Blanket hoodies are becoming more and more popular because of their comfort and warmth. This type of clothing is usually made of heavy fabrics, similar to blankets, hence the name. However, when it comes to washing and drying, many people hesitate to put blanket hoodies in the dryer. This article will explore this issue and provide some suggestions to ensure that your blanket hoodie will not be damaged during the washing and drying process.
1. Material determines everything
The material of the blanket hoodie is the key factor in determining whether it can be put in the dryer. Most blanket hoodies are made of cotton, wool or synthetic fibers. These materials may react differently to high temperatures:
- Cotton: Cotton fabrics can usually withstand high temperatures in the dryer, but over-drying may cause shrinkage and deformation. Therefore, it is recommended to use low or medium temperature settings.
- Wool: Wool is a very sensitive natural fiber, and high temperature drying may cause shrinkage and deformation. Therefore, wool products are best dried naturally.
- Synthetic fibers: Synthetic fibers like polyester can usually withstand high temperatures in the dryer, but you still need to pay attention to the temperature setting to avoid damage.
2. Check the washing label
Before deciding whether to put your blanket hoodie in the dryer, always check the washing label of the garment. The washing label will usually provide specific instructions for washing and drying. If the label specifically states "Do not machine wash" or "Do not tumble dry," you should follow those instructions to avoid damaging the garment.
3. Use the appropriate drying settings
If you do decide that you can put your blanket hoodie in the dryer, we recommend the following settings:
- Low temperature: Low temperatures can reduce damage to the garment, especially for wool and other sensitive materials.
- Short cycles: Short cycles can reduce the amount of time the garment is exposed to high temperatures, which reduces the risk of damage.
- Spread out: Spread out the garments in the dryer to ensure air circulation and avoid piles of garments.
4. Alternative drying methods
If you are concerned that putting your blanket hoodie in the dryer may damage it, you can choose the following alternative drying methods:
- Air drying: Lay the garment flat in a well-ventilated area and air dry. This is the safest drying method and can minimize damage to the garment.
- Absorbent towel: If you need to remove moisture faster, you can wrap the wet garment in a highly absorbent towel and gently press to absorb excess moisture before laying it flat to dry.
5. Precautions
- Avoid high temperatures: High temperatures may cause the garment to shrink, lose shape or fade, so high temperature settings should be avoided.
- Clean the dryer regularly: Clean the filter and exhaust vent of the dryer regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly and avoid fire risks.
- Check the condition of the garment: Before putting it in the dryer, check if the garment has any damage or special decorations to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
In general, whether you can put your blanket hoodie in the dryer depends on its material and the instructions on the care label. If you have access to a dryer, it is recommended to use a low temperature setting and a short cycle to reduce damage to the garment. If you are concerned that the dryer may cause damage to the garment, you can choose to air dry or other alternative drying methods. I hope this article helps you better understand how to properly wash and dry your blanket hoodie to extend its life.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to consult a professional laundry or manufacturer.