Cleaning Flood-Spoiled Blankets, Quilts, Comforters, Linens

Wash only one blanket, quilt or comforter at a time. Shake and brush to remove surface dirt. Follow manufacturer's laundering directions if available. Otherwise follow the directions below.

Wool Blankets, Quilts and Comforters

  1. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Use a bathtub or large sink. Turn two or three times during soak period. Drain off water. Several soak periods maybe needed if the blanket is very soiled.

  2. Wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent and disinfectant appropriate for fiber content.

  3. Follow product directions for use. Immerse blanket and work suds through gently, using as little agitation as possible. If necessary, repeat washing procedure.

  4. Rinse in clear water three or four times.

  5. Gently squeeze out water. Hang blanket over two or more clotheslines. Let blanket droop between lines to distribute weight evenly. Or use automatic dryer set on low heat or air only. Remove blanket from dryer while it is still damp and hang over clotheslines to finish drying. Gently stretch blanket into shape as it dries.

  6. Brush blanket on both sides to raise nap. Steam press binding, using a synthetic setting. Quilts and comforters do not need brushing or pressing.

Cotton and Synthetic Blankets (Not Electric)

  1. Machine wash on gentle cycle in warm (not hot) water with detergent and disinfectant. Follow product directions for use. Repeat if necessary. Use bleach or rust remover to remove red or yellow stains. Test before use because some bleaches and rust removers may remove or change the colors.

  2. Dry in automatic dryer on moderate heat. Add several towels to speed drying. Or air dry on a clothesline.

  3. Press binding if needed.

Electric Blankets

  1. Avoid twisting, crimping and wringing the wiring.

  2. Machine wash on gentle in warm (not hot) water no more than 5 minutes. Dissolve detergent in wash water before putting blanket in machine. Disinfect, following product directions. Do not use chlorine bleach as the disinfectant. Evenly distribute the blanket in the machine. Use cold rinse. Do not put blanket through a wringer.

  3. Machine dry by preheating dryer at a moderate or warm setting. Add the blanket and allow it to tumble for ten minutes. Remove blanket while still damp and hang over two or more clotheslines to finish drying. Straighten and shape blanket as it dries.

  4. If washing by hand, follow directions for wool blankets. Electric mattress pad and foot-warmer pads may be washed like electric blankets.

Sheets, Towels, Linens

  1. Brush and shake off as much loose dirt as possible.

  2. Soak or rinse mud-stained fabric in cool water in washing machine to remove some of the soil.

  3. Wash in warm suds and disinfectant several times if necessary. Follow product label directions for use. Do not use hot water or dry with heat until all stains have been removed.

  4. If stains remain after several washings, bleach with sodium perborate or chlorine bleach. Rust remover may remove red or yellow stains. Test these use because they may remove or change colors.