If you have a sherpa blanket that you use for outdoor events or to cozy with up on cold days, you want to care for it properly so that you can enjoy its warmth and comfort for years to come. If you’re afraid you might ruin your blanket by washing it but want to take good care of it, this post is for you. We guide you through how to wash and care for your sherpa blanket so you can count on it retaining its quality and lasting for years.
How to Wash Your Sherpa Blanket
Sherpa blankets are cozy and popular for their soft and fuzzy texture. To keep your sherpa blanket looking nice and prevent it from collecting debris, follow these care tips:
- Cold water: Sherpa blankets need to be washed in cold water as hot water can damage the sherpa fabric and cause it to lose its softness.
- Gentle washing: Using a gentle cycle reduces the amount of agitation your blanket will receive during washing. Excessive agitation can cause your sherpa blanket to become matted and lose its softness.
- Mild detergent: Use a mild detergent to wash your sherpa blanket. Harsh chemicals or strong detergents may damage the fabric and affect its texture.
- Separate colors: Wash your sherpa separately or with similar colors to prevent color bleeding or fading.
- Avoid overloading: Don't overload your washing machine. Ensure there's enough room for the blanket to move freely during the washing cycle. This helps prevent damage and ensures a thorough cleaning.
- Skip the fabric softener: While fabric softeners can be used with some fabrics, it's generally recommended to skip them for sherpa blankets. They can leave a coating on the fabric and affect its softness.
- Hang dry or tumble dry on low heat: You get best results if you hang your sherpa blanket to dry. If you can’t hang it to dry, tumble dry it, using a low-heat setting. High heat can damage the sherpa material and cause it to lose its softness over time.
By following these washing tips, you can keep your blanket clean and soft. However, care doesn’t stop at cleaning. To maintain the softness and appearance of your sherpa blanket and to minimize the chances of debris getting caught in it, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid Velcro and snag-prone items: Keep your sherpa blanket away from items with Velcro or anything that could snag the fabric, as sherpa tends to catch on such materials easily.
- Regularly shake or brush: To prevent debris from getting caught in the sherpa fibers, give the blanket a good shake outdoors or use a soft brush to remove any loose particles.
- Storage: When not in use, store your sherpa blanket in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause colors to fade.
- Avoid protective coatings: Since sherpa blankets are popular for outdoor use, you may be tempted to coat yours with a protective spray, hoping to avoid unwanted stains. However, protective coatings can interfere with the natural softness and texture of the sherpa material, potentially making it less plush and comfortable. Sherpa fabric is designed to be breathable and cozy, but protective sprays reduce the breathability of the fabric, making it less comfortable to use.
What to Do if Your Sherpa Outdoor Blanket Gets Stained
Using your sherpa blanket outdoors at sporting events can be enjoyable, but it also exposes the blanket to the risk of stains from drinks or other substances. If you happen to get stains on your sherpa blanket, here are some steps you can take to try and remove them:
- Act quickly: Address stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting. The longer a stain sits, the more challenging it may be to remove.
- Blot, don't rub: Use a clean, white cloth or paper towel to blot the stain gently. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain and potentially damage the fabric.
- Pre-treat the stain: Pre-treat the stain with a stain remover or a mixture of mild detergent and water. Apply the solution to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Gently wash: Launder the entire blanket using a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
- Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals: Hot water can set stains and affect the sherpa material, so it's essential to use cold water when washing. Additionally, avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the fabric.
- Check stain removal: Before drying the blanket, make sure the stain is completely removed. Drying it will set the stain. Repeat the pre-treating process and launder again to completely remove the stain.
- Air dry or dry on a low setting: To maintain the softness of the sherpa fabric, air dry the blanket or machine dry using a low heat setting.
Why Do Sherpa Blankets Need Special Care?
Sherpa blankets may require special care due to the nature of their construction and the materials used. Sherpa fabric typically consists of a soft, fuzzy top layer (resembling sheep's wool) and a smoother, woven bottom layer. The combination of these materials can make sherpa blankets more delicate and sensitive to certain cleaning methods.
Here are some reasons why sherpa blankets may need special care:
- Texture sensitivity: Sherpa blankets are known for their soft and fuzzy texture. Special care is needed to preserve this texture, as harsh cleaning methods or improper handling can lead to matting, pilling, or a loss of softness.
- Material composition: Sherpa blankets are often made from a blend of polyester and other synthetic fibers. Some blends may be more prone to damage from heat, harsh chemicals, or fabric softeners. Special care instructions are provided to ensure that the materials retain their quality and durability.
- Avoiding snags: The fuzzy top layer of sherpa fabric can be prone to snagging on rough surfaces, Velcro, or other items with hooks. Special care involves avoiding situations where the fabric can get caught or pulled, which helps prevent damage to the blanket.
- Maintaining shape: Sherpa blankets may lose their shape if subjected to harsh washing or drying conditions. Special care involves using gentle cycles, avoiding overloading the washing machine, and opting for air drying or low heat in the dryer to maintain the original shape of the blanket.
- Longevity: Taking special care of sherpa blankets extends their lifespan. By following the manufacturer's care instructions, you can ensure that the blanket remains in good condition for a more extended period.
Taking care of your sherpa blanket doesn’t need to be scary. You can be confident that you’ll have a blanket that lasts if you follow the tips in this post. If you want to make sure you get a high-quality sherpa blanket that gives you the comfort and style you need for outdoor events, then check out the selection at Dagmi Outdoors.