Washing my Afghan

I have made this King size blanket with all my extra leftover yarn that I have had for over the years. In fact, it has taken me a couple years to make it in between other projects now I want to wash it because it’s been laying around everywhere. I’m afraid because I’m afraid the yarn some of the yarn may shrink, what do you suggest that I do ?

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I’m no help but had to stop by to say WOW!
Absolutely amazing, gorgeous, fabulous!
Your colour use is fantastic. What an heirloom piece this is!

What a stunning blanket! What pattern did you use? I take it some of the yarn might be wool?

I just thought. Maybe you could steam clean it?

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What a gorgeous blanket! You’ve found the most artful, beautiful way to use up scrap yarn that I’ve ever seen.
You could soak it in a tub or even a washing machine with a wool wash like Soak or Euclan. But soak only, no agitation. Then let the water drain and spin for a few minutes only until excess water is gone. Lay flat to dry on a large sheet on the floor.
Did I mention no agitation during that soak?

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Beautiful work.

That is a beautiful blanket.

Wow :astonished: gorgeous :heart_eyes:

That’s gorgeous! I second @salmonmac.
I’d soak it in the bath tub in wool wash and rinse at the same (cool)temperature , then give it a light (circa 400 rpm) spin in the machine, and dry flat.

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That is SPECTACULAR!!! :open_mouth: And I would also like to know what stitch that is. Is it maybe crochet? Back Loop, with spike stitches?

What a very nice thing to say to me thank you so much. I may not even wash it.

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Oh you’re welcome, as you can see everyone thinks it’s marvelous!

I see some experienced advice has been given about washing and then putting in the machine for a spin, I know it wouldn’t fit in my machine, maybe check your machine size first? For me, I’d be worried about it not beung soun and then not drying out quickly enough without starting to go a bit mildew smelly - not great sun where I am though and perhaps where you are drying would be easier.
Perhaps there is a laundrette with large machines you could take it to for a spin?

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I’m wondering how I’d move a wet, very heavy king size blanket to the washing machine to spin it.

Ha Ha

When I have things I want to freshen up I sometimes use a damp cloth with some vinegar on it and toss it in the dryer with the item(s). Sort of a home made diy dry cleaning. If you can air it outside in the sunshine that would be much better.

I bought a large washing up bowl just to block big knitwear!! I hide it away from the rest of the household​:rofl::rofl:.
That’s a good way of transporting it to the machine, with just a few dribbles at the door!
Most standard domestic washing machines should take a blanket of this size, I think.

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Hmm… maybe machines do hold this amount.
Mine is advertised as a larger capacity (UK) and has a max capacity of 10kg. How much does a blanket weigh?
Maybe I am over cautious about how much goes in the machine and should be doing bigger loads.

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I’m in the UK too! I can generally get at least 3 bath sheets in the machine which is probably the same weight as a blanket.
I generally do smaller loads if the clothes are dirty (and need more circulation/ agitation) but for just a spin, I reckon it should be ok!!

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I have a full size top loader (really old but still running strong) in my apartment. I think getting a blanket like this one in it would be a losing proposition. My daughter has a huge Miele front loader and it would go in hers. That thing will do an enormous load.

IMO it’s better to err on the side of more loads than it is to risk damage to your washer.

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