In my opinion, Sherpa blankets are a must-have during the winter season–especially this super soft sherpa blanket that is my all-time favorite. The luxuriously soft and plush fabric is ideal for curling up on the sofa and getting cozy in the winter. As a child, I used to have a bad habit of ruining Sherpa blankets when it got too hot out in the summer.
Sherpa is notorious for falling apart after a single wash, owing to its wool-like texture and synthetic materials used in its construction. Despite the fact that the fabric is designed to withstand the stresses that normal washing places on it, it isn’t. It has the potential to fall apart in your hands and lose that warm and inviting feel that people enjoy.
If you’re wondering how to wash a Sherpa blanket, you’ve come to the right place.
What’s a Sherpa Blanket?
First and foremost, it’s critical to understand what Sherpa blankets are and what they’re used for. It is common for people to confuse the fabric with other, similar materials such as fleece or shearling. Despite the fact that they appear to be nearly identical, Sherpa was designed with a specific inspiration in mind.
Fabric was originally named Sherpa because it was modeled after garments worn by the Sherpa people, who gave it its name. Sherpas are indigenous to Nepal’s Himalayan mountains, where they endure subzero temperatures. They use wool to line their clothes in order to survive the bitter cold.
Sherpa fabric shares many of the same characteristics as natural wool in appearance and feel. It has that familiar bumpy texture, and it acts as an insulator, keeping your body heat from escaping. However, the main distinction between Sherpa and the wool of the mountain-dwelling people is the type of material used in their production.
Sherpa fabric is made up of a variety of synthetic materials. Polyester and acrylic are two examples of such materials. Cotton is also used in some blankets, though it is not as common as other materials.
Because of the synthetic nature of Sherpa, it is significantly less expensive than the genuine article. In addition, it can be made into attractive blankets for use during the colder months.
Recommended See also: The Best Throw Blankets
Sherpa blankets can be harmed in a variety of ways.
There are a variety of problems that can arise when you wash your Sherpa blanket with a regular load of laundry. Shredding and pebbling are the most noticeable issues that you might encounter while gardening. The blanket’s dense fibers will clump together and fall off.
This damages the piece’s finish and makes it uncomfortably heavy to carry around. So, what is the cause of this occurrence? What really matters is how your washing machine operates.
As it tumbles around in the washing machine, your blanket rubs up against the other clothing items. The constant friction causes the individual fibers to become tangled and matted as a result of the friction.
Natural fibers such as hair, wool, and cotton absorb water, whereas synthetic fibers do not. As a result, they do not soften. Once the matting process begins, the blanket is irreparably damaged.
In addition, cosmetic damage can occur during the washing process. Take a look at the labels on your clothing and your Sherpa blanket to see if anything seems off. It is possible to see symbols that indicate a recommended wash setting.
These symbols are frequently used to prevent color bleeding from occurring. Unfortunately, not enough people are following the instructions to the letter. Consequently, there will be noticeable staining and discoloration throughout the load.
Bleeding is frequently caused by low-quality dyes and ineffective coloring techniques. The addition of warm water to the mixture helps to draw the dyes out of the fabric. The tumbling action then causes the dye to seep into other items in the washing machine, causing them to fade.
How you can Wash Sherpa Blanket Safely
Maintaining the condition of your priceless Sherpa blanket necessitates some special attention. Because of this, these fabrics are extremely sensitive to the effects of regular washing. However, the majority of those issues are caused by other items of clothing.
Using a delicate laundry detergent, such as this one, which is my personal favorite and smells fantastic, can also be beneficial. This will ensure that you have a soft blanket for the rest of your life.
Washing your Sherpa blanket safely requires that you treat it as if it were a separate item. Here are some cleaning suggestions to ensure that your blanket remains soft and cozy for many years to come.
Pretreat Stains First
The first thing you should do is deal with any stains that have appeared. In some cases, using a washing machine can help to push the substance deeper into the fibers. Preparing stains ahead of time can assist you in lifting the substance out rather than spreading it.
Using a generous amount of mild dish soap, clean the affected area thoroughly. Allow it to soak for approximately 10 minutes. The soap will loosen the fibers and allow the mess to be released. You can also use a gentle and natural laundry stain remover, such as this one, which I’ve been using and recommending for quite some time.
