You are likely coming across this page in a panic after a baby stain emergency. Don’t panic! Take a few deep breaths and we will get through it together. You may also be looking to wash a very loved and well, let’s say seasoned item and looking for where to start. In this article we will cover a few great tips on how to care for this handmade item that let’s face it probably took a very long time to make and years of skill development. Heaven knows we wouldn’t want to waste that time. Together wee will wash a crochet baby blanket and protect your treasured item.
Helpful Wash Instructions for Crochet Baby Blankets
There is some information to gather before we get started in the hopes of making this project more successful, hopefully you found yourself in one of these two scenarios.
- The blanket came with care instructions. If this blanket came as a gift the artist may have included wash instructions. These are always included on the yarn label of whatever yarn was used to create the project. If these washing instructions are not included, it’s worth a phone call to find out what brand of yarn was used. The artist will be over joyed to hear that their work is loved and is being well cared for with careful consideration
- The artist followed my rules for gift giving handmade items and not only included washing instructions but also included a swatch or two with left over yarn in case of emergencies just like this. These swatches are so important because it allows you to spot test stains and if the wash instructions can budge a stain, then you have something to experiment with. This extra yarn is awesome for basic repairs.
Laundry Supplies Needed
When it comes to cleaning baby clothes, it’s important to use gentle and hypoallergenic laundry supplies. You can start by using a mild, fragrance-free detergent that is specifically designed for babies. Avoid using fabric softeners, bleach, and other additives that can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin, aside from fabric softener, bleach and other additives are not recommended for laundering handmade items. It’s also a good idea to wash baby clothes and handmade items separately from the rest of your laundry to prevent any potential cross-contamination, rips, or snaggs. With the right laundry supplies and a little bit of care, you can keep your baby’s clothes clean and comfortable.
Typical Laundry Instructions
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How to Hand Wash a Crochet Baby Blanket
Washing baby items by hand can be a gentle and effective way to keep your little one’s garments clean and fresh and is the “go-to” way to launder your handmade items when washing instructions are unavailable.
- To get started, fill a clean basin or sink with warm water and add a mild detergent designed for baby clothes. Mix the detergent into the water until it is evenly distributed.
- Then, add the crocheted blanket to the water, and gently swish them around for a few minutes. Be sure to pay extra attention to any stains or soiled areas. After the blanket has been washed, rinse them thoroughly with clean water and gently squeeze out any excess water. Finally, reshape the blanket and lay on a towel.
- Next, roll the towel up working from one side to gently roll and squeeze out any remaining water.
- Lastly, reshape the blanket on a dry clean towel and lay flat to dry.
How to Machine Wash a Crochet Baby Blanket
- It’s a good idea to place the blanket in the washer by it’s self. When laundered with other garments buttons, or heaven forbid velcro (the nemesis of all knitters and crocheters), it increases the probability of your item getting snagged or ripped. If available use a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging in the wash.
- Use a gentle detergent that is specifically designed for delicate fabrics, such as baby clothes. If you don’t have a baby specific detergent then choose a “free and clear” detergent as a substitute. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as they can damage the delicate fibers in the blanket and irritate baby’s skin.
- Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle and use cold water.
- Once the cycle is complete, remove the blanket from the washing machine or the mesh laundry bag and gently smooth it out to remove any wrinkles.
- Lay the blanket flat on a clean towel to air dry. Avoid hanging it up, as the weight of the wet blanket can cause it to stretch out of shape.
In the end baby items are meant to be loved. The fibers created for knitters and crocheters aren’t made the same as yarn found 30 to 40 years ago, and natural fibers are supposed to break down. Well cared for handmade items will last a long time but it won’t last forever and things happen. All we can do is our best.
