Having a welding blanket is helpful for workshop safety. Since sparks, spatters, and flying metals tend to fall on you or your surroundings while welding, that protective cover is the very thing you need to safeguard your body. But keeping it in good condition to last for a few more years takes some work.
Waylander Welding Fiberglass Vermiculite Blanket
Welding Blanket Upkeep
Washing Your Welding Blanket in a Washing Machine
As a general rule, when you wash your welding blanket in a washing machine, do not mix the welding blanket with other heat-resistant or non-heat-resistant clothing items. Separate the load to prevent chemicals from non-heat-resistant materials that may contaminate your welding blanket.
Next, remember that heat-resistant blankets should be carefully washed with specific detergents that won’t ruin the blanket’s protective layer. The detergent should be bleach-free since bleach can tarnish the blanket’s integrity. If you are using a home laundry detergent, check the label. Just be sure it doesn’t contain any chlorine or bleach. Some examples of bleach-free detergent are Neutral ph-balanced formula, USDA Certified Bio-based product, and Fragrance-free formula.
Also, don’t use fabric softeners and soaps since these can destroy the structure of the welding blanket’s protective layer. These chemicals leave a flammable coating behind.
When it comes to water temperature, the best temperature for washing welding blankets is 104ºF (40ºC) and less. Avoid using the hottest temperature on your washing machine. When in doubt, always check the label on the welding blanket for the preferred temperature.
Finally, don’t let the welding blanket soak too long in the washing machine. If you do, detergent and water can damage the blanket’s protective layer. You can also wash your welding blanket by hand. Simply dampen it to get it cleaned. Do not soak it.
Washing Leather Welding Blankets
If your welding blanket is made of leather, use saddle soap for cleaning. Saddle soap leaves no residue and has a neutral ph-balanced formula. It is also fragrance-free.
To begin cleaning, take a clean damp cloth and clean the surface of the leather. Rub the fabric across the leather blanket’s surface to remove some debris and dust. After that, take a second clean cloth and apply a small amount of saddle soap. Rub that cloth gently in a clockwise motion across the surface of the leather blanket until it disappears from the leather. Once the surface is covered, take the third cloth and use this to remove saddle soap excess.
Removing Stains from Your Welding Blanket
Once you see a stain, clean it at once. Common stains on welding blankets include paints, solvents, oils, and other flammable substances. Because if you don’t, these stains can reduce the blanket’s heat protection.
To remove stains begin with filling your sink with hot water, then wet the welding blanket. Rub dish detergent or liquid laundry detergent on the stained spot. Let that detergent rest on the blanket for about 3 to 5 minutes. After that, rinse the detergent off and check if the stains are clean. If the stain is still there, take it to a professional cleaning service.
