How to choose and care for a fur blanket?

A fur blanket is a relatively inexpensive decorative element that fits into almost any interior and adds coziness to the space. A fluffy blanket can be natural or made of synthetic materials.

A fur blanket is a home accessory that plays not only a functional, but also a decorative role. Usually, a blanket is covered with a bed, or it is placed on an armchair or sofa.

Fur bedspreads fall into two main categories - artificial and natural. Besides, they are usually divided into short-haired ones - with hairs 10-15 mm in length, long-haired ones - with hairs 25-35 mm, as well as capes with an average pile length - from 15 to 25 mm.

Plaids made of artificial materials are hypoallergenic, except in cases where there is a strong allergy to synthetics. It is easy to care for such a product; it is enough to wash it in a washing machine or clean it with a dry method. The assortment of artificial products is much wider than natural ones: you can choose between models with long or short nap, different colors, texture and density. The service life of such a bedspread is usually not inferior to natural fur. Finally, it should be mentioned that the synthetic blanket is an environmentally friendly product, it is absolutely safe for the health of adults and children.

For the manufacture of artificial bedspreads, synthetic fibers and yarns, acetate threads and a soil base are used. The yarn is used to form a base, on which the villi are then fixed in a woven or knitted fashion. For dyeing fibers, dyes are used that retain their color for a long time. Embossed patterns on fur blankets are formed thanks to the technology of printed printing.

Among artificial products, a blanket with a long pile, repeating the color of a chinchilla, is especially popular. Models with a short nap, stylized as mink, which are made in several different colors, look luxurious. Capes for a tiger, leopard or bear always attract attention.

A bedspread made of natural fur is quite expensive, but it is a very beautiful and status accessory, soft and pleasant to the touch. However, it should be borne in mind that it should not be purchased by people with a wool allergy. The disadvantage of such a product is the complexity of caring for it - natural fur cannot be machine washed, so you will have to go to dry cleaning. Natural blankets are created from mink, fox, silver fox or chinchilla fur.

A fairly wide range of fluffy blankets allows you to make a choice for every taste, but in general, it is customary to distinguish four main sizes of fluffy blankets:

• baby blanket - 100 x 150 cm;
• teenage - 160 by 200 or 160 by 220 cm;
• standard adult models have an area of ​​220x240 cm;
• enlarged, for example, for a "king" bed - 240x260 cm.

While fluffy blankets made from natural material are rather limited in colors (we are usually talking about black, white, brown or gray shades), artificial products allow you to show more variety in the interior of the bedroom, living room or nursery. A blanket under the skin of an animal will bring zest to a calm and laconic space, and a neutral beige blanket will complement almost any interior.

For a children's room, it is better to choose faux fur capes with fancy patterns. The bedspread of a light pink shade, as well as the color of champagne or coffee with milk will ideally fit into a light interior, for example, a room in the Scandi style or Provence.

A bright green, purple or red cape can liven up a boring bedroom. A long-haired blanket looks better on furniture made of wood and leather in a classic space, and for a modern style it is better to choose short-haired models. The double-sided model will allow you to change the appearance of the product according to your mood.

Before buying a blanket, you should decide how this fluffy accessory will be used. For example, if the cape is planned to be used often or it is intended for a children's room, it is better to give preference to models made of faux fur. If a soft blanket simply decorates the parent's bed, and no one lies on it, you can purchase a luxurious natural product. Further, the dimensions of the furniture on which the product will be placed are necessarily measured. Finally, you need to think about a shade of fur that will overlap with other colors in the interior.

Depending on the length of the pile, both the appearance and functionality of the blanket will change. For beds, it is better to take thin models with dense, but short fur, and for a sofa - denser products with long pile.

As for artificial fur products, Turkey, Russia and China are considered the main producers.

• For example, domestic brand blankets are popular. MARIANNA... Capes with exquisite design are easy to wash and do not lose their original appearance for a long time. The assortment of the brand includes original double-sided models, one side of which is made of jacquard fabric, and the decorative ultrastep stitching goes along the entire bedspread.
• Turkish manufacturer Arya famous for its wide range of models, including those imitating the fur of various animals.
• Of the Chinese manufacturers, the brand deserves special attention Tango.

It is recommended to purchase blankets made from natural fur of Russian origin - for example, from Opushka, as well as Italian - from the company Condorpelli.

Regardless of whether the cape is made of natural or synthetic material, it is extremely important to study the recommendations from the manufacturer indicated on the label and follow them.

• They usually relate to the dosage of powder or gel for washing, the possibility of using bleach, and the rules for drying. Colored models should not be soaked at all, since such a procedure can lead to a loss of brightness of the shades. If you have serious stains, it is better not to do anything, but immediately send the blanket to the dry-cleaner. The faux fur cape can be machine washed by choosing a cold wash cycle (usually 35-40 degrees) and filling the compartment with a mild detergent without bleach.
• Of course, if other recommendations are indicated on the label, then they will have to be followed. Before loading the textile into the drum, it is good to shake it out and comb it with a stiff brush to get rid of large debris. Large stains are pre-treated with a mild stain remover for colored items. It is important to dry the blanket always flat and in a horizontal state, so as not to leave kinks from thin ropes. You can also hang the item on a thick beam.
• Do not dry in the sun or in an unventilated area, as wet material fade quickly and also absorbs any odors. A dry product is brushed in the direction of the pile. Periodically, the cover should be shaken in the fresh air or even vacuum cleaned. Faux fur is not recommended to be washed too often and, of course, it should not be dried and wrung out directly in the washing machine. In addition, chlorine-containing or bleaching detergents are prohibited. Such products are ironed only in a delicate mode at a temperature of less than 110 degrees.
• Bedspreads made from natural fur require more complex care. It is important to protect them from direct sunlight and keep them away from heating appliances. If liquid is spilled onto the cape, then the thing is first shaken, and then placed in a ventilated room. You can try to remove a small stain using a mixture of common salt and ammonia. The fur should not be exposed to brushes - it is better to use soft napkins.
• Natural blankets are regularly ventilated in the open air and brushed with a wide-toothed brush. To add shine, they can be wiped with a solution prepared from water, alcohol and vinegar taken in equal proportions. Instead of an iron for ironing, it is more reasonable to use a steam generator turned on in a gentle mode.