Barefoot Dreams blankets are prized for their softness and plush fibers, making proper cleaning essential to preserve texture and longevity. This guide explains practical, safe steps to refresh and clean these cozy blankets without damaging the fabric.
Following a careful routine helps maintain the blanket’s color, nap, and overall comfort. The approaches below cover everyday cleaning, deodorizing, lint removal, and pill reduction while prioritizing fabric care and safety.
Quick Answer
Quick Method: For light cleaning, use a delicate cycle with a delicate wash bag, cold water, and a gentle detergent. Run a garment steamer or a lint roller to refresh and remove surface lint between washes. For pills, apply a fabric shaver carefully. Dry flat or air dry away from direct heat.
What You’ll Need
- Delicate wash bag for washing large plush blankets
- Delicate detergent or mild, dye-free soap
- Garment steamer for plush blanket refresh
- Lint roller strong adhesive for plush blankets
- Fabric shaver for reducing pills on fleece blankets
- Microfiber cleaning cloths set for blankets care
Before You Start
Read the care label on the blanket for any specific instructions. Test any new product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure no color transfer or fabric damage. Prepare a clean, flat workspace and lay a towel or sheet beneath the blanket to protect floors. Time estimates: washing and air drying can take 4–12 hours depending on size and air flow.
Important cautions include avoiding hot water, high heat in the dryer, and aggressive scrubbing. Do not iron plush blankets, as heat can crush the fibers. If the blanket has specific dye or fiber blends, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent shrinking or pilling.
Step-By-Step: How To Clean A Barefoot Dreams Blanket
- Inspect the blanket for stains, loose threads, or damaged areas before washing.
- Remove surface debris with a lint roller strong adhesive for plush blankets to minimize lint transfer during washing.
- Close zippers, Velcro, and any garment closures to prevent snagging in the wash.
- Place the blanket in a delicate wash bag for washing large plush blankets and add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Run a cold-water cycle on a gentle or delicate setting, ensuring the machine has enough space for the blanket to move freely.
- When the cycle finishes, remove the blanket promptly to minimize wrinkling and set it to air dry flat on a clean surface or on a drying rack.
- Fluff the fibers with hands periodically during drying to restore the nap as it dries.
- For pills or fuzz, use a fabric shaver for reducing pills on fleece blankets with light, even strokes; avoid heavy pressure.
- After drying, use a garment steamer for plush blanket refresh on a low setting to remove wrinkles and refresh the surface.
- Finish with a quick pass of a lint roller strong adhesive for plush blankets to remove any remaining lint or fibers.
- Store the blanket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve color and texture.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiff fabric after washing | Overdrying or high heat | Air dry completely; avoid high heat | Use delicates cycle and low heat or air dry |
| Pilling on surface | Friction or rough handling | Gently use fabric shaver | Wash in delicate bag; separate from rough textiles |
| Color fading or bleeding | Hot water or incompatible detergent | Rewash with cold water and color-safe detergent | Follow care label; use mild detergent |
| Persistent odor | Moisture trapped during drying | Rewash with extra rinse, air dry completely | Ensure full drainage and proper ventilation |
Common Mistakes
- Using hot water or a hot dryer, which can shrink or damage plush fibers.
- Overloading the washing machine, which prevents thorough cleaning.
- Skimping on drying time, leading to musty smells or mildew risk.
- Applying strong household cleaners that may affect fabric color or feel.
Tips For Best Results
- Run a test wash on a small area if the blanket has unusual dyes or prints.
- Use a gentle detergent designed for delicates to protect fiber softness.
- Periodically refresh the nap with light brushing or a steamer pass to maintain plush feel.
- Store clean blankets in breathable storage to prevent moisture buildup.
Call A Professional
Consider professional cleaning if the blanket is heavily soiled, has significant stains, or involves delicate fibers beyond home care capabilities. Stop and seek help if:
- Water-based stains remain after multiple gentle washes
- Fading colors or fabric distress appears
- There is a risk of shrinking due to uncertain fiber blends
FAQ
Can I machine wash a Barefoot Dreams blanket?
Yes, on a delicate cycle with cold water and a delicate wash bag, if the care label allows it.
How often should I clean it?
Frequency depends on use, exposure to skin oils, and spills. A light wash every few months is common for regular use.
What about pills and fuzz?
Use a fabric shaver gently to reduce pills and keep the surface smooth.
How do I refresh without washing?
Use a garment steamer on a low setting to remove wrinkles and refresh the surface between washes.
Buying Guide
When choosing or maintaining a Barefoot Dreams blanket, consider size, pile density, and fabric blend to match your needs. A larger blanket offers more cuddle area but requires more careful washing in a delicate bag. Noise level and energy efficiency are less of a concern for home washing, but choosing a gentle, efficient washing machine cycle can save time and preserve nap.
Key buying factors include size, durability of fibers, and ease of care. Look for care instructions that align with your laundry setup, a forgiving color range, and a soft hand feel. Consider whether you will benefit from a gentle fabric shaver or a lint roller for routine maintenance.
Placement matters for storage: store blankets in a clean, dry space away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If you prefer quick refreshes, having a garment steamer and microfiber cloths on hand can streamline maintenance. How you plan to use the blanket — daily lounging or occasional use — will influence your choice of size and care routine.