How to Wash a Blanket
From decorative blankets to duvet covers, blankets tend to be high-traffic household items. Before you snuggle up on the sofa with your favorite cozy throw blanket, read through our top tips for washing a blanket.
Washing a Blanket in a Washing Machine
Before washing blankets in a washing machine, check the care label. If your blanket is made of cotton, you should be able to toss it in with like-colors as part of a normal wash cycle. These types of blankets can also be washed with fabric softener.
To wash a wool blanket, make sure to select a delicate setting on your washing machine and set the water temperature to cold.
Tips for Drying Blankets
For well-loved blankets, it may be best to air dry to minimize any additional wear and tear. And, as important as it is to check the care label before putting a blanket in the washer, the same holds true for putting it in a dryer.
If you decide to dry your blanket with an electric dryer, be sure to choose a low heat setting. For a wool blanket, avoid the tumble dryer and opt for air-drying, being mindful to keep it out of direct sunlight.
Blanket Cleaning Frequency
While you may wash your sheets every week, how often you should wash your blankets will depend on how often you use them. It’s a good idea to wash when obviously soiled with stains or odor, and at least weekly for otherwise. Things like baby blankets and pet blankets may require additional washes or gentle laundry detergent.
Now that you know how to wash a blanket, you’re ready to add them into your regular laundry day rotation.