Just toss the blanket in the machine, wash cold, on gentle cycle. Use mild detergent. Tumble dry low in a large capacity dryer for a few cycles or hang it to dry, laying it flat.
Avoid hanging it upright as this will stretch the braids. Avoid high heat as this can lead to pilling, so when the dryer stops, remove it.
For the heavy (22 pounds) blanket we recommend you wash it in a commercial washer, or check the capacity of your washing machine to find out if it can handle the weight.
Washing machine capacities:
- High capacity top-loaders on average hold 12 to 15 pounds
- Front-loading washing machines on average hold 18 pounds
- While an extra-large front load machine can handle 20 to 22 pounds