Lance Carson
Keeping your blankets fresh without washing them is possible with the right techniques and materials. From baking soda and essential oils to airing them out in the sunshine, these methods can help to neutralise odours and keep your blankets smelling pleasant. In this article, we will explore several ways to remove fragrance from a blanket without having to wash it.
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Use baking soda
Baking soda is a well-known household product, often used for baking, but it is also an effective cleaning agent. It is a "moisture absorber" and "alternative deodorizer", making it a great option to remove fragrance from blankets without washing.
To use baking soda to remove fragrance from a blanket, start by sprinkling a generous amount of it over the surface of the blanket. It is important to be liberal with the amount of baking soda used to ensure that the unwanted fragrance is effectively removed. Leave the baking soda on the blanket for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for a few hours or even overnight. This will allow the baking soda to fully absorb the excess moisture and fragrance from the blanket.
After the required time has passed, the baking soda can be removed from the blanket by either shaking it off or using a vacuum cleaner. If using a vacuum cleaner, a brush attachment can help ensure all the baking soda is removed. This method of using baking soda is particularly effective for neutralizing stubborn smells without leaving any harmful residues or damaging the fabric.
Baking soda can also be used in conjunction with other methods to enhance its effectiveness. For example, it can be added to the wash cycle when machine washing a blanket to help neutralize any remaining odors. Additionally, it can be paired with sunlight exposure, as the UV rays from the sun help to kill bacteria and remove lingering smells, while baking soda absorbs and removes odors.
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Air it out
Airing out your blanket is a simple and effective way to remove unwanted smells without having to wash it. The fresh air and UV rays from the sun can naturally neutralise odours and kill bacteria.
To air out your blanket, find a breezy, sunny day and hang your blanket outside. Make sure it is spread out well to maximise exposure to the sun and wind. If you are unable to hang your blanket outside, you can drape it over a chair or railing in a well-ventilated room. This method will take longer, but the blanket will still air out.
If you are in a hurry, you can speed up the process by using a hairdryer on a cool setting to create your own "wind". Alternatively, you can use a fan to blow air over the blanket, or place a household fan heater a safe distance away from the blanket, ensuring that the heat setting is turned off or on low.
For best results, leave the blanket to air out for at least a few hours. If the blanket is hung outside, be sure to bring it inside before nightfall to avoid any morning dew or nocturnal creatures from affecting it.
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Vinegar spray
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and is excellent at neutralizing odors. To make a vinegar spray, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the blanket, being careful not to saturate it, and then let it air out. You can also add vinegar to the wash cycle to eliminate odors. Use the vinegar in place of your laundry detergent to absorb unpleasant odors.
To make a vinegar spray, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the blanket with the solution, being careful not to saturate it.
- Allow the blanket to air dry.
- If needed, repeat the process until the fragrance is gone.
In addition to using a vinegar spray, you can also use vinegar in the wash cycle. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle before starting the machine. Once the wash is complete, hang your blanket outside to air dry.
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Essential oils
Using a Spray Bottle
Create a homemade spray by mixing a few drops of your chosen essential oil with water and, optionally, an unscented fabric softener or white vinegar. Lightly mist your blanket with the spray and let it air dry. This method is an easy and effective way to freshen up your blankets without washing them. It is important to note that you should not use hot water when creating the spray as this can cause the oil to vaporize and result in a loss of scent.
Dryer Balls or Washcloths
Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to dryer balls or washcloths and let the oil soak in entirely to avoid oil stains on your blanket. Then, place the scented items in the dryer with your blanket. This method allows you to enjoy the scent of essential oils while also benefiting from their potential mood-enhancing and stress-reducing effects.
Dryer Sheets
Place a few drops of essential oil on a dryer sheet and tuck it into the folds of your blanket. This method will impart a fresh scent to your blanket and can be particularly useful for stored blankets.
Direct Application
For ongoing odor control, you can directly sprinkle a few drops of essential oil onto your blanket, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it off. This method helps neutralize odors and keep your blanket smelling fresh.
When selecting an essential oil, opt for high-quality, pure oils without additives to avoid potential staining or discoloration. Popular choices for blankets include lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, rosemary, eucalyptus, and lemon oil. These oils are known for their calming, soothing, and disinfecting properties, making them ideal for bedding.
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Fabric freshener spray
To get fragrance out of a blanket without washing it, you can use a fabric freshener spray. This method is ideal for a quick refresh of your blanket.
First, ensure you have a fabric freshener spray that is designed to neutralize odors. Lightly mist the blanket with the spray, taking care not to saturate it. Allow the blanket to air out. This method can be particularly effective if you hang the blanket outside on a sunny, breezy day. The sun's UV rays will help kill bacteria, and the fresh air will carry away lingering odors.
You can also make your own fabric freshener spray at home. One recipe suggests using vodka or rubbing alcohol, which helps kill bacteria, and adding a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to get fragrance out of a blanket without washing it. One way is to sprinkle baking soda over the blanket, let it sit for 30 minutes to a few hours or overnight, and then shake or vacuum it off. Another method is to hang the blanket outside on a breezy, sunny day to let the fresh air and UV rays from the sun neutralize odors. You can also try using a fabric freshening spray designed to neutralize odors.
The amount of time required for the baking soda method to work varies depending on the source, but it is generally recommended to let the baking soda sit on the blanket for at least 30 minutes to a few hours or overnight before shaking or vacuuming it off.
Yes, in addition to the baking soda and hanging methods mentioned above, you can also try using a vinegar spray, essential oils, activated charcoal, or a fabric freshening spray.
