Will the warmth and feel of a blanket change after long-term use?

The warmth and feel of a blanket may indeed change after long-term use, but this change is affected by many factors, including the material of the blanket, how it is used, and how it is maintained. Wool blankets are popular for their natural fiber structure and good warmth retention. However, long-term use and improper cleaning may damage wool fibers and reduce their warmth retention. If wool fibers are overstretched or worn, the air layer inside them may be compressed, which affects the warmth retention effect. Polyester fiber blankets have good durability and wrinkle resistance, but after long-term use, if they are exposed to strong direct sunlight or high temperature treatment, they may cause fiber aging, which in turn affects the warmth retention performance.
Frequent folding and compression will not only cause creases to the appearance of the blanket, it will cause microscopic damage to the fiber structure inside the blanket. This damage will gradually accumulate, resulting in a decrease in the gaps between the fibers, which will affect the warmth retention performance of the blanket. Because warmth retention depends largely on the air layers between the fibers, these air layers can capture and retain heat. When the fibers are compressed or twisted, these air layers are compressed or destroyed, which greatly reduces the warmth of the blanket. If the blanket is often used in a humid or sweaty environment, moisture intrusion can be a serious problem. Moisture not only weakens the thermal insulation of the fibers because it fills the gaps between the fibers and reduces the presence of air layers, but also promotes the growth of bacteria and mold, posing a threat to the hygiene of the blanket. In the long run, this not only affects the warmth of the blanket, but may also have adverse effects on human health. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the blanket dry.
Regular washing and airing are key steps to keep blankets clean, dry and warm. Washing can remove stains and odors from blankets, while airing removes residual moisture and prevents mold growth. However, over-washing or using the wrong detergent can damage the fibers, causing them to become brittle and break, further reducing the warmth. Therefore, when choosing detergents and cleaning methods, pay special attention to their mildness and applicability. Proper ironing and finishing can not only make the blanket look smoother and more beautiful, but more importantly, it can restore the fluffiness and fiber structure of the blanket. Ironing can remove wrinkles and compression caused by use, make the fibers fluffy again, increase the presence of air layers, and thus improve the thermal insulation performance. Finishing can help adjust the direction and arrangement of the fibers to make them more uniform and consistent, and improve the overall thermal insulation effect.
As the use time increases, the material of the blanket will gradually age, which is an inevitable natural process. Aging will cause the strength and elasticity of the fiber to decrease, and the touch will become rough or no longer soft. To slow down this process, we can take some measures, such as avoiding long-term exposure to strong sunlight, avoiding contact with sharp or rough objects, and regularly using maintenance agents. However, even with these measures, it is impossible to completely prevent the aging of the material. Therefore, when the thermal insulation performance and touch of the blanket are significantly reduced, it may be a wiser choice to consider replacing a new blanket.
The thermal insulation performance and touch of the blanket may indeed change after long-term use. In order to extend the life of the blanket and maintain its good warmth retention and touch, users are advised to avoid excessive folding and compression, keep it dry and clean, choose appropriate detergents and cleaning methods, and perform regular maintenance and tidying. In addition, for blankets made of natural materials such as wool, more attention should be paid to the selection of maintenance methods and the control of the use environment.