Whether you like to cuddle up in your throw on a couch while watching TV or prefer to wear your beautiful traditional Basotho blanket to a family or cultural event to show respect, we have some tips to keep your blankets and throws clean. In this blog we will show you how to wash your blankets and throws and how often to do so.
Our Basotho blankets are made from 50% wool and 50% draylon acrylic. Many of our throws are made from 100% super soft acrylic while others are a blend of cotton (or wool) and acrylic. The use of acrylic is quite common. Here is more about it.
What is acrylic yarn?
Acrylic yarn is a wool alternative made from synthetic fibres which makes it easy to care for. It is feels beautifully soft, warm and light. Draylon acrylic (which is used in our Basotho blankets) is the best quality acrylic fibre on the market and is known for its anti-pill properties, has a higher strength which makes it more durable. Colours won’t fade because the material is light resistant. And what’s more, is it is also resistant to dirt, mites and moths. Super soft acrylic feels extra fine and light.
How to wash a Basotho blanket
You should ideally not wash your Basotho blanket more than once a year.
Salt is a great stain remover and natural softener (unlike washing powder and detergents) for blankets and keeps the colours bright.. It is also environmentally friendly! It is perfect for caring for your Basotho blanket.
Here are some easy-to-follow instructions:
- Fill a quarter of a bathtub with cold water.
- Pour a cup of course salt into the water.
- Submerge your blanket into the water and allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash it with your hands and then drain out all the water.
- Pour enough cold water to almost cover the blanket to rinse.
- Gently squeeze the water out and then hang the blanket up to dry.
Can I wash my Basotho blanket in a washing machine?
We highly recommend a handwash. However if you prefer to use a washing machine, here’s how:
- Place your blanket inside the machine
- Add a mild washing powder and then set the machine on a wool cycle using cold water. The temperature for the rinse also needs to be cold otherwise your blanket might shrink (due to the wool).
Remember to wash it separately with similar colours. Do not tumble dry or bleach it. You can lay it flat outside to dry or hang it evenly on the washing line for equal weight distribution. It’s definitely not a great idea to iron your Basotho blanket. There is no need to wash it unnecessarily, and if you spill something on it, you can quickly spot clean it with a warm, wet cloth depending on the size of the spill. Just avoid staining it.
You can also dry clean your Basotho blanket and throw if you prefer. With great care, the throw can last you several years, while the blanket can be passed down a few more generations in your family.
How to wash your wool throw
The cleaning instructions for Basotho blankets apply to wool blankets as well.
How to wash an acrylic throw
You can wash your acrylic throw in the washing machine using the same instructions above.
Add a mild washing powder and then set the machine cool temperature (for example 30 degrees Celsius). The temperature for the rinse also needs to be cold. Alternatively hand wash it with cold water.
If it needs a little more care, you can soak it for 10 – 15 minutes. You can use a stain remover, however make sure it doesn’t have any bleach in its ingredients!
An acrylic throw can be ironed on a cool setting.
How to wash a furpile blanket
Wash your furpile blanket only once a year. However, if you use it as a primary source of warmth on a bed then more frequently. The more you wash it, it will become less fluffy.
The best way to wash your furpile blanket is to hand wash it with course salt and cold water.
- Fill a quarter of a bathtub with cold water.
- Pour a cup of course salt into the water.
- Submerge your blanket into the water and allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash it with your hands and then drain out all the water.
- Pour enough cold water to almost cover the blanket to rinse.
- Gently squeeze the water out and then hang the blanket up to dry.
If you would like to use a washing machine, put course salt and a small amount of washing powder in the machine. Washing on a low temperature (30 degrees Celcius).
