How to Wash a Mexican Blanket Properly to Preserve Its Vibrant Beauty

Mexican blankets, or Serape, enhance home decor with their vibrant colors and intricate designs. However, they require proper care to stay clean and cozy. Without further ado, here's how you can clean a Mexican blanket.

A Mexican blanket adds a stylish accent to your living room or bedroom. Understanding the fabric of a Mexican blanket—usually a blend of cotton, acrylic, and polyester—is crucial.

The Mexican blanket needs special care when washing them. Selecting the suitable washing method based on fabric type, design intricacy, blanket size, and care label instructions is essential. Here are five steps to washing a Mexican blanket in a washing machine.

Mexican blankets or serapes | Source: Shutterstock

How to Wash a Mexican Blanket

1. Prepare the blanket and check for pre-stains.

It's crucial to thoroughly remove dirt before washing the Mexican blanket to prevent damage to the fabric. To do this, shake the blanket vigorously to eliminate loose dirt or debris.

Use a soft brush to gently sweep away any remaining dirt, hair, or debris trapped in the fibers. After shaking off the blanket, examine the blanket for any possible stains or spills.

Identify any visible stains, and if you spot any, apply a stain remover directly to the affected areas. Gently blot the stain remover onto the stain and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.

Check any noticeable stains, and if you observe any, directly apply a stain remover to the affected areas. | Source: Shutterstock

2. Choose a gentle detergent.

Harsh chemicals can potentially harm the fibers and colors of your Mexican blanket. To ensure the longevity and vibrancy of your blanket, opt for a bleach-free gentle detergent. Steer clear of fabric softeners altogether.

If you desire a pleasant aroma, choose a scented standard laundry detergent. A fragrant option is particularly beneficial since cotton tends to retain odors that can be difficult to eliminate.

Alternatively, if you prefer unscented options, add a small amount of Borax or OxiClean. For those with sensitive skin, it's advisable to use a specialized laundry product.

Using harsh chemicals may pose a risk to the fibers and colors of your Mexican blanket, so it is advisable to opt for a gentle detergent. | Source: Shutterstock

3. Wash it separately.

When washing your Mexican blanket, it's best to wash it separately. This type of blanket may bleed in the first few washes, so it's a good idea to play it safe and avoid accidentally ruining other clothes.

If you want to wash more than one item, you can mix the blanket with similar lightweight items to prevent any potential damage, such as tangling or excessive friction.

Wash your Mexican blanket separately initially to prevent color bleeding and avoid damage to other fabric. | Source: Shutterstock

4. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle.

To keep your Mexican blanket in top shape, wash them in cold water. These blankets are either hand-woven or loomed with different thread types, and using hot or warm water can lead to uneven shrinkage.

When washing, choose the gentle cycle on your machine to prevent any potential damage. If your machine lacks a gentle cycle option, consider using the delicate setting or wash them by hand.

If your machine doesn't have a gentle cycle, use the delicate setting or choose hand wash instead. | Source: Shutterstock

5. Air-dry the blanket.

Alternatively, you can use a basic drying rack or lay the blanket flat. In choosing the latter, flipping the blanket periodically ensures thorough drying.

Avoid drying in direct sunlight to prevent color fading to achieve the best results. This precautionary measure will also aid in preserving the softness, color vibrancy, and original shape of the blanket.

For optimal results, air-dry the Mexican blanket in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. | Source: Shutterstock

A vibrant, clean Mexican blanket will capture attention in your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your Mexican blanket for years to come, maintaining its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and overall appeal!

Now, let's not forget about your faux fur rug—it deserves some good TLC, too, like your Mexican blanket! Here are easy steps and tips on how to clean a faux fur rug.