Download Article
Hand wash, machine wash, or spot clean any blanket
Download Article
Blankets, like other clothing and bedding items, need regular cleaning to stay fresh (typically every 1-3 months). Many blankets are washing machine-safe under the right settings, but others need to be washed by hand depending on their material. If you’ve got a blanket you need to wash, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll go over how to wash blankets in the washing machine or by hand, as well as how to spot-clean them. We’ll also include tips on how to wash different types of blankets with expert insights from laundry experts Safir Ali and Kadi Dulude, so keep reading!
How to Wash a Blanket in a Machine
- Check the care label to make sure your blanket is machine washable.
- Pre-treat any stains with the stain remover of your choice.
- Add your detergent and evenly load your blanket in the drum.
- Select wash cycle settings according to the instructions on the care label.
- Press the start button and allow your blanket to be washed.
Steps
Section 1 of 13:
How to Wash Blankets in the Washing Machine
Download Article
-
Check the care label on your blanket for instructions. First, check for the symbol that indicates your blanket is safe to machine wash, which looks like a washtub with water in it. If you see this symbol, your blanket is machine washable, so you’re good to go. [1] X Research source The care label should also include instructions on the proper wash cycle settings and water temperature to choose for your blanket.
-
2Pre-treat any stains with the stain treatment of your choice. Before placing your blanket in the washer, spot-treat any stains with a stain remover like Shout or OxiClean . [3] X Research source Simply apply the treatment directly to the stain and allow it to soak according to the instructions on the product of your choice.
- This is especially important for throw blankets you usually place on your couch, as they can easily get stained from any snacks or drinks you might have consumed while using them.
- If you’re worried about discoloration, perform a small patch test with the stain remover on an unnoticeable area of the blanket. If the color doesn’t change, you should be good to go.
Advertisement -
Add detergent and place your blanket in the washer. Add your detergent directly to the drum of the washer or to the detergent dispenser, then carefully load your blanket. If you’re using a top-loading washer with a center agitator, coil the blanket around the agitator, making sure that the weight of the blanket is distributed evenly in the drum. [4] X Research source If you’re using a front-loading washer, simply place your blanket inside the drum evenly without balling it up.
- If your blanket is too big to fit inside your washer comfortably, it’s best to hand wash it instead. Overstuffing the drum can cause damage to your washer and your blanket.
- To avoid having an unbalanced load, it’s best to wash blankets alone, so don’t toss any other laundry items in with your blanket. [5] X Research source
-
Select the wash cycle settings and start the cycle. Choose the wash settings listed on the care label, then press the start button on your machine. Many blankets will need to be washed in cooler water with a gentle wash cycle to prevent any damage, so be sure to consult the care label of your particular blanket. [6] X Research source
- And that’s it! You can now move on to drying your blanket in the dryer or air drying it, which will cover below .
Advertisement
Section 2 of 13:
How to Wash Blankets by Hand
Download Article
-
Fill a tub with cool water and add detergent. Find a tub or basin large enough for your blanket to fit in, and fill it up with cool water. Mix in mild detergent and let it spread through the water. You'll essentially be doing the same thing as a washing machine on a gentle setting, only manually, which gives you greater control over how the blanket is treated and helps ensure that every part gets clean. [7] X Research source
- If you see a symbol that looks like a wash basin with a hand in it on the care label of your blanket, this means it should be washed by hand. [8] X Research source
-
Swish the blanket through the water. Using soft, kneading strokes, drag the blanket back and forth through the soapy water. It's best to take hold of one section of the blanket for a few passes, then smooth it out and wash a new section. Do this until the blanket has been cleaned thoroughly. [9] X Research source
-
Press out excess water. Take the blanket out of the tub and let the saturated water run out. Fold the blanket in half two or three times and then use both hands to apply pressure to the blanket, squeezing out excess water. Pressing the blanket is a safer alternative to wringing it out, which can stretch the fabric out of shape.
