How To Freshen Blankets Without Washing
Keeping a set of freshly laundered blankets on your bed is one of the easiest ways to create an inviting space conducive to restful sleep. The smell of freshly laundered linens and bedding — not to mention the visual appeal — creates an environment that’s cozy and inviting.
However, keeping your bedding smelling fresh isn’t always so easy. If you struggle with keeping your bedding clean and smelling fresh, follow these tips so you can freshen up your blankets again in no time! Here are some ways to get your blankets back into tip-top shape without washing them. Let us know in the comments if these tricks come in handy!
Change the Sheets
One of the best ways to get your blankets smelling fresh is to replace the sheets. If you’re dealing with a mild case of mildew, the fresh scent of clean sheets is one of the easiest ways to lift the “musty” smell from your bed. Even if there isn’t a scent, freshly laundered sheets help remove any residual oils or dirt that may have gotten trapped in the fabric of your blankets. If you have a recurring mildew problem, consider switching to a different type of fabric. Synthetic fabrics (like polyester) are more prone to mildew than natural fabrics like cotton. While it might seem excessive to change your sheets every few weeks or months, we promise it’s worth it!
Shake Out Your Blanket
If your blankets are still looking clean and fresh, but they have a stale or “cottony” smell, try shaking them out! If you’re lucky, you can remove trapped dust and other small particles from your fabric without needing to launder your blanket. To do this, find a space where you can shake out your blanket. You want enough room to fully extend it — for a king-sized blanket, this means a wide open area like a field or a parking lot. Alternatively, you can partially fold the blanket lengthwise, shaking it out like a rug. The important thing here is to fully extend the blanket, so the wrinkles and particles trapped inside can shake loose and fully escape.
Unleash The Febreze (Or Your Favorite Fabric Freshener)
If you have a mildew problem, or you’ve already tried the above tips and your blankets just aren’t smelling any better, it might be time to break out your favorite fabric freshener. Whether you prefer an aerosol spray like Febreze, or a liquid fabric refresher, these sprays are a quick and easy way to “clean” your blankets. When choosing a fabric freshener, it’s important to make sure it’s safe to use on fabrics. You can find sprays that say “fabric refresher” or “fabric cleaner,” but be wary of any sprays that say “fabric stain remover.” Those are designed to soak into the fabric and break down dirt and oils, which can cause staining on light-colored fabrics.
Air out your Bedroom and Blankets
If you’ve tried everything above, and your blankets still smell funky, it might be time to give them a break. If your blankets smell bad, but aren’t visibly stained or dirty, consider giving them a break for a few days. During this time, it’s important to air out your bedroom. Use a fan to keep air moving, open your blinds and shades, and invite as much fresh air into your bedroom as possible. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can also try airing out your blankets outside like you would a rug. It’s important to note that airing out your blankets won’t be enough to kill any mildew spores, but it’s a good first step toward getting rid of the smell.
Conclusion
Keeping your blankets clean and fresh can be a challenge, especially if you have pets or a busy lifestyle. Luckily, there are several quick and easy ways to freshen up your bedding — no washing necessary!
To keep your blankets clean and fresh, make sure to wash them regularly (at least once a month), and don’t forget to clean the rest of your bedding as well. You can also try adding a few drop cloths to your bedding to protect your blankets from stains and spills.
