Bedspreads and Blankets

Bedspreads are made from different kinds of fabric, many of which are washable. Bedspreads should be washed before they become heavily soiled. Treat spots and stains with a spray prewash product. Before you clean your bedspread, dip a corner in the detergent solution to check for colorfastness. If the color bleeds, have your bedspread dry-cleaned.

Use a large commercial washing machine for oversize bedspreads. An overcrowded washer won't clean very well, and the wet weight can be hard on your washer. Dry the bedspreads on a clothesline or in a large, commercial dryer.

Although blankets are made of many different fibers and blends, most of them are washable by hand or machine. Even some wool blankets can be machine-washed. If you really want to keep your blankets in top shape, follow these additional guidelines:
  • Vacuum blankets occasionally to remove dust and lint.
  • Air blankets on a clothesline periodically to freshen them.
  • Before you wash a blanket, mend or replace bindings and treat spots and stains.
  • Electric blankets should always be washed, not dry-cleaned, since cleaning solvents can damage the wiring. Mothproofing is harmful to the wiring, too.
Next on the agenda are comforters and quilts.

Tips for Cleaning Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags take a particular beating because they're mostly used outdoors. Here are some things you can do to keep them in good shape:
  • Pretreat spots and stains on the bag cover with liquid detergent.
  • Wash down-filled sleeping bags in cool water with mild detergent.
  • Wash polyester-filled sleeping bags in warm water with an all-purpose detergent.
  • If your sleeping bag can be machine-dried, tumble it with a clean, dry tennis ball to prevent matting and a clean, dry bath towel to absorb excess moisture.
  • If you line-dry the sleeping bag, unzip it before drying.