Quck answer
1. Wash regularly: Regularly wash blankets and comforters to remove dust, dirt, and odors. Follow the care instructions on the label for best results.
2. Use a gentle detergent: Choose a gentle detergent that is suitable for delicate fabrics to avoid damaging the blankets and comforters.
3. Add vinegar: Add half a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle to help eliminate any lingering odors.
4. Dry thoroughly: Ensure that blankets and comforters are fully dried before storing or using them again. Moisture can lead to unpleasant smells and even mold growth.
5. Air them out: Hang blankets and comforters outside on a sunny day to air them out and freshen them up naturally.
6. Use fabric fresheners: Spritz fabric fresheners or use odor-absorbing sachets to keep blankets and comforters smelling fresh between washes.
7. Store properly: Store blankets and comforters in a clean, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use breathable storage bags or containers to prevent musty smells.
8. Avoid food and pets: Keep blankets and comforters away from food and pets to minimize the chances of strong odors being absorbed.
9. Replace when necessary: If blankets and comforters start to hold onto odors despite efforts to keep them fresh, it may be time to consider replacing them.
When you store seasonal bedding or extra blankets and comforters for guests, it is crucial to keep them fresh. The fibers of fabric, down, and other filler materials in comforters absorb odors, which can result in a stale or musty smell. Fortunately, several common household items can help prevent these odors from forming and keep your freshly washed blankets and comforters smelling fresh for a long time.
1. Utilize Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets have a pleasant scent that makes freshly washed blankets smell great. To sustain the scent, place scented dryer sheets between the folds of blankets and comforters while storing them. This will help the scent of the dryer sheets permeate throughout the stored blankets and comforters, ensuring they remain fresh.
2. Consider Scented Soap
Another option to add a pleasant fragrance to your stored blankets is scented soap. Choose a strongly scented soap that you like to ensure that your blankets smell good. Wrap one or two bars of scented soap in acid-free tissue paper and place it in the storage container, bag, or closet to prevent musty odors. Replace the soap with a new bar when the scent fades.
3. Make Lavender Sachets
The calming aroma of lavender is a perfect way to keep your blankets smelling fresh. The lavender scent can also help you feel relaxed and sleepy when you use the blankets. You can make a straightforward lavender sachet using fabric and dried lavender flowers.
Take a thin white cotton fabric and cut it into a 4-inch square. Place dried lavender in the center of the square, pick up the edges of the square, and twist them. Tie a white ribbon tightly around the top to make a lavender sachet. Place the lavender sachet in the blankets and comforters when storing them.
4. Infuse Cedar Scent
If you prefer an earthy, woodsy scent, cedar is an excellent option for keeping your blankets smelling fresh. Cedar has a strong, clean scent that can penetrate fabric, and it can help repel moths and other insects that may damage your blankets. Additionally, it helps absorb moisture, preventing mold and mildew in the storage area. Place cedar sachets or cedar balls in with the blankets and comforters to give them a fresh woodsy scent.
Avoid using mothballs that contain naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, which can be harmful to your health due to their overpowering scent.
5. Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors
Baking soda, like in your refrigerator, can absorb unwanted odors from your blanket storage area, keeping them smelling fresh. Poke holes in the top of a baking soda box and place it in the linen or other storage closet. Replace the baking soda every three to four months with a fresh box.
6. Enhance Airflow
When storage spaces are tightly closed, it increases the likelihood of odors developing. If your blankets are stored in a closet with a solid door, consider adding ventilation to allow fresh air to enter the space. To promote airflow within the closet, install louvered doors on storage closets. Fresh air moving through the storage closet helps prevent odors from developing.
Avoid storing blankets and comforters in plastic bags or containers. The lack of airflow promotes musty odors and can damage fabrics.
7. Use Fabric Refresher Spray
Fabric refresher sprays are readily available and offer a convenient way to freshen up blankets. They come in a variety of scents to match your preferences, and you can reapply them as needed if the scent starts to fade. Spray blankets and comforters with a fabric refresher or scented linen water weekly. Many of these products are designed to eliminate odors instead of just covering them, which can keep the blankets fresher for longer.
8. Utilize Borax in a Container
Another way to keep blankets smelling fresh is by using borax, which is inexpensive and readily available. Pour borax into a plastic-lidded container and poke holes in the top. Place the container in a storage closet to absorb odors.
9. Store Blankets Properly
To eliminate odors, wash blankets before storing them. Sweat, dirt, spills, and other debris that can collect in a blanket can make them smell unpleasant, especially when they’re folded and placed in an enclosed storage space.
Only store completely dry blankets and comforters. Dampness leads to mold and mildew as well as odor. Store blankets and comforters in a dry area of the home and place them in moth-resistant bags.
FAQ
1. How often should I wash my blankets and comforters?
It is recommended to wash your blankets and comforters every 1-2 months. However, if you have pets or allergies, it is best to wash them more frequently, about every 2-3 weeks. Regular washing helps to remove dust, dirt, and any odors that may accumulate over time.
2. What is the best way to remove odors from blankets and comforters?
One effective way to remove odors from blankets and comforters is to sprinkle baking soda on them and let it sit for a few hours. Baking soda absorbs odors and can be easily vacuumed off afterward. Another option is to add a cup of white vinegar to the washing machine during the rinse cycle. Vinegar helps neutralize odors and leaves your blankets smelling fresh.
3. Are there any natural remedies to keep blankets and comforters smelling fresh?
A natural remedy to keep your blankets and comforters smelling fresh is to hang them outside on a sunny day. The sunlight and fresh air help to eliminate any lingering odors. Additionally, you can add a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to a spray bottle filled with water. Mist the blankets lightly with the scented water to give them a pleasant smell.