Rules for storing and caring for winter blankets

Keeping a blanket clean may seem like a simple task at first glance, but in order for a blanket to stay in really good condition, it needs to be stored properly. As a reward, you will keep your blanket in perfect condition, protect it from the appearance of dust mites, and also avoid deformations due to exposure to high and low temperatures.

The question of storage is especially relevant if you change blankets depending on the season: warm in winter, light in summer, demi-season in autumn and spring.

When storing a blanket, it is necessary to take into account the type of filler, density and age of the blanket.

Three types of fillers can be found on the market:

• natural;

• mixed;

• artificial.

1. Natural fillers occupy no more than 20% of the total number of blankets sold. The cover can be made of both natural and artificial fabrics. Most often, covers are made of satin, natural silk or satin in soft pastel shades. There are also microfiber or calico ones. Natural fillers include:

• fluff/feather;

• silk fibers;

• sheep or camel wool;

• bamboo or eucalyptus fibers;

• cashmere.

The storage and care of blankets with natural fillers should be treated with special attention. Wool blankets are stored in cotton bags or bags. In the bags, you should put drugs (in tablets or discs) designed to repel insects.

2. Artificial fillers are excellent ecological substitutes for natural fibers. They are characterized by softness and high heat capacity. These include:

• holofiber;

• fiberflex;

• swan down;

• siliconized fibers.

The cost of a blanket with artificial fillers depends on the quality of the materials. In more affordable models, covers can be made of calico, microfiber, and in expensive models, they are made of satin, teak, percale, etc.

3. Mixed fillers are a combination of artificial and natural fibers. The share of natural products here can reach 50%. The addition of artificial fibers significantly lowers the cost of blankets and makes them easier to care for. Blankets with mixed filling have absorbed all the positive qualities of artificial and natural models.

We are preparing the blanket for storage

As soon as the season is over and it's time to change the blanket, it must first be prepared for storage. There are several rules!

We vacuum

A vacuum cleaner does not replace washing. It has another purpose: ridding the blanket of dust, dust mites and their waste products. Do not neglect this process, especially, again, when caring for natural blankets.

Let's go

The most difficult process is washing.

Blankets with natural fillings should be washed only by hand, not in manual mode, but by hand! With a mild agent, for example, shampoo, while thoroughly rinsing the remains. You need to squeeze very carefully.

Blended and synthetic blankets are easier, they can be hand washed in the washing machine. You can put special balls in the drum so that the blankets retain their volume.

Let's dry

Even after washing and drying, the blanket cannot be put away for storage, it must first be thoroughly dried. It should be dried in a horizontal position in the shade, constantly shaking to evenly distribute the filler inside the sections (if the blanket is quilted). Or contact dry cleaning services.

We choose a place for storage

Storing blankets that are used every day is easier. The blanket is either placed on the bed and covered with a bedspread, or taken away in the linen storage boxes in the sofas.

The most common places for long-term storage of blankets are a special closet next to the bed, a pantry, and a mezzanine.

Several points are very important, especially for blankets with natural fillers:

1. It should be stored in a dark, well-ventilated room.

2. The cabinet must be empty. The maximum you can put is a sachet with herbs, the main thing is that the aroma is light and pleasant to you personally.

3. A blanket filled with down or feathers cannot be kept in a vacuum. The filling will form a dense lump, which will be very difficult to loosen again.

4. Wrap the blanket with natural fibers in a cotton sheet. And in the summer, sometimes hang it outside so that the sunlight falls directly on it. This will destroy dust mites, mold and remove moisture.

How to properly store a blanket?

There are several ways to store blankets.

1. Roll up and put away

If there is a lot of space in the closet and there is only bed, the closet closes - why not?

2. Put in an airtight bag

A good idea - the bag will protect the blanket from dirt, but the blanket will still take up a lot of space.

3. Twist tightly and tie

In this way, you can reduce the volume of the blanket. But you must be sure that the blanket will regain its former appearance after months of storage. That is, this method is suitable only for artificial and mixed fillers.

4. Vacuum bags

A method that allows not only to significantly reduce the volume of the blanket and pillow, but also limits access to air, which means dust and odors. However, most blankets are made of natural fillers, it is better not to vacuum.

And once again about the important storage conditions for winter blankets!

The place where blankets are stored should be dry and dark, with a humidity not exceeding 60% and a temperature from +15°С to +22°С. In attics and basements it can be too damp, and therefore pillows and blankets should not be kept there. Damp air will cause mold to appear on the fabric.

Pay attention! Repellents should not come into direct contact with blankets and pillows.

When storing blankets for a long time, they should be shaken out and dried once every few months. This will help protect them from dust mites, creases, moisture accumulation and insects.

Store blankets correctly — extend the life of the bed

By following simple rules, you can significantly extend the life of bedding and thereby reduce your costs for buying new ones. Now you know where and how to store blankets so that they keep their perfect appearance for as long as possible.

What are your storage secrets? Share in the comments.