Main Types of Blankets

The most common blankets you will find on the market today are wool blankets, Raschel blankets, flannel blankets, and coral fleece blankets. Each type of blanket has its own unique features, materials, and comfort levels.

Understanding the differences between these four popular blanket types will help you make a better choice when shopping. By the end of this guide, you’ll clearly know how these blankets compare in terms of warmth, softness, durability, and care.

Wool Blanket: A Perfect Combination of Warmth and Comfort

A wool blanket is made from sheep wool, known for its excellent breathability. The fibers of wool create air pockets, which form a layer for air circulation, helping to maintain an ideal constant temperature, enhancing sleep quality.

Due to its superb insulation and breathability, wool is widely regarded as one of the best materials for warmth. It not only keeps you warm but also helps regulate body temperature, keeping you comfortable in both cold and warm conditions.

Wool blankets offer additional benefits for people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism. The warmth and moisture-wicking properties of wool can provide therapeutic effects, offering relief for joint pain and inflammation. Wool also has excellent elasticity and softness, helping to evenly distribute pressure, particularly around bony areas. This can result in a gentle, massaging effect, stimulating capillaries and improving skin blood circulation.

Wool fibers can absorb and diffuse sweat and oils from the skin, aiding skin metabolism and boosting the body’s resistance to skin diseases. In addition to its functional benefits, wool blankets often feature vibrant, eye-catching designs, adding a touch of elegance and decor to any room.

Wool Blanket: Pros and Cons

While wool blankets offer many benefits, they also have some downsides. One of the main drawbacks is that wool is prone to shrinking, especially when exposed to high heat or improper washing. Additionally, wool can attract moths and insects, which can damage the fabric over time.

For individuals with sensitive skin, wool blankets may cause irritation or itching, particularly when in direct contact with the skin. This is due to the natural fibers that can be a bit coarse for some people. Furthermore, the soft wool fibers are prone to picking up lint, hair, and dust, which may cling to your clothing or furniture.

Despite these drawbacks, many people still choose wool blankets for their unmatched warmth and comfort. Proper care, such as hand washing or using a gentle wool detergent, can help preserve the quality and extend the life of your wool blanket.

Raschel Blanket: The Finest Quality Among Blankets

Raschel blankets are considered the best quality among all types of blankets. The fabric is a type of acrylic, known for its excellent warmth, breathability, and softness. The texture is smooth and delicate, making it not only comfortable but also eco-friendly.

Originally used for high-end bedding, fur coat trims, luxury fabric toys, car decorations, and warm clothing accessories, Raschel blankets are now primarily made using acrylic yarn. These blankets are produced through the Raschel knitting machine, which gives them their unique, high-quality texture.

Functions and Uses:

1. In winter, it can be used as a mattress pad and warming blanket, instantly providing warmth and helping improve sleep quality.

2. In spring and autumn, it serves as a lightweight blanket, offering softness and warmth while being breathable against the skin.

3. In summer, it is an ideal option for a summer blanket—despite its plush texture, it remains breathable and comfortable.

When compared to other textiles, Raschel blankets stand out in several ways:

• Soft and comfortable to the touch.

• Fine fibers that do not shed or pill.

• Warm yet breathable, with superior thermal insulation.

• Bright, non-fading colors thanks to digital dyeing techniques.

• Thicker and denser than other blankets, offering unmatched warmth.

As a result, Raschel blankets are priced higher due to their quality, durability, and performance.

Flannel Blanket: Soft, Warm, and Elegant

Flannel blankets are made from a soft, fuzzy fabric woven from coarse cotton yarn. This fabric is known for its smooth surface and fine texture, making it a popular choice for cozy blankets and bedding.

Advantages:

1. Elegant and refined colors: Flannel comes in a variety of subtle tones, ideal for creating formal outerwear or stylish bedding.

2. Soft and dense fleece: The fibers are fine and tightly woven, providing a smooth surface with no visible weave.

3. Thick and soft: Flannel blankets are incredibly warm, offering excellent insulation and comfort.

4. Durable: Flannel blankets do not shed fibers or pill, maintaining their appearance and softness over time.

Disadvantages:

1. Expensive: Due to the quality of the fabric, flannel blankets can be more expensive compared to other types of blankets.

2. Heavy water absorption: Flannel has excellent moisture-wicking properties, but it also becomes quite heavy when wet. This can make washing flannel items challenging, as washing machines often have a weight limit.

3. Poor breathability: Flannel blankets are typically thicker and used for outerwear, with fewer options designed for lightweight or breathable indoor wear.

Overall, flannel blankets are perfect for cold weather, offering luxurious warmth and comfort. However, their thickness and weight require proper care and attention when washing.

Coral Fleece Blanket: Soft, Comfortable, and Durable

Coral fleece is made from one of the latest and most popular fabrics in the international textile industry. Known for its strong moisture absorption, breathability, and soft, warm feel, it’s named after the texture that resembles coral.

Coral fleece blankets are known for their soft, delicate feel and excellent environmental properties. They provide good coverage and have become increasingly popular in a wide range of products, from shoes and hats to toys, car accessories, baby products, and bathrobes. Recently, coral fleece bedding has emerged, gradually replacing traditional bedding options like cotton and polyester.

Advantages:

1. Fine fibers: Coral fleece is made from thin, soft fibers with excellent flexibility. It’s non-toxic, soft to the touch, and holds its color well, making it easy to dye.

2. High fiber density: The high fiber density and large surface area provide excellent coverage.

3. Breathability: The fibers allow for good airflow, making the blanket comfortable and soft to use, providing a gentle feel against the skin.

