One of life's greatest joys is curling up with a cozy blanket. But what happens when that blanket starts shedding more than your pet dog? That's right, we're talking about the dreaded fuzzies - those annoying little pieces of fluff that seem to get everywhere! Fear not, dear reader, for we have compiled some simple and effective solutions to help you banish the fuzz once and for all. So grab your favorite throw and let's get started!
Why Do Blankets Shed?
First things first: why do blankets shed in the first place? The answer lies in the type of material they are made from. Natural fibers such as wool or cotton tend to shed more than synthetic materials like polyester or microfiber. Additionally, certain weaves or knits may be prone to shedding due to loose fibers on their surface.
Method 1: Lint Roller
The humble lint roller is a godsend when it comes to removing fuzz from clothing - but did you know it can work wonders on blankets too? Simply roll back and forth over the affected area until all visible fuzzies have been removed. It may take several passes depending on how much lint has accumulated.
- Pro tip: If you don't have a lint roller handy, try wrapping adhesive tape (sticky side out) around your hand instead.
Method 2: Vacuum Cleaner
Another option for de-fuzzing blankets is using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment. This method works best for large areas rather than small spot treatments.
- Start by making sure your vacuum bag or dustbin is empty.
- Attach your upholstery tool.
- Turn on the vacuum and run it back-and-forth over the blanket.
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Empty any collected debris as needed.
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Caution: Be mindful if you're working with delicate fabrics as high suction power or rough bristles can damage the surface.
Method 3: Brushing
For really stubborn fuzzies, a brush may be your best bet. Look for a natural fiber brush with soft bristles - this will minimize any potential damage to your blanket while still removing unwanted lint.
- Lay your blanket out flat.
- Starting in one corner or edge, use short strokes with light pressure to sweep the brush along the surface of the fabric.
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Once you've covered an area, use a hand-held vacuum or lint roller to remove any debris before moving on.
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Pro tip: A rubber-bristled pet hair remover can also work well as an alternative brush tool!
Method 4: Washing Machine
If all else fails, don't be afraid to toss your blanket in the washing machine (after checking its care label first)! This is especially effective for fleece or microfiber blankets which tend to trap lint easily. Here's how:
- Place the blanket in the washer alone OR together with similar-colored laundry items.
- Choose cold water and gentle cycles as higher heats might cause shrinkage/damage/more shedding
- Add detergent and fabric softener if needed
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Dry thoroughly using low heat settings iff recommended by tag/label
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Warning: Do NOT attempt machine-washing delicate fabrics such as cashmere/angora/silk/alpaca without professional help! They require special attention & treatment due their intricacies like high probability of pilling/break down/deformation.
Conclusion
We hope these tips have helped put you on track towards having fluff-free blissful snuggles again! Keep in mind that different types of materials may shed differently than others - so some trial-and-error would definitely be involved here! Remember picking off loose threads/pulling at pills might exacerbate shedding woes further citing damaged paths for subsequent fibers loosening over time...So avoid this at all costs. It's also a good idea to periodically brush your blankets/pillows/comforters to prevent fuzz buildup, and regular laundry routine is key in fluff-maintenance! Happy snoozing!