From decorative blankets to duvet covers, blankets tend to be high-traffic household items. Before you cuddle up on the sofa with your favorite cozy throw blanket, read through our top tips for how to wash blankets using the Snuggle® regimen.
Before you wash blankets in a washing machine, check the care label. What washer settings you use for blankets can differ based on the material. 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.
You can enhance your wash with Snuggle® Lavender Breeze™ Soothing Comfort fabric softener and Snuggle® Lavender Breeze™ Soothing Comfort scent booster laundry crystals. If you prefer our signature scent, the Snuggle® Blue Sparkle® Cuddle Up Fresh™ scent booster is what you need.
What mode you wash a blanket on is also important. To wash a wool blanket, make sure to select a delicate setting on your washing machine and set the water temperature to cold. Using this setting to wash blankets will help ensure the wool doesn't get damaged.
Yes, in most cases, washing a blanket in a washing machine is safe, but it depends on the material and the machine’s capacity. Always check the care label first to confirm if washing blankets this way is recommended. For heavy or oversized blankets, use a high-capacity washer to prevent overloading. Choose the right blanket mode in your washing machine, such as a gentle or bulky cycle, and avoid hot water unless specified.
If you're unsure whether washing a blanket in a washing machine is safe, hand washing is a gentle alternative. Fill a tub or basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the blanket and agitate gently with your hands. Rinse thoroughly with cool water, gently press out excess moisture (do not wring), and lay flat to dry. Hand washing is especially ideal for delicate materials like wool, crochet, or electric blankets.
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 when needed otherwise. Things like baby blankets and pet blankets may require additional washes or gentle laundry detergent.
Before you start washing your blanket, it’s a good idea to pretreat any visible stains. Use a gentle stain remover or a mix of mild detergent and water to blot the area. Avoid scrubbing, which could damage the fibers. Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes before placing the blanket in the washer. This extra step helps ensure a thorough clean during the wash cycle.
Blankets can bunch in the washer or dryer, especially if the machine is overloaded or the cycle isn't appropriate. To prevent this, avoid washing the blanket with too many items and consider washing it solo or with similarly sized pieces. If you're wondering, "Can I wash a blanket with clothes?", the answer is usually it’s not recommended. Blankets benefit from more space to move around freely. After washing, shake the blanket out before drying to redistribute the filling and avoid clumping.
Different blanket materials require specific care to maintain their softness, shape, and longevity. Here are tips on how to wash various types of blankets:
Fleece blankets are known for their softness and warmth. To keep them in top condition:
- Washing: First check the washing instructions if available. If none is found, we recommend washing in cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Drying: Tumble dry on the recommended setting or on a low-heat setting.
Weighted blankets provide comfort but require careful cleaning due to their weight and filling materials. Be sure to consult any special label instructions found on the blanket or manufacturer's websites first:
- Washing: If the blanket weighs less than 20 pounds and is machine washable, use cold water and a mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.
- Drying: Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the label, but if it is not available, we recommend air drying. Ensure the blanket is completely dry before use to prevent mold or mildew.
Wool blankets are durable and insulating but need gentle care:
- Washing: Wash sparingly, typically only a few times a year. Use cold water and a wool-safe detergent. Avoid hot water, which can cause shrinkage.
- Drying: Air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Lay the blanket flat to maintain its shape.
Electric blankets contain wiring and require special attention. Be sure to consult any special label instructions found on the blanket or manufacturer's websites first:
- Preparation: Unplug and disconnect all cords and controls before washing.
- Washing: Machine wash on a delicate cycle with cool water and a gentle detergent.
- Drying: Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the label, but if it is not available, we recommend air drying. Ensure the blanket is completely dry before reconnecting and using.
These luxurious blankets need delicate handling to maintain their texture:
- Washing: Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Wash separately to avoid tangling or snagging with other items.
- Drying: Air dry to prevent damage. Once dry, gently brush the fibers to restore fluffiness.
Handmade crochet blankets can be delicate:
- Washing: Hand wash using a gentle detergent. If machine washing, place the blanket in a mesh laundry bag and use a gentle cycle with cold water.
- Drying: Lay flat to dry to maintain the blanket's shape and prevent stretching.
Oversized blankets may not fit in standard washing machines so be sure to consult the label or manufacturers websites to follow any specific washing instructions:
- Washing: Use a high-capacity washer or take the blanket to a laundromat with larger machines. Wash with cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Drying: Be sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations on the label, but if it is not available, we recommend air drying.
Follow these easy tips for how to care for and wash your sherpa blanket for snuggly softness:
- Wash the Blanket: The first step in making a sherpa blanket soft again is to wash it. Before washing your sherpa blanket, make sure to read the care label on the blanket. Wash the sherpa blanket separately to avoid any snagging or damage from zippers, buttons, or other items, and don't overload the washing machine with too many items.
- Use a Gentle Cycle: When you're ready to wash the sherpa blanket, set the washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle. This will help prevent the fabric from getting damaged.
- Use Cold Water: Use cold water for washing the sherpa blanket.
- Use Fabric Softener: Snuggle® fabric softeners are designed to coat fibers in the fabric, leaving blankets softer. Add Snuggle® fabric softeners during the washing part of your laundry cycle and enjoy the snuggly softness.
- Dry with Low Heat: Avoid using high heat to dry the sherpa blanket, as it can damage the fibers. Once the wash cycle is complete, use a low heat or air-dry cycle instead, and make sure to remove it from the dryer as soon as it's dry to avoid any heat damage.
- Fluff the Blanket: Once the sherpa blanket is dry, fluff it up with your hands to restore its softness and fluffy texture. Once the sherpa blanket is dry, use your hands to fluff up the fibers and restore their softness.
- Brush the Fibers: You can use a soft-bristled brush or comb to brush the fibers gently. This can help remove any tangles or matting and restore the softness.
- Store Properly: To maintain the softness of the sherpa blanket, store it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid storing it in a plastic bag, as this can trap moisture and cause the fibers to become less fluffy.
Now that you know how to wash a blanket, you’re ready to add them to your regular laundry regimen.
