U-haul Blanket Questions

[Pearl and Zip]

So, we’re almost done with the cage for the guinea pigs! (see more on this thread About My Piggies)

We’re going to use fleece liner instead of paper bedding, and I have a few questions.

For the u-haul pads, do I prewash them? Do they shrink?

I’m planning to do a fleece layer and then two u-haul layers. Is this okay, or do I have to add a layer on the bottom, too? If I have to put a bottom layer, I was thinking about something waterproof, like a nylon tablecloth or something. Something less expensive than fleece, and also waterproof.

Thanks!

 

[Pearl and Zip]

Oh, and of course autocorrect had to change the title!

 

[Pearl and Zip]

Can someone please help? I need to find this out soon, as I’m trying to finish the liner by Sunday!


Also, I’m sorry it says “you-haul”. I meant “Uhaul”, but autocorrect kept changing it.

 

[lissie]

They do shrink. I prewash them in hot water and dry in hottest setting in the dryer.
You can use them as bottom layer, but they will not last as long as the encased ones. They will shed when you wash and dry them.

Not sure if I'm allowed to link to other forum, this thread has everything you need to know about UHaul pads.
Blankets Review: UHaul blanket

 

[VickiA]

They do shrink. I prewash them in hot water and dry in hottest setting in the dryer.
You can use them as bottom layer, but they will not last as long as the encased ones. They will shed when you wash and dry them.

Not sure if I'm allowed to link to other forum, this thread has everything you need to know about UHaul pads.
Blankets Review: UHaul blanket

Thank you @lissie I’m afraid that as we are based mainly in the UK there are limited members with experience of UHaul blankets. Thanks so much for directing @Dog Cow to such a helpful thread.

 

[sport_billy]

@lissie Thanks so much for that! very helpful as a UK we have no info on those so that is so helpful as @VickiA says

 

[Pearl and Zip]

They do shrink. I prewash them in hot water and dry in hottest setting in the dryer.
You can use them as bottom layer, but they will not last as long as the encased ones. They will shed when you wash and dry them.

Not sure if I'm allowed to link to other forum, this thread has everything you need to know about UHaul pads.
Blankets Review: UHaul blanket

Thank you so much!

I’m guessing the fleece doesn’t have to be prewashed? Though I’ve heard multiple answers to this...

I’ll definitely check out the website!

Thanks again!

 

[lissie]

Thank you so much!

I’m guessing the fleece doesn’t have to be prewashed? Though I’ve heard multiple answers to this...

I’ll definitely check out the website!

Thanks again!

You're welcome!

Fleece needs to be prewashed, for different reasons. Fleece shouldn't shrink much, but need prewashing to remove any coating that would prevent liquid to go through.

Test the fleece to make sure the liquid goes through to the absorbent layer (which would be the UHaul pads). The top of fleece should stay dry.
You may need to wash at least 3 times before using it in the cage.

Do not use any fabric softener or dryer sheets, as those will add waterproof coating to the fabric.

You do not want your pigs sitting on damp fleece.

 

[Pearl and Zip]

You're welcome!

Fleece needs to be prewashed, for different reasons. Fleece shouldn't shrink much, but need prewashing to remove any coating that would prevent liquid to go through.

Test the fleece to make sure the liquid goes through to the absorbent layer (which would be the UHaul pads). The top of fleece should stay dry.
You may need to wash at least 3 times before using it in the cage.

Do not use any fabric softener or dryer sheets, as those will add waterproof coating to the fabric.

You do not want your pigs sitting on damp fleece.

I washed the fleece and got the uhual pad. Should I wash it three times like I did with the fleece?

 

[lissie]

When I got my uhaul pads, I didn't sew into a liner right away. I was using it as loose layer for a long time. I don't know if washing multiple times will be needed before making a liner.

The uhal pads shed a lot first few washes. Lots of lint in the dryer lint trap.

 

[Pearl and Zip]

So, like most projects we do, it’s taking longer than expected. The hemming web didn’t work. We’re trying to get the sewing machine to work so we can sew the liner instead.

Luckily, we got enough paper bedding for two more weeks.

 

[lissie]

You can just layer them in the cage. They're a little hassle to lay down one layer at a time, but they work fine.

 

[Pearl and Zip]

You can just layer them in the cage. They're a little hassle to lay down one layer at a time, but they work fine.

We’re attaching them together because the uhual blanket seems as if it is going to fall apart after being washed frequently if we put it on it’s own. And I think it would be easier for us to just put one layer in. Thanks for the suggestion, though!