Moving things for hoovering yesterday included two cat blankets that had been sitting underneath the bed that had been on the very top of the cat tree. One of its screws isn’t threaded properly and anyway the cats didn’t like the highest parts, the others of which are too small.

Sapphy has slept on the bed a few times in its new home under a small table. My mum thought the blankets could do with a wash and then I realised they could go on the dining chairs the cats sleep on. Extra softness (the chairs are pretty flat) and it’ll save me so much brushing off the fur. I did that yesterday and you’d be amazed how much there is.

Jasper likes his and has been sleeping on it for a few hours this morning. He gave it a scratch first, maybe to add some cat scent to counteract the freshly-washed smell. The cushion he used to sleep on under another chair has also had a wash and been defurred, but he hasn’t used it for months. Still, it’s there as an option.

#cats #beds #cushions #blankets

Weird History Of The Space Blanket

#Refugee crisis symbol to #conspiracy theory, this shiny blanket means many things to many people

Before #space #blankets were human #first-aid essentials, they were basically interstellar ponchos, designed to shield Earth-built machines from harsh environment of #space

First deployed in 1973 to keep #Skylab from overheating, they’re now an essential part of most crafts, custom-cut to fit everything from the #Hubble Space Telescope

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-weird-history-of-the-space-blanket

Well, maybe not quite yet...!

Yes, You Need to Clean Your #WinterGear Before Storing It for the Season

Here’s why and how to clean and store six winter essentials so they'll last for years.

By Nafeesah Allen
Published on February 20, 2026

"As we move into warmer weather, it’s time to tuck away cold-weather essentials, including winter coats, boots, mittens, and bedding. However, stuffing stinky or stained items away for months is a surefire way to permanently damage them. Dirt, grime, snow, salt, and ice can ruin your winter gear and even attract pests. Here’s why and how to wash six winter essentials before storage."

[...]

It's important to clean off corrosive salt and dirt off of your snowshoes, skis and other winter gear before storing it!

"Winter footwear includes boots of all kinds—galoshes, hiking boots, moccasins, snow shoes, and everything in between. They tend to pick up more than slush and mud. Salt and bacteria can be much worse. "

Learn more:
https://www.bhg.com/clean-winter-gear-before-storing-it-11910359

#SolarPunkSunday #WinterClothing #ClothesStorage #Blankets #WinterFootwear #Snowshoes #PreserveRestore

#SnowWashing Is Everywhere—Fabric Experts Explain When It Works and When It Doesn’t

From #rugs and #blankets to #sweaters, this old-world laundry trick can refresh fabrics without water or detergent. Experts break down how to reap the benefits—and when to skip it.

By Terri Robertson, Published: Jan 30, 2026

"I can barely scroll TikTok or Instagram these days without coming across a post about the latest laundry trend—snow washing, or #snötvätt in Swedish. This traditional cleaning method is sort of like taking your #wool clothing, blankets, and rugs to #MotherNature’s #DryCleaner.

"It’s free, completely natural, and nothing new to those who live in Nordic countries. Many knitters are hip to the process too. But everyone else might be wondering, does this really work?

"Enter Fran Kozen and Larissa Shepherd, experts in fiber science and apparel design at #CornellUniversity who are demystifying the trend—and as it turns out, it’s a really good one."

Learn more:
https://www.countryliving.com/home-maintenance/cleaning/a70203964/snow-washing-trend/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/pJ5OV

#SolarPunkSunday #SnowWashing #SnowCleaning #Winter #Laundry #NaturesDryCleaning #WoolBlankets #WoolClothing

Winter--Apsaroke c1908 July 6.
Curtis, Edward S., 1868-1952
1 photographic print. | Apsaroke woman carrying firewood in snow, approaching a tipi.

#Curtis #EdwardS #|Apsaroke #EdwardSCurtis #NativeAmerican #1900-1910 #Blankets #CrowIndians #Domesticlife #Fuelwoodgathering #Montana #Tipis #undefined

https://www.loc.gov/item/2002722313/

The wood gatherer--Sioux c1908 July 6.
Curtis, Edward S., 1868-1952
1 photographic print. | Dakota woman carrying firewood on her back in snow.

#Sioux #Curtis #EdwardS #Dakota #EdwardSCurtis #NativeAmerican #theUnitedStates #1900-1910 #Blankets #DakotaIndians #Domesticlife #Fuelwoodgathering #Lifting&carrying #undefined

https://www.loc.gov/item/2002719676/

A heavy load c1908 July 6.
Curtis, Edward S., 1868-1952
1 photographic print. | Dakota woman carrying firewood on her back in snow.

#Curtis #EdwardS #Dakota #American #1900-1910 #Blankets #DakotaIndians #Domesticlife #Fuelwoodgathering #Lifting&carrying #undefined

https://www.loc.gov/item/2002719675/