HOW TO WASH CROCHET BLANKETS AND OTHER CROCHET ITEMS? 

QUICK & EASY GUIDE! 

Crochet blankets, sweaters, and scarves are some of our most beloved home treasures. Knitted blankets add extra coziness and warmth to our living space, but it requires proper care to make them last for years.

How to wash, dry, and store your favorite crochet items the right way and much more! Learn in this article!

1. Identify The Yarn Of Your Crochet Blanket

Before washing your blanket, carefully read the label and identify the type of your crochet treasure. The type of yarn will determine whether you should machine wash or hand wash it. (Read care instructions from the label as well, in case your item requires special treatment). 

• Wool items are easy to shrink and felt if treated incorrectly, so you have to hand wash them in cold water to avoid it. To keep fibers in good conditions, apply detergents that are designed especially for wool blankets or mild baby shampoo.
• Synthetic yarns such as acrylic and polyester can be machine-washed in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle.
• Linen and cotton yarns could be washed in a similar way, using cold or warm water and a gentle cycle.
• Amelie Home yarns. In Amelie Home, we are using a combination of wool and synthetic yarns, which allows us to keep them very durable, warm, and soft at the same time. To maintain them in perfect conditions, we recommend washing them in cold water on a gentle cycle.

2. Can You Wash A Crochet Blanket In A Washing Machine?

If the yarn that was used to make your blanket can be machine washed, you can follow the following steps to make it right.

1. For the best result, put the blanket in a mesh bag before loading it into the washing machine. 
2. The best choice is to wash your blanket alone, but if you have no choice, try to load it with other similar blankets and delicate items. 
3. If you decide to wash your knitted treasure with other items, make sure they all have a relatively similar color. 
4. Put mild detergent into the washing machine. Don’t overdo it; too much detergent can harm the yarn and degrade its’ softness. The amount of detergent might vary depending on the size of your washing machine, but for an average one, you should apply ~ 60 ml.
5. Run a machine washing cycle with the gentle spin speed possible. If your device has a Delicate Option, go for it! But avoid washing it for too long as it can negatively affect the yarns.

3. How To Hand-wash A Crochet Blanket?

If your knitted item is made from yarn that requires hand-wash, it’s well worth it to do so to preserve it from losing its shape. Hand washing might sound like a lot of work, but if you do it right, it’s not that hard at all. 

1. Find an appropriate vessel for your blanket. You can use a large sink or a basin, depending on the size. Fill it in with cold water and add mild detergent or shampoo. Stir it well and load the crochet item in the solution.
2. Let the knitted treasure soak for around 1 hour. Gently swish the blanket by moving it back and force. Let it soak for 15 more minutes before replacing the water. 
3. Gently lift out the blanket and slightly twist it to squeeze out excess water. Don’t try to wring the material because it might stretch out the yarn. Change the water in your basin and put the blanket back in to remove the suds. Repeat this procedure a few times before you are sure that the blanket is free of soap. Gently pull up the blanket and twist slightly to the point that there is no dripping water left. 

4. Can You Dry A Crochet Blanket? And How To Do It Right?

Same as washing, the way you dry your blanket depends on the yarn it is made from. 

The best option for wool and other sensitive yarn is to dry it flat to prevent stretching and losing shape. Here are the steps you need to follow to do it right:

1. Find a big enough flat space where you can leave your drying blanket for 24 hours.
2. Spread out a plastic shower curtain or some other waterproof item suitable for protecting the space below from water coming out of the blanket. 
3. Place a layer of clean, dry towels around the surface to absorb the water as it wicks out from the blanket.
4. Usually, a blanket takes around 24 hours to dry completely. In case it didn’t fully dry, just flip it over on a new layer of dry towels.

If your blanket is made from 100% acrylic yarns, it means you can machine-dry it on a low-heat setting.

The same rule applies to Amelie Home Throw Blankets. Even though they are made of a combination of wool and synthetic yarns, you still can tumble dry them on a low-heat setting. 

5. How To Store A Crochet Blanket?

A few rules need to be followed for storing a crochet blanket or any other knitted item.

The best place for storing them is a dark, cool closet. Avoid storing them in attics and basements due to fluctuating temperatures and excessive humidity.

Never hang any knitted blankets coz the weight will stretch out the yarns, and the blanket will definitely lose its’ shape.

Use breathable cotton bags or acid-free archival paper for smaller crochet items for extra care.  

Q&A:

How to treat stains on your crochet blanket?

Most stains can be cleaned by applying a small amount of heavy-duty detergent into the yarn and allowing it to sit for 15 minutes before washing. Just make sure not to overuse the detergent because it can harm the yarn.

How often should I wash my crochet blanket?

Usually, a crochet blanket is laundered once a season unless you have a messy family member or a pet.

Can you wash a handmade crochet blanket?

Yes, you can wash it. But for all handmade crochet items, you should apply hand-wash regardless of the type of yarn it is made from.

After learning how to properly care about your crochet blankets based on the material, it is made from, explore our Amelie Home website further and pick the crochet blanket that would fit your interior design the most. 

Our stylish cable knit blankets are performed in our signature classic & timeless Frenchic design to add a pop of style and French elegance to your bedroom or living room.