We all have that favorite blanket we don’t want to wash for fear of it losing its softness. For many, that might be the Lola Blanket. Lola Blankets are double-hemmed, double-sided, and made with 95% vegan, cruelty-free polyester and 5% spandex. Some of these blankets, specifically the Large-sized ones, cost upward of $300. The high price of the blankets is due in part to their handcrafted dyeing process and soft, vegan fur-like fabric. They’re available in three sizes: baby (30 x 36 inches), medium (50 x 60 inches), and large (60 x 72 inches).

The company claims that their blankets will “stand the test of time” as long as you follow their cleaning instructions. Those instructions include prepping your blanket, machine washing it at a low temperature and soil level, and air drying it. If you don’t follow the instructions, your blanket could easily lose its soft, plush feel. And with a blanket that can cost as much as your car payment, it’s important to keep it in the best shape possible. 

Lola Blanket has three steps for cleaning your blanket: prep, machine washing, and drying (but not with your dryer!). Before you put your blanket in the washer, you will want to shake it to get any loose particles or dust off. Once you have done that, you can put it in the washer. You should use a large-capacity washer, if possible, so your blanket has enough room to move around. 

Either way, you will need to set your washer on cold water and do a gentle cycle. You should never use hot water when washing your Lola Blanket. You should also use a mild, gentle liquid detergent, but no bleach or fabric softeners. After it is finished washing, you should air dry your blanket by hanging it up or laying it completely flat. You can also tumble dry the blanket to bring back any lost softness.

One of the biggest mistakes everyone makes when it comes to throw blankets is washing them with other items. You should always wash your Lola blanket alone to prevent your washer from being overcrowded. The company also says that it’s best to use gentle detergent and never fabric softener or bleach. Even if you don’t have a Lola Blanket, this is the best practice for washing all faux fur blankets.

Once your blanket is out of the washer, you can run it on the ‘air’ option in your dryer for around 15 minutes to bring back the softness. Never iron or dry clean your Lola Blanket. If you follow these suggestions, you should be able to make your Lola Blanket last longer. Wash your faux fur blankets as little as possible to keep their integrity. If you’re really only using your blanket for decor, for example, then you can get away with washing it just once a year.