Cuddling up in a soft, plush minky blanket is one of my simple lazy day pleasures. But, of course with every use, it starts to show signs of wear and tear. And given that I’m the clumsiest human on the planet, my minky couture blanket gets covered with spills and stains.
You might be a little worried about how to wash your minky blanket – especially keeping it as soft and fluffy as when you bought it. But caring for your blanket is actually easier than you might think.
With the right approach and proper care, you can keep it feeling as snug and looking as beautiful as the day you first wrapped it around your shoulders.
If you’re dealing with everyday dust, a coffee mishap (oops, that’s me), or just want to freshen up your blanket, my guide will walk you through the steps to wash your minky blanket properly.
Minky fabric is incredibly soft and smooth to touch, so it’s often likened to the texture of mink fur – that’s why it’s called a minky blanket!
Fun fact aside, your luxurious blanket has likely been with you through thick and thin, and when it comes to washing it or cleaning out a stubborn stain, things can get tricky.
Not to worry, I’m here to help you get it right. You won’t have to sacrifice the plush, soft feel of your minky blanket with my tips!
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NB: Always check the care instructions on any minky items before washing!
How to Wash a Minky Blanket in the Machine
There are a couple of reminders you should keep in mind before you chuck your minky blanket in the washer. Those are:
1. Only Select a Cold-Delicate Cycle
Washing your minky blanket on a cold water, delicate, wash cycle is the kindest thing you can do to the blanket’s fibers.
Why is hot water bad, you ask? Since these soft blankets are made of 100% polyester, heat can quickly damage or even melt them.
So, if you don’t want your mink blanket to lose its softness, always opt for cold water.
2. Wash Alone
I don’t recommend doing a full laundry load when washing your minky blanket. That’s mainly because of two reasons:
- To avoid color bleeding: While minky fabrics never bleed, that doesn’t mean the rest of your clothes won’t.
- To prevent collecting fibers from other clothes: Minky blankets, by nature, easily collect germs, dirt, dust, and more. Washing them with other clothes means they’ll collect fibers and lose their softness.
Note: Don’t wash minky blankets together either. They’ll likely get tangled and ruined.
3. Use Mild Detergent
To no one’s surprise, you should only use a gentle detergent when washing minky blankets. Avoid laundry pods! For best results, use liquid or powder detergent instead.
To determine if the detergent you’re getting is indeed mild, check the label. You should be looking for a product that checks off the following:
- Is dye- and fragrance-free
- Contains only natural ingredients
- Has no harsh chemicals
Pro Tip: Add about a tb of plain vinegar in the detergent slot. Doing so boosts your expensive minky blanket’s softness and makes it as good as new!
4. Avoid Fabric Softeners at All Costs
Unless you want your favorite blanket to become crusty, we suggest staying away from fabric softeners.
While it seems like a good idea (after all, these softeners work magic on other blankets!) they don’t tend to interact well with minky fabrics.
Here’s what happens: The fabric softener gets into the minky’s fine synthetic blend. The cold water has a hard time pulling out the product from the intricate fabric – so it stays there. The result? A crusty, not-so-soft-anymore Minky blanket.
5. Air-Dry if Possible
It’s instinct to throw your laundry in the dryer once your washing machine dings. Let’s avoid doing that with minky blankets if possible.
Trust me. The best way to dry these plush blankets is to hang them up on a clothesline or a drying rack to air dry.
I know it’s not always a choice, though. So, if you must use a dryer, select the Fluff, Air-Dry, or Tumble setting. Take out the blanket mid-way through and let it drip dry in your tub.
Dryer sheets are also a big no-no. They matte the synthetic fabric right away.
Remember: Heat is detrimental to a minky blanket due its delicate fibers. Keep out of direct sunlight if air drying
6. Don’t Iron Out Wrinkles
We get it; you want only the best-looking blanket for yourself or your baby. Ironing out those pesky wrinkles won’t do you any favors, though. The iron’s heat will quickly melt the polyester – even on the lowest setting.
What’s the alternative, then? Simple. Use a steam iron instead. From a safe distance, use the steam to tackle any wrinkles. There shouldn’t be many as minky fabrics don’t wrinkle often or that easily.
How to Get Stains Out of a Minky Blanket
Let’s face it. Machine-washing your minky blanket doesn’t always get the stains out. That’s why you’ll want to treat the stubborn stain first before throwing your blanket in the machine. Here’s what to do:
Use a Mild Laundry Detergent or a Homemade Stain Removal Mixture
Choose between either option; just don’t go for bleach. It contains harsh chemicals that will completely ruin the design, color, and fabric blend of your minky.
Instead, opt for a delicate, mild detergent. Alternatively, you can mix a ratio of 1:2 baking soda to vinegar to help lift the stains easily. Let the paste sit for 30 minutes first before washing it off with cold water.
Blot the Stain Before Washing
If you’re using detergent to treat the stain, use just enough to cover the ruined area but not too much that the product seeps into the fabric. Afterward, blot the area with a wet rag – and again, use only cold or lukewarm water.
Machine-Wash or Air-Dry
Once the stain is out, you can either machine-wash the blanket for extra measure or let it air-dry.
Note: minky blankets shouldn’t be washed more than once every 2 weeks. Washing the blanket too frequently will wear out and ruin the fabrics over time.
PIN FOR LATER
FAQs
How do I make my minky blanket soft again?
Pouring a little vinegar in the detergent or softener slot will restore your minky’s softness. To maintain a Minky’s plushiness, don’t wash it often, and store it in a dry, cool spot.
Does minky fabric shrink when washed?
No. minky fabric is 100% polyester-made. As such, they don’t shrink when washed.
How do you hand wash a minky?
Use cold water and a delicate detergent to hand wash a minky. Don’t wring the fabric or vigorously rub it either. Doing so will damage the texture and material. Instead, gently swish then soak the blanket before rinsing and air-drying it.
How to Wash a Minky Blanket: Key Takeaways
To sum up, here’s what you need to remember about washing your minky blanket:
- Check the care label for individual wash instructions
- Use only cold water and a gentle cycle.
- Opt for delicate detergents. Stay away from fabric softeners and bleach.
- Air-dry a minky when possible – or select your dryer’s no-heat cycle – for extra plush blankets.
- Wash separately and not too often. Use steam to iron out wrinkles.
- Vinegar restores softness, and paired with baking soda, can remove stubborn stains too.
