How to Wash an Afghan in the Washing Machine
Washing an afghan, especially if it’s hand-knitted or crocheted, requires careful handling to maintain its quality and appearance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clean your afghan without causing damage.
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Start by examining your afghan for a care label. This label will provide you with vital information, including whether or not it is machine washable and what cycle and water temperature to use. If the label advises against machine washing, it’s best to follow those instructions or hand wash it instead.
Step 2: Prepare the Afghan for Washing
If the afghan is machine washable, prepare it by removing any detachable parts and shaking it out to rid of loose dirt or debris. It’s also helpful to place the afghan in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to provide extra protection from snagging or stretching during the wash cycle.
Step 3: Select the Right Wash Settings
Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold water. Hot water can cause the afghan to shrink or the colors to bleed. Use a mild detergent that is appropriate for the fabric of your afghan – for wool afghans, for instance, use a wool-safe detergent.
Step 4: Wash the Afghan
Place the afghan in the washing machine, either in the protective bag or alone. It’s important not to overcrowd the washing machine, as the afghan needs space to move freely for a thorough clean. Start the wash cycle and wait until it completes.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
After the wash cycle is complete, ensure that the afghan is well-rinsed to remove all detergent. Some washing machines have an extra rinse cycle, which can be beneficial for bulky items like afghans.
Step 6: Drying the Afghan
Carefully remove the afghan from the washing machine, supporting it evenly to prevent stretching. If your afghan is dryer safe, you can dry it on a low heat setting with clean tennis balls to fluff it up. Otherwise, the safest option is to air-dry the afghan by laying it flat on a clean, dry towel, away from direct sunlight and heat. Reshape the afghan as needed and let it dry completely before use.
Tips and Reminders
- Always refer to the care instructions specific to your afghan to prevent any mishaps.
- Do not wring or twist the afghan to remove excess water as this can cause damage.
- If you’re unsure about the colorfastness, test a small area with a damp cloth to see if the dye bleeds.
- Consider using a fabric softener to keep the fibers soft, but only if the care label permits its use.
- Some afghans, particularly those made from delicate fibers, may be better off being professionally dry cleaned.
By following these steps, you can safely wash your afghan in the washing machine and keep it looking its best for years to come.