While one option is to take it to a laundromat or dry cleaner, there is a simple and effective way to wash such large items at home. This method, reportedly developed by French housewives, allows you to clean oversized fabrics without special equipment.
Start by filling the bathtub with warm water at a temperature of about 40 °C. Add a detergent or washing gel designed for delicate fabrics, and if there are any greasy stains, include a small amount of dish soap.
Stir the water thoroughly until the detergent is completely dissolved. Submerge the blanket or throw, ensuring it is fully covered with water, and let it soak for 3-4 hours.
After soaking, the cleaning process begins. Stand in the tub and gently stomp on the blanket with clean feet or clean rubber boots. This stomping action helps to loosen dirt and mimics the action of a washing machine.
If the blanket is particularly dirty, drain the dirty water, refill the tub with fresh water and detergent, and repeat the process until the fabric is clean.
Rinsing is done in a similar manner. Replace the soapy water with clean water, submerge the blanket, and stomp to work out the detergent. Repeat this process three or four times, changing the water each time, until the blanket is free of soap residue.
Once washing and rinsing are complete, it’s time to remove excess water. Start by draining the tub and continue to stomp on the blanket to extract as much water as possible. Then, place stools or shelves in the tub and drape the blanket over them, allowing the remaining water to drain naturally. Leave it in this position for several hours or even overnight.
When most of the water has drained, the blanket can be hung to dry in a well-ventilated area. For those who prefer not to use their feet, a mop can be used to wring out and mix the fabric during washing and rinsing.