How to Wash an Afghan

Although you run the risk of possible snags, washing afghans in the machine is usually quite fine. Sometimes we don't have time to hand wash our crochet projects, so the washer can really be a lifesaver.

First thing's first, you have to determine which type of yarn your afghan has. If it is acrylic or synthetic or cotton, you can wash it with your laundry, but wool yarns and older cotton yarns should only be hand washed.

1. Put your washer on a normal or delicate cycle with cool to cold water.
    
2. Make sure there are no other items in the wash that may snag the blanket, like items with zippers.
    
3. Run the cycle. If there are tassels or fringe on the afghan, add some fabric softener to avoid tangles.
    
4. When the cycle is done, it's time to dry! With acrylic or synthetic yarns, you can throw the afghan in the dryer on minimal heat in a mesh bag. With any other yarns, lay the afghan out - do not hang - to dry. If the afghan has tassels or fringe, lay the blanket out and comb through the fringe with your fingers to detangle. 
    
5. If any yarn has snagged or come loose, work them back into the afghan.

Hand washing is always the safe bet for crochet afghans. If you're wondering how to wash an afghan, follow these simple steps and you're blanket will be clean in no time.

1. Choose a detergent. For almost all afghans, a mild detergent in cold water will work best. With wool yarns, use a baby shampoo or a special wool cleaner.
    
2. Wash. Make sure not to drag, rub, or scrub the yarn with the detergent. Putting too much strain on the afghan when it's wet will stretch it out. Instead, gently soak the afghan and lightly work the soap into it.
    
3. Rinse with cold water in the sink or tub. Rinse until all the soap is out of the afghan. DO NOT WRING out afghan.
    
4. Dry your crochet afghan by laying it flat on top of a towel. Make sure it is shaped exactly how you want it to dry, not stretched out.

For even more tips and tricks and all things crochet, you'll want to check out our other informative articles and video tutorials. The links are below for you to look at:

1. How to Wind a Yarn Ball
    
2. How to Block Finished Crochet Projects
    
3. How to Make T-Shirt Yarn
    
4. Crochet for Beginners: How to Read Crochet Patterns
    
5. How to Organize Your Works in Progress (WIPs)