4. Excellent appearance: The large surface area of the fibers ensures low light reflection, resulting in an elegant and smooth color.

5. Durable and easy to maintain: Coral fleece blankets are resistant to pilling, shedding, and fading. They are durable, easy to clean, and have good moisture-wicking properties.

Disadvantages:

1. Static electricity: Like many synthetic fabrics, coral fleece may generate static electricity.

2. Shedding: It can shed fibers during the first few uses, so it's recommended to wash it before use.

3. Not ideal for sensitive skin: People with skin allergies or asthma should be cautious when using coral fleece blankets.

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How to Clean Different Types of Blankets

Once you have a clear understanding of the different types of blankets and their materials, you can easily choose the right one for your needs. But how do you properly care for and clean each type of blanket? Proper cleaning methods are essential for maintaining the quality, softness, and longevity of your blanket.

Whether it’s a wool blanket, a coral fleece blanket, or a Raschel blanket, each material requires specific care to preserve its properties. In this guide, we’ll break down the best cleaning methods for various types of blankets to help you keep them in top condition for years to come.

How to Wash a Wool Blanket

Wool blankets are known for their softness, elasticity, and excellent warmth. However, washing them improperly can damage these qualities. So, how should you clean a wool blanket without compromising its texture and insulation properties? Here’s a guide on the best practices for washing a wool blanket:

1. Hand Wash or Dry Clean Only

The best method for cleaning a wool blanket is either hand washing or dry cleaning. Avoid using a washing machine, as the agitation can distort the blanket, reducing its softness and warmth.

2. Gentle Soaking and Light Scrubbing

When washing, simply soak the blanket in water and gently agitate with your hands. Repeating this process a few times will give you the desired result. However, do not use a brush, as it can damage the fabric’s texture and reduce the blanket’s lifespan—similar to the effect of machine washing.

3. Gentle Pressing and Vinegar for Extra Care

While washing, gently press the blanket to avoid damaging the fibers. To prevent the wool blanket from losing its softness and becoming old-looking, add a few drops of vinegar to the wash water. This will help maintain the wool blanket’s condition and prevent it from becoming rough.

4. Drying the Wool Blanket

After washing, you can air dry the wool blanket, or use a dryer on a low heat setting. If you don’t have a dryer, hang the blanket on a drying rack and lay it flat to preserve its shape. Avoid using a clothes hanger, as this can cause the blanket to become misshapen.

5. Dealing with Wrinkles

If your wool blanket has wrinkles after washing, don’t worry. Simply place a damp towel over the wrinkled area and gently iron it with a steam iron. The wrinkles will disappear without damaging the fabric.

Wool Blanket Care:

1. Avoid sharp, rough objects and strong alkaline substances: Keep your wool blanket away from anything that could damage the fibers.

2. Air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area: After washing, allow your wool blanket to dry naturally in a shaded place. Only store it once completely dry.

3. During storage, open the storage box or closet regularly, allowing the blanket to ventilate and stay dry.

4. In hot and humid seasons, it’s recommended to air dry the blanket a few times to prevent mold or mildew.

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How to Clean and Maintain a Raschel Blanket

1. Machine wash: You can machine wash your Raschel blanket by folding and placing it in a laundry bag. Use a neutral detergent and wash it at normal room temperature. Do not bleach the blanket. After washing, remove the blanket from the machine and air dry naturally. Avoid using a dryer or ironing the blanket.

2. Hand wash: Fill a bathtub with warm water around 30°C (86°F), fully submerge the Raschel blanket, and add a regular household neutral detergent. Let it soak for about 15 minutes. Gently rub the blanket by hand or use your feet to tread on it. After soaking, rinse the blanket 2-3 times with clean water. Once the washing is complete, drain the bathtub and do not wring out the blanket by hand or foot to avoid distortion. Lay the blanket out in the sunlight to dry, while gently brushing it with a soft brush to maintain its texture.

Raschel Blanket Care:

When storing, fold the Raschel blanket neatly and place it in a wardrobe or storage bag, ensuring it is not compressed to maintain its softness and elasticity. Avoid using mothballs during long-term storage to prevent damage to the fabric.

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How to Clean a Coral Fleece Blanket

1. Machine wash: Start by folding the coral fleece blanket and placing it in a mesh laundry bag. Use a standard detergent and wash it at room temperature. Do not bleach or use water wash cycles. After washing, air dry the blanket naturally. Avoid using a tumble dryer or ironing the blanket.

2. Hand wash: First, fill a container with warm water and add an appropriate amount of neutral detergent. Place the coral fleece blanket into the container and let it soak. After some time, gently scrub the blanket to remove stains. Drain the soiled water, and then rinse the blanket with clean water multiple times. Gently press out excess water and air dry in a shaded area. Do not expose the blanket to direct sunlight to prevent damage.

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How to Clean a Flannel Blanket

1. Flannel blankets containing wool fibers are often pre-shrunk, but it's still important to avoid further shrinkage during washing. Do not use hot water, as this can cause the wool to shrink further. Additionally, avoid bleach, as it can cause the fabric to turn yellow.
2. To wash a flannel blanket, dissolve a neutral detergent in warm water and gently scrub the stained areas by hand. After rinsing thoroughly, dewater the blanket gently and lay it out to air dry in a well-ventilated area.

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Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in choosing the right blanket and learning how to properly clean and care for your blankets. Whether you’re looking for a wool blanket, Raschel blanket, coral fleece blanket, or flannel blanket, understanding the unique characteristics of each type will help you make the best decision.

If you have any questions or additional tips, feel free to leave a comment below. Sharing your thoughts will help others find more useful information.