laundry question

can you wash a knitted afgan in the washing machine? my parents brought over one my grandma made me a long time ago today and it needs some washin'.
if i can do it at home, should i wash it on a cold cycle on gentle or something?

or do i need to bring it to the cleaners?

TIA!

Message edited 9/19/2009 10:27:31 PM.

Re: laundry question

I think I would be inclined to hand wash it, or take it to the dry cleaners. Dry cleaning would be eaier, but if you have the space you could try soaking it in the tub with woolite, rinse a few times then gently press out as much water as you can. Then, roll it in some large bath or beach towels to get out more of the water. Ideally, you'd want to lay it out to dry, rather than hang it since you don't want the wet wool to stretch out of shape. But, trying to lay out a blanket isn't easy. If you have a rack that you can drape it across to support the weight that would help.

Re: laundry question

wow, that's alot of work to wash it at home! and i'd be afraid i'd ruin it!
i think i'll take it to the cleaners this week instead.
thanks!

Message edited 9/19/2009 11:30:29 PM.

Re: laundry question

Maybe the gentle cycle on the machine in cold in woolite then hang it over a banister and air dry...

Re: laundry question

i would wash it in the washing machine and let it air dry. i've done this with all my afghans.

Re: laundry question

thank you!

Re: laundry question

Do you have a Front Loader?

Re: laundry question

I wash mine in the washer and dry them like regular stuff. I make sure to get them out before they get hot though after they are dry. (Like right after that last drop of moisture gets out, I don't let it spin in there dry.)

Re: laundry question

Re: laundry question

Re: laundry question

DS's "blankie" is a hand knitted blanket. I wash it all the time.
I would think, as long as your afghan isn't wool, it can absolutely be machine washed. Just wash it on the gentle cycle with woolite, rather than your regular detergent.

Re: laundry question

thanks all!
i washed it on delicate and and it came out practically dry from my front loader!
so i hung it on the banister to finish drying!
thanks again!

Re: laundry question

So good to know - I have an afghan from my gma and it's diirrrrrrrrrrty. I was afraid to wash it! It's hiding in my house somewhere!

Re: laundry question

i wash and dry mine all the time.....if your super nervous you can put it in a pillow case if it is on the smaller size.....Each time I wash it, its gets softer...love that!