What is more comforting that a cozy lap blanket? Periodically, these need cleaning to remove dust, hair and odors. Cleaning these can be problematic if they have fringe so there are some specific methods for cleaning these items. Today, we are going to freshen all of our cozy lap blankets and throws. If you don’t use these during the summer months, then craft a plan for how you are going to store them. Hanging them in a garment protector is a great way to store them until the cooler weather arrives in the fall. So let’s begin: Gather all the throws you have in the house and begin the process of cleaning as per the following recommendations.

Without Fringe

For throws that are acrylic, fleece or wool , these can be washed in the clothes washer on a cold water setting with a mild detergent and fabric softener. Acrylic  and fleece can be dried in the dryer. Wool items cannot be dried using the dryer. Instead, hang these outdoors to dry. If you prefer, these items can also be dry cleaned by a professional or you can also use the home dry cleaning kits to clean and freshen your  throws.

Silk, chenille or other sensitive fabrics cannot be washed in the washer but instead use an at-home dry cleaning kit to clean these in the clothes dryer. Follow the instructions included in the kit and clean only one at a time. Take out of the dryer immediately and fold to prevent wrinkles.

With Fringe:

For these items, it is best to spot clean and air out instead of washing and drying as the fringe then can become tangled and knotted.  Airing out on a clothes line or rack usually will suffice with these items. If soiled, professional dry cleaning is recommended.

As always, assess these items for needed mending or cleaning as well as whether the item is something you want to keep or purge. Why not fix a hot cup of herbal tea, cozy up with your clean and fresh throw, snuggle on the couch and read a magazine or good book. Don’t forget your daily beauty routine!