If you can’t find the yarn label, check to see if you have an identical ball of yarn on hand, or one made by the same brand. If the blanket wasn’t handmade, check for a care tag with special cleaning instructions. Always hand wash crocheted items if you can’t find any specific care instructions.
Use 2 teaspoons (9. 9 mL) of mild laundry detergent if you don’t want to use shampoo. [4] X Research source
Move the container to a place where it can’t be knocked over by children or pets.
Twist enough water out of the blanket so that it’s no longer dripping wet.
Many yarn types can be machine washed. If you have a specialty or artisan yarn that was recolored by hand, opt for hand washing instead. If you purchased the blanket or received it as a gift, see if it has a label with care instructions.
If you wash any items with the blanket, make sure that they’re all relatively close in color. The last thing you want is a red sock incident in your load of wash. Take this opportunity to wash the rest of your delicate laundry, and add it all in with your blanket. While you definitely shouldn’t be washing crocheted blankets with your normal clothes, it’s okay to include them with other blankets and delicate items.
Place your blanket in a large, mesh laundry bag for an extra layer of protection.
Avoid washing the blanket in the machine for long periods of time. If needed, you can always hand wash the blanket.
Ideally, let the blanket dry outside. If you don’t have any drying space outdoors, make sure that you put the rack in a corner of your home where there’s a lot of open air. Don’t leave it in the sun for too long, as you don’t want the colors to fade.
To add an extra layer of protection to your blanket, consider placing it in a large mesh bag before starting the drying cycle. [15] X Research source
