Sherpa fleece blankets can quickly become covered in lint, pet hair and other contaminants, but can easily be restored back to their plush, fluffy glory with just a few easy steps.
Washing the sherpa will be key in softening its fibers; be sure to include one cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle for optimal results.
Washing
Sherpa blankets are typically constructed of polyester or a blend, designed to mimic the soft feel of sheep wool. Unfortunately, sherpa can be damaged by high heat and harsh chemicals, repeated friction can mat and clump up sherpa permanently and frequently needs proper washing and drying in order for its original softness to return.
However, these problems are often repairable; sherpa can often return back to its original softness through proper washing and drying procedures.
Restoring a sherpa blanket starts with washing it with cool water and replacing bleach with fabric softener, to eliminate matting and clumping caused by hot water washing cycles.
Furthermore, only wash sherpa blankets on cold cycles as hot water may cause dye from other items to leak onto it and cause further matting and clumping.
After washing the sherpa blanket, it should be dried on a cool setting without using any sort of dryer sheet or scented powder to reduce static electricity build-up.
Furthermore, to help further decrease static charge when drying it is suggested to place a tennis ball nearby while it dries to help combat static charge build up.
If your sherpa blanket is still matted and clumpy, try brushing gently with a natural soft-bristle brush to loosen any build-up. If severe matting persists, mix some hair conditioner with warm water and spray it over the blanket for added softness.
Finally, put it through its gentle tumble dryer on low heat to bring back its original softness.
Drying
Have you been unwittingly spilling wing sauce onto your sherpa blanket, or noticed it is flat and clumped? Reviving its fluffiness may not be impossible with the appropriate techniques.
By inspecting your blanket for stains or damage before washing and gently brushing afterwards can restore its cozy texture for cuddling up with.
Begin by shaking or using a lint roller to shake out loose debris such as pet hair or lint from between its fluffy fibers – this will prevent it from embedding further during cleaning process.
After this step is completed, use a soft bristled brush on a blanket soft bristled brush gently brush any packed-down areas and prepare the blanket for washing.
Once your blanket has been washed in cold water, fill a tub or sink with cold water and add your preferred laundry detergent. Be sure to follow the care instructions on its label, using the lowest temperature setting possible and pre-treating any spots with gentle spot removers or a mixture of water and white vinegar before washing.
If any spots remain, pre-treat them first by applying gentle spot remover or adding vinegar before starting this type of washing cycle.
Once the wash cycle is finished, remove excess moisture by draining and wringing gently before pressing as much out with a towel before hanging to dry.
Beware of using high heat when drying this type of blanket as it could flatten its fluffy fibers and cause them to flatten more rapidly than intended.
Brushing
Sherpa is a synthetic fabric designed to resemble shearling wool. While you can machine wash with cold water and mild detergent, air drying it will preserve its softness and prevent stains.
Boar hair brushes or pet slicker brushes should also be used regularly to eliminate matted areas and keep the blanket fluffy. If it seems less soft than it once did, apply conditioner into matting areas; this should restore its softness as you wrap yourself in its warmth!
Overwashing is the primary culprit behind losing sherpa’s softness. High temperatures and harsh laundry products will deteriorate its fibers, rendering it feel rough instead of fluffy and cozy.
If your sherpa seems stiff to use, try rewashing using gentler laundry products at lower temperatures; adding white vinegar may also help.
When you are ready to clean your sherpa blanket, start by immersing it in cold water for 30-60 minutes (if it is particularly dirty use hot water instead ).
Rinse thoroughly after each use if using hot water instead. Next add some liquid fabric softener into a spray bottle filled with water; shake vigorously so the solution mixes before spraying onto matting areas of your blanket.
Stain Removal
If your sherpa blanket has become matted, there are various methods you can take to restore its softness. First, inspect for signs of staining or other damage.
Second, use a lint roller or brush to remove excess lint, hair or debris from its surface before proceeding with cleaning the surface of the blanket.
Add some essential oil drops to the rinse cycle when washing your sherpa blanket, for both an aromatic experience and to soften its fabric without harsh chemicals.
Or soak your blanket in a mixture of vinegar and water which can dissolve any build-up that contributes to its rough texture.
If your sherpa blanket doesn’t soften with any of these techniques, it may be time for replacement. Sherpa fleece is very delicate, so exposure to high heat or harsh chemicals may result in irreparable damage.
Always follow your sherpa’s care instructions; air drying should always be preferred over placing in the dryer, though low heat settings with tennis balls as fluff aid can still work in an emergency situation. Avoid fabric softeners which could make sherpa less fluffy!
Conclusion
In conclusion, fixing Sherpa blankets requires a thoughtful and gentle approach to address common issues such as matting, shedding, or minor damage.
Regularly washing and drying the blanket according to care instructions helps maintain its softness and appearance. In the case of matting, gentle brushing or combing can restore the fluffiness of the Sherpa fabric.
Addressing shedding may involve washing the blanket separately or using a lint roller to remove loose fibers. For minor damage, like loose threads or small tears, careful stitching or patching can extend the life of the blanket.
Overall, proactive care and timely repairs ensure that Sherpa blankets continue to provide warmth, comfort, and a cozy aesthetic for years to come.
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