My son was given a BEAUTIFUL handmade blanket. I am not sure if it is knitted of crocheted but it is navy, deep red, and white. I am terrified to wash it, because of the dark colors. I was planning on washing on gentle cold water and drying on low. Which is how I wash the other afghans that we have. I was also going to use multiple shout color catcher sheets. Has anyone ever washed a blanket with such dark and light colors before? Any tips or tricks?
If there's any way to ask the person who made it for you... ask. If this is made from wool or cashmere (angora, etc.), and you wash it in the washing machine, it will felt. If it's acrylic, no problem. Most people think wool is scratchy, but some wool can be really soft. I know if I knit something for a baby, I'll let the mom know washing instructions -- and will most likely make it machine washable... but better safe than sorry.
When washing, put it in a pillow case and tie the pillow case before putting in the washer. This will protect it inside. Use Woolite and cold water on gentle cycle and it should be fine.
Just don't dry it in the dryer. Air dry. And you can toss is in teh dryer on low heat once it's dry to soften it up. But only for 5-7 minutes.
Cold water is best, with Woolite on the gentle or quick cycle if you have one and only if you think it is synthetic fiber. I would air dry because dryers cause pilling and change the look of the yarn.
I wouldn't wash it or put it in the dryer if this is actual wool yarn or if it's crocheted- silk or natural cotton. There is a great risk of shrinkage (even if you use cold water and air dry) or the knit to become mis-shapened. If it's wool or a natural fiber, I'd have it dry cleaned only. Perhaps ask the person who made it to be sure about the care of it.
However, if it's a synthetic yarn, I highly doubt it will bleed unless it is real wool yarn. Most synthetics don't bleed. However, wools tend to be hand dyed so you run a greater risk of bleeding.
Cold water wash, gentle cycle, line dry or air fluff on dryer. At least that's what I reccommend for the baby blankets that I knit!
Set the color first - I think the best way might be cold water and salt bath!
Cold With color catchers will do as well as any other idea. BUT don't dry it in the dryer even on low ever! Too risky! If you don't have a clothes line use a couple of pant hangers (with clips) and hang in a bathroom or a closet.
Use a SHOUT color catcher - sold at Target, Walmart, etc... in the laundry section. It will "catch" bleeding colors so they don't get on other items that are lighter. Works wonders!
Cold water, Woolite, color catcher sheet on gentle and I wouldn't put it in the dryer at all--except to fluff/soften after it's dry. On air fluff only. 5 min. max.
I would wash it by hand with gentle detergent, then lay it flat to dry on some towels.
