Can You Wash a Blanket with Clothes: A Practical Guide to Laundry

When it comes to doing laundry, efficiency and care are key. Combining different types of laundry might seem like a timesaver, but it’s important to understand the best practices to avoid damaging your items.

This guide will offer insights into washing blankets with other clothing, helping you make informed decisions that keep your laundry fresh and intact.

Can I Wash a Blanket with Clothes?

Yes, it is possible to wash a blanket with clothes, but this convenience comes with several caveats. Whether you should mix these items in the same load depends on a few important factors, which can affect both the effectiveness of the cleaning and the longevity of your textiles.

Key Considerations for Mixing Blankets and Clothes in the Wash:

• Washer Capacity: Most standard home washing machines have a load limit which can easily be exceeded by adding a blanket to a load of clothes. Overloading the machine can prevent proper movement and rinsing of your laundry, leading to poorly cleaned items and additional wear on the washer’s motor.

• Fabric Compatibility: Blankets often are made from heavier, more absorbent materials than typical clothing, which can retain more water and detergent. This disparity can lead to uneven cleaning and potential residue buildup on both the blanket and clothes.

• Cycle and Water Temperature: It’s essential to select a wash cycle and water temperature that are appropriate for the most delicate item in the load, which often will be the blanket. This can mean using colder water and milder cycles, which might not be ideal for cleaning heavily soiled clothes.

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Benefits of Washing Blankets with Clothes

Combining blankets and clothes in a single wash can have several advantages, particularly from a logistical standpoint:

• Efficiency: Washing blankets with clothes can save time and reduce energy costs by decreasing the number of separate loads, which is especially beneficial in busy households.

• Water and Energy Use: Consolidating loads can contribute to water conservation and lower energy usage per cycle, aligning with eco-friendly practices by reducing your overall household utility consumption.

• Space Management: For those with limited space for laundry tasks, combining items can mean fewer loads and less space needed for sorting and handling dirty laundry.

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Drawbacks of Washing Blankets with Clothes

However, there are several potential disadvantages to consider before throwing your blanket in with your mixed laundry:

• Damage to Fabric: The weight and bulk of a blanket can cause friction and pulling on more delicate clothing items during the wash cycle, potentially leading to stretching, pilling, or other damage.

• Inadequate Cleaning: Blankets can absorb a significant amount of water and detergent, leaving less available for cleaning the clothes in the load. This can be particularly problematic if either the clothes or the blanket is very dirty.

• Uneven Drying: Because blankets often retain more water than lighter garments, they can extend the drying time for the whole load, potentially leading to mildew if clothes remain damp too long.

• Wear and Tear on Appliances: Heavier loads with blankets can put additional strain on your washing machine and dryer, leading to faster wear and potential mechanical issues or failures.

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In my household, with two kids and a pet, laundry day can be quite the event. I’ve found that washing lighter, less bulky blankets with clothes is perfectly fine, especially when I stick to similar materials and colors.

It simplifies my laundry process and keeps everything feeling fresh. However, for heavier winter blankets, I tend to wash them separately to ensure they get the thorough clean they need without damaging other clothing.

Conclusion

Washing a blanket with clothes can be convenient and energy-efficient, but it requires careful consideration of the types of fabrics involved, the capacity of your washing machine, and appropriate washing settings. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your blankets and clothes remain in excellent condition.