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A soft faux fur blanket can make your living space more appealing and warm. However, if you’re using your blanket for a long period of time, you’ll notice that it starts to get harder. That’s why you should know how to make faux fur blanket soft again.
Faux fur blankets are made with a kind of plastic hair. They are a good alternative to a real fur blanket and are a great option for any season. However, those blankets do not last for a very long time.
As your blanket loses some of its softness, it becomes less comfortable. So what happens when a faux fur blanket doesn’t feel as soft as it used to be? Don’t fret – with a few simple steps, you can have it back to being as soft as new.
How to Make Faux Fur Blanket Soft Again in 4 Steps
The fake sheepskin (also known as Sherpa blanket) is one of the most popular types of faux fur blankets. It is made of artificial materials, such as acrylic and polyester, and has two distinct sides. One side features a wiry, rough texture that mimics wool while the other comes with a smooth, fluffy knit.
In this step-by-step guide, we will see how to make the Sherpa blanket softer. It’s all about removing pilling and dirt from the blanket, as it is the main reason why the fake sheepskin becomes rough. The blankets should be washed occasionally because dust, dirt, body oils, and hair accumulate in polyester fleece over time.
Keep in mind that every type of material has its specific care processes. That said, be sure to check the care instructions on the blanket tag beforehand. Regardless of the material, you need to follow these 4 simple steps.
Step 1: Remove Excess Dirt and Oil
One of the most effective ways to get rid of dirt is with cornmeal. It will also help you remove oil from your blanket besides loose dirt and grime.
All you need to do is purchase cornmeal and scatter it over the faux fur blanket. It is a good idea to work it into the polyester fleece with a soft brush for cleaning. You can also use a dish sponge for this purpose.
Don’t apply a lot of pressure. Gently pass a brush or sponge over your blanket to avoid piercing or scarring the fabric.
Then let cornmeal sit for about 12 hours before you remove it from the blanket. Actually, it’s best to leave it overnight. That would allow it to absorb body oil and moisture completely.
To make sure all the moisture is absorbed, consider massaging the area thoroughly. Shake and brush your blanket the next day to ensure that any excess powder is gone. Repeat this simple procedure if needed.
Step 2: Eliminate Pilling
When talking about pilling, we think of the entanglement of fibers that occurs on their ends as a result of lint balls in the blanket. It gives rise to buildup that creates when they come in contact with towels as well as the interior of the dryers and washers.
If left untouched, the buildup may lead to friction burns. That’s why it is important to eliminate pilling on time.
Luckily, it can be easily removed with a fabric lint or pill remover by running its razors over the faux fur. You can use either a battery-operated or electric defuzzer/shaver.
Choose one that is suitable for faux fur blankets. It is supposed to make it easy to remove any lint and fluff from different fabrics and garments. You will want the blades to be durable, sharp, and easy to replace.
As you treat pills with your sweater shaver, they will be dropping to the floor, table, bed, and all over the room. Here’s how to have a mess-free home while shaving your blanket. You will need a piece of tape for this simple trick.
Take a larger one for the best results. Wrap it around your hand so that its sticky side points out. By placing it onto the Sherpa throw your blanket, you will ensure that the pills do not stick. It will do the trick!
Step 3: Brush Your Faux Fur Blanket
Brushing can make your blanket look fresh. It will be soft again too. This is why you need to brush it from time to time.
Before you start brushing your faux fur blanket, place it on a tabletop or another firm surface. Use a soft-bristle cleaning or slicker pet brush.
Brush your blanket thoroughly by going in every direction – vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. You may also use circular motions. Make sure there is no clump when you are done.
Step 4: Wash the Blanket
Now it’s time for washing! Here are a few tips on how to wash the faux fur blankets:
- Never use fabric softeners. They can cause fur fibers to stick together.
- Wash your blankets in cool water and select a delicate washer cycle.
- You can make a non-chlorine bleach solution and use it with your faux fur blanket, but don’t overdo things and use only if needed.
- Use usual detergent or hair conditioners rather than fabric conditioners. Mix about 0.5 l of water (2 cups) with 1 tsp. of your hair conditioner. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to the surface uniformly. Before washing, brush your blanket gently.
- You should always prefer air drying. While the dryer can help in expediting the process, it should be used on no heat.
Machine Washing
Machine wash faux fur blankets only when required. Twice a year would be quite enough. Otherwise, you’d risk damaging your blanket due to excessive wear and tear. This eventually leads to hair loss, i.e. tufting and matting of the blanket.
Once again, always go with the cool water and gentle low-temperature cycle when washing this way. In addition to hair conditioners, you may also use laundry liquid or powder. Commercial cleaning solutions that are intended to soften, perfume, or bleach faux fur are too harsh.
Manual or Hand Washing
If your faux fur blanket has delicate decorations, such as beading and/or embroidery, you need to hand wash it to avoid any damage. Machine washing can ruin the blanket, so steer clear of it because thorough laundering is not necessary at all.
Instead, give your blanket a good clean-up by hand washing it every once in a while. You should avoid using any fabric softeners, bleach solutions, and whitening agents.
The mixture of white vinegar and detergent is great for Sherpa fleece blankets, especially when used in cool water. It can do a great job of removing any dirt and loosening the fibers. As for polyester blankets, use mild detergents and warm water.
FAQ About How to Make Faux Fur Blanket Soft Again
How Do You Make Your Faux Fur Blanket Smooth?
Rather than using fabric softeners, make your own mixture by combining 4 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of hair conditioner. After placing this homemade mixture in spray bottles, spritz your blanket and brush lightly to make it smooth again.
How Should I Wash My Faux Fur Blanket?
Just like fleece, faux fur can be washed as needed. However, you should use a mild detergent in a small amount and cold water to avoid any damage.
If you have a choice, front-loading machines are gentler on faux fur, than top-loading machines.
Make sure the washing cycle is gentle. Washing together with other rags or fabrics is not recommended.
How Can I Soften My Fluffy Blanket?
Place your blanket along with 4-5 reusable dryer balls in the dryer. During the drying cycle, these balls will ‘massage’ the blanket and thus make it softer. Choose air fluff or low heat setting to prevent the faux fur strands from getting bent.
Takeaway
Faux fur blankets are durable, functional, and highly comfortable to use. However, they can get a little worn over time, which makes them less soft and less appealing to look at. Instead of throwing your cover in the trash or buying a new one, follow these tips on how to make faux fur blanket soft again.
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