or grimy over time. In this guide, we'll tell you how to wash your Barefoot Dreams blanket without ruining its texture. Read on to restore your cozy throw so it feels brand-new.

This article is based on an interview with our professional dry cleaner, Safir Ali, co-founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry. Check out the full interview here.

1

Shake out your blanket to remove dirt and debris.

Get rid of loose particles before tossing your blanket into the wash. Shake your blanket so that any dirt that’s loosely attached to your blanket can fall off. If you have pets, remove as much hair as possible from the blanket with a lint roller.
- When you knock off any dirt, debris, or grit from the blanket, you'll get a better clean when you throw it in the washing machine.
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2

Spot treat any stains on your blanket.

Rub in a stain remover and give it a few minutes to soak in. Before you throw your blanket in the wash, spritz its stains with a stain remover. Pinch the fabric of your blanket and rub the sides of the stain together—that way, it will fully absorb the stain remover. Wait for 10 minutes. Then, throw your blanket in the washing machine.^{[1]XResearch source}
- For tough stains, soak them in a stronger solution—like OxiClean stain remover—for 24 hours before you wash your blanket.

3

Use a gentle wash cycle and cold water setting.

It’s perfectly safe to toss your blanket into the washing machine. All you have to do is make sure you select the right setting. After placing the blanket in your washing machine, use the “delicates” option on your washer, and be sure to only use cold water. To maintain its softness and lifespan, avoid washing your blanket in hot water.
- Since a Barefoot Dreams blanket is made out of knitted fabric, it’s more likely to shrink if you wash it in a hot water cycle.^{[2]XResearch source}
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4

Pour in a gentle detergent.

A gentle detergent maintains the fiber quality in the blanket. Look for a mild detergent that’s intended for delicate clothes and steer clear of harsh bleaches. Use a small amount of a gentle detergent during the wash cycle to keep the blanket smelling and looking fresh.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Avoid adding in fabric softener, which can leave residue on your blanket that’s tough to remove.

5

Tumble dry the blanket without high heat.

Your lowest dryer setting will keep the blanket soft and cozy. On your dryer, use the lowest heat setting possible, or set your dryer to its “air fluff” or “flat dry” option if it has one. The less heat your blanket is exposed to, the longer it’ll maintain it’s soft and delicate feel.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Alternatively, you can air-dry the blanket. Lay it down flat on a surface, like a table or the floor, so it dries evenly without wrinkling or changing shape.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Skip the dryer sheets. These can coat your blanket with oils, which will damage its sensitive material and make it less breathable.^{[6]XResearch source}
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6

Restore your blanket’s softness by removing pilling.

Use a razor to shave off pilling that makes a blanket less comfy. Try a disposable razor, electric fabric shaver, or sweater shaver. Take off the plastic lid on your disposable razor or turn on your shaver. Gently run it over your blanket to shave off the pilling. Then, grab a large piece of tape and pat down the blanket with the sticky side to remove any stray pills.^{[7]XResearch source}
- To make your blanket extra soft and give it a "brand new" look, brush it with a pet slicker brush after you've eliminated all the pilling.

7

Store the blanket by folding it and laying it flat.

When left to hang for too much time, the fabric in your blanket can begin to stretch out. Instead, fold your blanket and allow it to rest flat against a surface.^{[8]XResearch source}
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