Avoid using any chlorine-based bleaches or chemicals in your home or office. Chlorine has the potential to cause fabric damage over time.
If the stain is oil-based, you can also sprinkle some cornstarch on top of it to absorb some of the oil. The powder will work to absorb some of the oil, making it easier to remove later in the process.
After the soap has been blotted away with a paper towel for 10 minutes, rinse the area thoroughly. Do not rub the soap into your skin. This will only serve to exacerbate the stain’s appearance.
Making Use of the Washing Machine
It is not necessary to hand wash your blanket in order to keep it looking its best. Keep in mind that the problem with washing Sherpa with other clothes is that it bleeds and mats up. Not the machine itself, but the software that runs on it, is causing the problems.
Washing machines are fine as long as the blanket is washed separately from the other clothes. You should refrain from introducing any additional towels or clothing items. The blanket requires a lot of space to be able to move around freely.
It’s also important to make the necessary adjustments to the wash settings. When it comes to washing clothes, hot or warm water is usually the best choice. Use either cold or warm water to wash your Sherpa blanket.
It is best to use cold water. It decreases the likelihood of fading. In addition, it does not place an undue strain on the synthetic fibers used.
After that, set the cycle to the gentlest setting it has to offer. Washing cycles that are gentle are less vigorous than normal washes. As a result, the blanket will gently tumble around while it is being cleaned.
In addition, the gentle cycle prevents excessive agitation. Top-loading washers use a central spinner to help move the clothes through the machine. As a result, abrasive damage occurs. Some companies employ impellers, which clean without the use of abrasion.
Keeping the cycle on the gentlest setting available will help to prevent matting and shedding from occurring.
Dish soap, rather than your regular detergent, will provide even greater protection for the fabric. Sherpa is allergic to synthetic fragrances, softeners, and bleach because they are too harsh. They have the potential to break down fibers and cause more shedding. Due to this, you may experience even more shedding than usual.
Using an all-natural detergent that is gentle and fragrance-free is an option if you have one on hand. Otherwise, stick to plain old dishwashing liquid.
Drying
The drying cycle is the next step. The most effective method of preventing damage to your Sherpa Blanket is to hang it on a clothesline. The process of air drying is extremely gentle on the fabric.
It is recommended that you use a retractable clothesline like this one if you have the available space. It is both effective and simple. If that is not an option, you can always use a clothes drying rack that is fairly sturdy, such as this one. Make certain that you use a tall one that is large enough to accommodate your blanket.
The only disadvantage is that it can take up to 24 hours to dry completely. It is possible to expedite the process by exposing the blanket to more air, as provided by a fan.
If you don’t have time to wait for your blanket to dry completely, you can use a regular dryer instead of the microwave. The settings should be as low as possible, just like in the washing machine.
It is recommended that you use the tumble drying cycle on your drying machine. Heat and synthetic fibers are not a good combination. Because you are not wearing any other clothing items to protect yourself from the heat, your Sherpa blanket may begin to melt.
The tumble drying cycle uses very little energy and produces very little heat. It is instead tossed around by the dryer, which keeps it moving. The small amount of heat that is present will aid in the evaporation of any moisture that may be present.
Conclusion
Sherpa blankets are a wonderful addition to any home’s furnishings. They are perfect for use as throw blankets in the living room and nighttime covers in the bedroom, among other things. While they aren’t the most straightforward items to clean, it isn’t impossible.
Having a good understanding of how to wash a Sherpa blanket can make a world of difference. Instead of having to deal with a ruined texture and unsightly color stains, your blanket will look and feel like new again in no time.
Sherpa Blanket Frequently Asked Questions
Keeping Sherpa blankets soft is simple: the key to washing your Sherpa blanket safely is to treat it as a separate item. Cleaning it with other clothes and fabrics can cause it to become damaged.
Methods for preventing sherpa matting include: The most common reason for a sherpa blanket to become matted is due to improper washing with other materials, such as cotton or wool. This can be avoided by washing it alone.
Sherpa Cleaning Instructions: Washing sherpa should be done by spot treating it and washing it separately from other fabrics that can damage it in the washing machine are the best methods of cleaning it.
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