Dealing with lint on your blankets can be frustrating, especially when it clings after a wash. However, with the right techniques, your washing machine can become a powerful tool in combating lint.
This guide will explore how to effectively remove lint from blankets during the washing process, ensuring they come out clean and comfortable every time.
How to Get Lint Off Blanket in Washing Machine
Removing lint from blankets in the washing machine involves a combination of proper preparation, correct washing settings, and the use of helpful laundry tools. Here’s a detailed approach to effectively minimize lint during the washing process:
Preparation Phase
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Shake Before Washing: Start by vigorously shaking your blanket outside. This helps to dislodge and remove loose fibers and lint that have accumulated during use. Removing as much lint as possible before the wash can significantly reduce the amount that ends up in the washing machine.
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Use Mesh Laundry Bags: For smaller or delicate blankets, using a mesh laundry bag can be particularly effective. These bags prevent the blanket from being tossed around too harshly in the machine, which minimizes the fibers being pulled from the fabric.
Washing Techniques
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Select the Right Cycle: Choose a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. These settings use less agitation and a slower spin speed, which are gentler on your blankets and help to reduce the amount of lint produced during the wash.
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Cold Water Setting: Always use cold water for washing blankets. Cold water is less harsh on fabrics and helps to prevent the fibers from breaking and forming lint.
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Appropriate Detergent: Use a mild detergent that is designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid detergents with harsh chemicals or bleach as these can damage the fibers of your blanket and increase lint production.
During the Wash
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Lint Catchers: Consider adding lint catchers to your wash. These products, such as lint catcher balls or floating lint mesh bags, are designed to attract and catch lint and fibers inside the washing machine, keeping them off your blankets.
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Proper Loading: Avoid overloading your washing machine. A too-full washing machine doesn’t provide enough space for the blanket to move freely, which increases friction and lint production. A less crowded drum allows for better movement and more effective lint removal.
Post-Wash Handling
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Check the Lint Trap: After each wash cycle, make sure to check and clean your washing machine’s lint trap (if it has one). Removing lint from the trap regularly prevents it from being redeposited onto the blanket in future washes.
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Second Rinse Cycle: If lint remains a problem, running a second rinse cycle can help remove any residual fibers that have loosened during the wash but are still clinging to the blanket.
Drying Techniques
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Air Drying: Whenever possible, air dry your blanket instead of using a tumble dryer. Hang the blanket in a well-ventilated area or lay it flat on a clean surface. Air drying helps to reduce additional lint that can be created by the tumbling action of a dryer.
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Low Heat in Dryer: If you need to use a dryer, set it to a low heat setting and include dryer balls. These balls help to separate the fabric layers as they tumble, enhancing air circulation and helping to pull away lint and fibers.
Ensuring your blankets are free of lint not only maintains their quality but also enhances the comfort of snuggling up on your Puffy Lux Mattress.
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How to Remove Lint from Blanket in Washing Machine
Removing lint from blankets in the washing machine requires thoughtful preparation and the use of specific techniques and tools to ensure effectiveness. Here’s a detailed guide on how to efficiently clean your blankets and minimize lint during the washing process:
Preparation Steps
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Shake the Blanket: Before placing the blanket in the washing machine, give it a good shake outdoors. This initial step helps to remove loose fibers and lint, which might otherwise clump together during the wash.
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Use Mesh Laundry Bags: For smaller or delicate blankets, placing them in mesh laundry bags can help minimize the friction with other items and the washing machine itself, which can pull more fibers loose.
Choosing the Right Washing Settings
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Gentle Cycle: Always set your washing machine to the gentle or delicate cycle when washing blankets. This setting uses less agitation, which reduces the stress on the fibers, thereby minimizing the amount of lint produced.
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Cold Water Wash: Use cold water instead of hot to wash your blankets. Hot water can weaken fibers, making them more prone to breaking and forming lint.
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Appropriate Detergent: Opt for mild or specifically formulated detergents for delicates. These are less harsh and reduce the risk of damaging the fabric, which can lead to more lint.
During the Wash
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Add Lint Collectors: Consider using lint collector balls or reusable floating lint mesh bags in the wash. These devices are designed to attract and capture lint from the water, preventing it from settling back onto the fabric.
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Proper Load Size: Do not overload the washing machine. An overloaded machine doesn’t clean as effectively and increases fabric wear and lint production because of the reduced space for movement.
Post-Wash Tips
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Clean the Lint Trap: After the wash cycle, check and clean your washing machine’s lint trap. This should be done after each wash to prevent lint from previous loads from attaching to other items.
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Additional Rinse Cycle: If you notice lint remaining on the blanket after the wash, running an additional rinse cycle can help remove the lint. The extra water flow can help flush out lingering fibers.
Drying Techniques
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Air Drying: Whenever possible, opt for air drying your blanket. Lay it flat on a clean surface or hang it on a drying line. Air drying prevents the aggressive tumbling action of a dryer, which can create more lint.
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Low Heat Dryer Setting: If using a dryer is necessary, select a low heat setting and include dryer balls. These help to separate the blanket from other items, reducing static and assisting in removing any remaining lint.
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Periodic Cleaning of Dryer: Ensure the dryer’s lint trap is clean before use. A clean trap enhances the dryer’s efficiency and prevents old lint from transferring back onto the blanket.
I found that using a combination of mesh bags and lint balls in the wash dramatically reduced the lint on my family’s favorite fleece blankets.
After implementing these changes, our blankets remained soft and vibrant, perfect for family movie nights on our cozy Puffy Lux Mattress.
Conclusion
With the right care and a few handy laundry accessories, your washing machine can effectively remove lint from blankets, keeping them fresh and cozy. Follow these tips to enhance your laundry routine, ensuring your blankets stay soft, clean, and ready for snuggling.
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