Does It Matter If My Blanket Smelled Bad?  A Look Into The Science Behind It

Have you ever had a blanket that smelled bad? Whether it was from a pet or just natural wear and tear, you might have wondered why it smells and how it affects you. Well, the science behind why your blanket might smell bad, and how it can impact your life, is surprisingly complex. From your mental health to the physical environment, a bad-smelling blanket has far-reaching implications. In this article, we’ll be exploring the science behind why your blanket might smell bad, and how it can affect your life. We’ll look at the origins of the smell and the potential health hazards it may pose. Finally, we’ll discuss some simple tips for reducing the smell and keeping your blanket fresh. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the science behind why your blanket might smell bad.

Does It Matter If My Blanket Smelled Bad? 

Yes, it does matter if your blanket smells bad. The smell of your blanket can affect not only your comfort level but also the air quality in your home. Bad smells can be a sign of mold or mildew growth beneath the fabric, which can cause health problems for those living in the home. Even if the smell isn’t from mold or mildew, it can still be unpleasant and distracting. 

Why Does Your Blanket Smell Bad? 

Bacteria and Fungal Growth

A dirty blanket can easily become home to bacteria and fungi. If your blanket is frequently exposed to moisture, dirt, and other bacteria-ridden items, such as pets, it’s likely to become a breeding ground for these nasty smells. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest causes of a stinky blanket to identify and solve. Blankets that are used primarily outdoors or on furniture should be cleaned once a month, whether they’re dirty or not. On the other hand, indoor blankets should be cleaned once every three to six months. Bacteria grows and reproduces quickly, so it’s important to clean your blanket as soon as possible if it starts to smell. Luckily, cleaning is easy; you just need to wash your blanket in the washing machine with a little bit of detergent. However, if possible, you should avoid using hot water, as this can damage the fabric of the blanket. Instead, opt for warm water to gently clean your blanket without damaging it.

Sweat and Body Odor

A blanket that is frequently used by someone with a lot of body odor is likely to smell bad, especially if it’s regularly used indoors. If you notice that your blanket smells strongly like body odor, it’s important to try and identify the source. It’s easy to confuse body odor with other blanket smells, such as mildew or mold. To tell the difference, try to think about when the smell is most noticeable. If the smell is strongest when you’re using the blanket, it’s likely caused by the person who uses it. On the other hand, if the smell is strongest when the blanket is not in use, it’s likely an environmental smell caused by mildew or mold.

Pet Odor

If you have a pet and use that pet’s blanket as your own, it’s likely that the blanket will smell like your pet. Unfortunately, pet odor is notoriously difficult to get rid of, as it often involves more than just cleaning. Unfortunately, the smell of pets is incredibly strong and difficult to remove, but there are a few things you can try. First, you can try washing the blanket with a pet-specific detergent. You can find these at most supermarkets or pet stores. Second, you can try hanging the blanket outside to get rid of the smell. The fresh air should help to freshen the blanket up, although it will still smell like your pet. Finally, if nothing seems to help, you may need to replace your blanket altogether.

Smoke and Air Pollutants

If you smoke indoors and your blanket smells like smoke and other pollutants, it’s likely that your blanket has become home to these bad smells. Again, this is another blanket smell that is difficult to remove, but there are a few things you can try. First, you can try washing the blanket with a strong detergent. You should also try to air the blanket outdoors as frequently as possible. If these steps don’t help, you might need to replace your blanket. If that’s the case, try to choose a blanket without synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers trap pollutants and make the smell worse.

Mildew

Mildew is a very common cause of a smelly blanket. It is caused by excess moisture and is a common occurrence in humid environments or areas with poor air circulation. You can identify mildew by the distinctive black or grey ‘fuzz’ that it leaves behind. Again, mildew is difficult to remove, but there are a few things you can try. First, you can try to remove the mildew with a mix of water and vinegar. You should also try to air your blanket, and the area around it, as frequently as possible. Finally, if nothing seems to work, you may need to replace your blanket.

The Impact Of Smelling Bad On Health

1. It might seem like a trivial problem, but a bad smell can actually be dangerous or even deadly. If a blanket has become covered in mold or bacteria, it can release toxic spores or bacteria into the air around you. 
2. This can aggravate allergies and even cause asthma attacks in some people. If you have a pet, you might notice that their smell is being transferred to your blanket. This can increase the risk of allergies in children and adults, especially if they have a sensitive immune system.
3. If your blanket smells bad, it can also cause mental health issues. Bad smells can drive people crazy. We’re wired to notice them and find them incredibly distracting. 
4. The smell of a bad blanket can be incredibly distracting and disruptive. Blaring out a smell that makes everyone in your home want to flee.

Potential Environmental Effects Of Smelly Blankets

• Cleaning that stinks can create even more problems. The chemicals and bacteria that are used to remove the smell from the blanket can be very dangerous to the environment.
• This can create a poisonous gas that can seep into the rest of your home. If there are children in the house, they can be particularly susceptible to these poisons. They’re still developing their immune systems, so they may not be able to fight off such strong chemicals.
• If your kids have allergies, it’s even more important to be careful about cleaning chemicals. They could be making them worse. Luckily, there are a few ways to reduce the smell of your blanket and keep it clean. 
• First, you can wash it regularly. Most experts will recommend washing your blanket every three months. If the smell is very strong, you can use special products to clean it.

How To Reduce The Smell Of Your Blanket? 

1. If your blanket does happen to get stinky, don’t just throw it out. There are a few simple ways to reduce the smell and keep your blanket fresh. Firstly, you can wash it regularly in a washing machine. This can take care of most of the bacteria and dust that are accumulating on the blanket. 
2. If the smell is particularly strong, you can try adding a special product, such as baking soda, to the wash. If the smell is still there, you can also try ironing the blanket to kill off some of the bacteria. Alternatively, you can hang it outside in the sun.
3. The UV rays in the sun can kill off bacteria and reduce the smell of your blanket. Remember, a blanket that smells good can be a great addition to your home. 
4. It can keep you warm and cozy while also looking stylish. So, if your blanket smells bad, don’t just throw it out. Try out these tips for getting it fresh again and enjoy the benefits of a clean, fresh blanket.

How To Clean A Smelly Blanket? 

• We’ve covered the most common causes of a smelly blanket, but now let’s take a look at how to clean a smelly blanket. First, you should identify the cause of the odor. Once you know the reason your blanket is smelly, it will be easier to identify the best cleaning method. For example, if you have a smoke smell, you’ll want to wash the blanket in cold water.
• Hot water will make the smell worse because it will encourage the pollutants to spread and stick to the blanket’s fibers more readily. Second, you should try to wash your blanket as soon as possible.
• Bacteria and mildew love to grow in warm and moist environments, so the sooner you can clean your blanket, the better. Finally, once you’ve cleaned your blanket, you should dry it in a way that encourages it to dry evenly and thoroughly. This will prevent mildew from growing and will help to extend the life of your blanket.

Conclusion

Your blanket is a piece of fabric that is used every day to keep you warm and comfortable. As such, it picks up dust, dirt, and grime very easily. Over time, dirt, grime, and other contaminants can build up and cause a blanket to smell bad. Luckily, there are many ways to clean and freshen up your blanket so that it smells good as new again. Whether your blanket smells musty, like body odor, or like a wet dog, there are simple ways you can freshen up your favorite blanket and make it smell good as new. So, let’s get cleaning!