If you are the proud owner of a Mexican blanket, you are lucky enough to possess a beautiful and durable textile that complements both indoor and outdoor spaces. Maybe you have taken your Mexican blanket to a yoga class, a picnic in the park, or even a camping trip – or maybe it accentuates the back of your couch, adding color and West Coast vibes to your living room. 

However you use your Mexican blanket, at some point, it will need to be cleaned. So, how do you wash a Mexican blanket without destroying this exquisite, eco-friendly fabric? Our expert team at Earth Ragz is here to share the ins and outs of Mexican blanket cleaning to help you preserve your treasured belongings and make your consumption more sustainable. 

What Is a Mexican Blanket? 

The cleaning instructions we are about to share are intended for Mexican blankets. You might be wondering how to tell if your item is a true Mexican blanket (also sometimes called a Baja blanket, Mexican rug, vaquera blanket, or falsa). Mexican blankets are one of the most recognizable textiles from around the world, and they are typically handwoven with brightly colored fibers and geometric patterns. They are often used for yoga, decoration, warmth, and even sometimes as rugs. 

While thoughtful cleaning is required to make these durable blankets last a lifetime, the good news is, you can successfully wash a Mexican blanket in your own home. Dry cleaning is an option, but it is definitely not the only choice. Let’s take a look at some tips to wash your Mexican blanket with longevity in mind. 

Tips for Washing a Mexican Blanket

Typically, you will want to wash your Mexican blanket every few months. However, you may need to wash it more often if it is used by pets, gets food spilled on it, or you suffer from an illness. No matter the frequency with which you wash your blanket, here are some key tips to keep in mind in order to preserve the quality of your Mexican blanket when washing.  

Set Your Washing Machine to Cold

Many Mexican blankets are machine washable, but it is always a good idea to turn your washing machine settings to “cold.” You can also turn the machine to a “delicate” cycle to prevent friction and possible pilling. The cold water keeps the colors of the blanket bright. Hot water, on the other hand, may cause shrinkage. Hot water can also fade the vibrant colors of these blankets over time. As a rule of thumb, it is best to wash a Mexican blanket by itself. 

Rinse to Set Colors

Here at Earth Ragz, our Mexican blanket fibers are prewashed to ensure that soft and lived-in feel that everyone loves. However, not all Mexican blankets are created with the same amount of care and attention to detail. Some Mexican blankets should be rinsed without detergent for the first wash in order to set the colors. This prevents color bleeding and fading. As always, wash your Mexican blanket by itself for this rinse cycle to keep the color from transferring onto any other items that are in your washing machine. 

Hang to Dry

The cardinal sin of washing a Mexican blanket? Putting it in the dryer! Heat is not good for your Mexican blanket. It is best to hang up your blanket to try, as heat can contribute to shrinkage and a warped or wrinkled look that will not go away. 

Consider Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is an option for your Mexican blanket. Although you can machine wash Mexican blankets from Earth Ragz, make sure to read the care labels from other brands carefully to ensure that dry cleaning is not required. Hanging your Mexican blanket over to a dry cleaner can reduce the stress associated with tackling cleaning at home. 

Avoid Bleach and Harsh Chemicals

Stick with gentle, eco-friendly detergents when washing your Mexican blankets. Bleach can damage the woven fabric, leading to faded colors and weaker fibers. Choosing high-quality, all-natural detergents will give you the best results when you clean your Mexican blanket. 

Take Home an Eco-Friendly Mexican Blanket Today

Do not miss your opportunity to bring home a colorful, sustainable, and cozy Mexican blanket from our vast collection today. We are dedicated to producing eco-friendly designs that are ideal for a bonfire on the beach, a morning yoga class, or a cozy winter’s nap. Wherever life takes you, we have a Mexican blanket that is the perfect match.