Washing and Caring for Your T-Shirt Blanket

A t-shirt blanket is one of the best comfort items you can own. Not only is it a blanket that can keep you warm in the evening, but it also allows you to take a bunch of t-shirts that mean something to you and provides you with lasting memories. Maybe you have a t-shirt blanket full of your kid’s old shirts, or maybe you have one made up of the t-shirts you wore during your college years. 

With such a beautiful piece of memorabilia, you want to care for it as best you can. Luckily, with the proper attention, your t-shirt blanket will feel the same in five years as it did the day you got it. Read on to learn how to wash and care for your t-shirt blankets. 

Use a Gentle, Cold Wash 

You don’t need abrasive waterjet systems to effectively clean your t-shirt blanket. Putting it on a gentle, cold wash (85 degrees max) will get the job done without causing too much damage. The t-shirts used in your t-shirt blanket will often vary, so it’s better to air on the side of caution and be as gentle as possible with your washing habits. By using hot water, you might end up losing some of the designs or even shrinking the entire blanket! 

Don’t worry; a cold wash doesn’t mean you can’t end up with a super soft blanket – be sure to use great-smelling fabric softeners to create this effect, and then enjoy wrapping yourself up in the cozy memories at the end of the day. 

Hand Wash When You Can 

While a cold, gentle wash will suffice, if you have the time, you should hand wash when you can. This level of care may take a little more time, but a hand-washed t-shirt blanket makes sure it stays in optimal condition. Plus, it will allow you to target the dirtier spots. With such a large item to hand wash, consider doing it in your bathtub with warm water and plenty of laundry detergent (mild detergent is recommended), and don’t rush the process. 

Wrap it Up When Not in Use 

Whether you use it as a throw blanket or one you wrap up inside during cold evenings, it’s essential to wrap it up when not in use. This will keep it clean and protected – no spills are likely to get on it when it’s wrapped in a pillow or plastic sheet! Then, when you next want to wrap up warm during the winter, your t-shirt blanket will be waiting for you as good as new. 

Set Your Dryer to a Low Heat 

Heat can cause your t-shirt blanket to shrink, which is, of course, something you want to avoid. To make sure that doesn’t happen, set your dryer to the lowest heat setting before putting it on. It will still get completely dry, but it just might take a little longer. It’s better to be patient during this stage rather than ruin the entire blanket! This dryer setting is recommended for shirt quilts as well as t-shirt blankets. 

Or – Hang it Up to Dry 

If you don’t have a dryer, or you don’t want to use one for your t-shirt blankets, you can always hang it up to air dry instead. It will take even longer than drying on a cooler setting, but the absence of heat will help protect it. Plus, you will save money on your energy bill! If you can, dry it outside, as it will ensure it dries faster. 

Prevent the Fabric from Fraying 

Whether you have a long arm t-shirt blanket or a normal one, one of your concerns is fraying fabric, as it can cause holes. If a hole appears, use fabric glue to shut it as soon as possible – keep some on hand for such an occasion. It’s a simple truth that t-shirts get holes in from time to time, which means it might happen to your t-shirt blanket. As long as you are prepared, it won’t do any long-term damage. 

Keep it Away from Smoking 

Smoking doesn’t just damage your teeth, lungs, and overall health – it also damages the items around you. Not only will the air of tobacco cause your beloved t-shirt blanket to smell of stale smoke, but it could even end up staining it. To avoid this, keep your blanket far away from any smoking. The last thing you want is to ruin it! 

Tackle Stains Immediately 

If you spill a liquid on your t-shirt blanket, then you must get to work on stain removal as soon as possible. Be sure to use cold water and liquid detergent, and then work through the stain with a toothbrush, targeting the single area. Once complete, brush it with white vinegar and repeat the process until the stain has disappeared. This spot clean method also works if you have an awesome t-shirt quilt from My T-shirt Blanket. 

Throw it In the Dryer for a Boost of Fluffiness 

If you find that your t-shirt blanket doesn’t have the life it had when you first bought it, throw it in the dryer for a boost of fluffiness. That isn’t something you should do when it needs cleaning – just when you want more plumpness from the blanket. 

Read the Care Instructions 

No matter how much cleaning knowledge you have, it is essential to read the care instructions as soon as your t-shirt blanket arrives and to follow them diligently. After all, whoever made your t-shirt blanket knows best! 

Feel Free to Ask Us for More Advice 

If you have any more questions about how to properly wash and care for your t-shirt blanket, have a look at our faqs and feel free to drop us a line on our contact page. You must get the best use possible out of your blanket; after all, it’s made up of unique, personal t-shirts! Luckily, with the proper care, your treasured t-shirt blanket will surely last you a lifetime.