-
Wash again using plain water. Refill your basin with plain cool water, and give the blanket another quick wash to rinse out any detergent that might have soaked into the blanket. Swish the blanket through the water, touching each section individually. Continue doing this until there are no traces of soap remaining on the blanket. [10] X Research source
- You may need to drain and refill the tub with fresh water a few times until it remains clear after rinsing. When the water runs clear, this means there’s no more detergent left in your blanket.
- Rinse at least twice when washing your blanket by hand. You don't want soap irritating you if you have sensitive skin.
-
5Try spot cleaning if just one area of the blanket is dirty. Spot cleaning involves cleaning a small section of your blanket to remove any food, dirt, sweat, or other stain that may have occurred without washing the entire blanket. Start by brushing or scraping away any solid debris on the blanket, like food or dirt, with your hands or a paper towel. [11] X Research source
- Next, spread your blanket out on a clean, flat surface, with the soiled area facing upward.
- Mix a few drops of mild detergent into a small bowl or container filled with tap water. This mixture will be your cleaning solution.
- Dip a clean cloth into the solution, then gently work it into the stain until it is wet and saturated. Wet another clean cloth with plain water, then press it into the area to rinse out the detergent.
- Repeat this process, if needed, until the soiled area looks fully cleaned. Let the blanket air dry completely. [12] X Research source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow do you wash a fuzzy blanket without ruining it?Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine.Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Some blankets can only be hand washed, while some can be machine washed, but only on the 'delicate' setting.
-
QuestionWhat do you do if a blanket was left outside overnight and is saturated with water?Community AnswerPress the excess water out of the blanket as if you were going to air dry it, then machine or hand wash it normally depending on the material.
-
QuestionI have a lovely wool blanket that is nearly 30 years old. Can I safely wash it by machine, or should it be dry cleaned?Community AnswerWool is a natural fabric, and as a result is extremely delicate to moisture, temperature and force and should always be washed by hand. If the blanket is especially precious and you're worried you might damage it, take it to a dry cleaning specialist and have them give it the gentle treatment it needs.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- Placing a clean tennis ball or two in the dryer with the blanket will help move it around as it tumbles, allowing it to dry more thoroughly.Thanks
- Use soap designed especially for delicates, like Woolite, when washing natural or easily damaged fabrics. Camping stores also sell "sleeping bag soaps," which are special soaps that dissolve easily and don't foam too much, which makes them easier to rinse.Thanks
- For best results, add the detergent to the water before you add the blanket so that it completely diffuses throughout the water. If you pour it on top, it might get stuck in one part of the blanket.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Don't put the blanket back on your bed while it's still wet. This could easily open you up to a mildew infestation.Thanks
- Don't leave your blanket in the dryer too long. Synthetic fabrics are prone to burning and melting when exposed to heat for long periods, and intense heat can even cause heavy-duty fabrics like cotton to shrink.Thanks
- Wash blankets by themselves and one at a time. It's harder for the water and soap to circulate effectively when the washing machine is full.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-do-laundry/how-to-read-laundry-symbols
- ↑ https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-do-laundry/how-to-read-laundry-symbols
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-blankets/
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-load-a-top-loading-washing-machine-36975119
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/how-often-should-you-wash-your-blankets
- ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-often-to-wash-blankets-6834298
- ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundry-basics
- ↑ https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-do-laundry/how-to-read-laundry-symbols
- ↑ https://www.cleaningiscaring.org/wpd/hand-washing-clothes-dos-and-donts/
- ↑ https://www.cleaningiscaring.org/wpd/hand-washing-clothes-dos-and-donts/
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-to-wash-weighted-blanket
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-to-wash-weighted-blanket
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-blankets/
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-blankets/
- ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/how-to-wash-a-wool-blanket
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/how-to-wash-cashmere
- ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/how-to-wash-a-wool-blanket
- ↑ https://www.allfreeknitting.com/Knitting-Tutorials/How-to-Care-for-Knitted-Items-Washing-Blocking-Knitting
- ↑ https://www.allfreeknitting.com/Knitting-Tutorials/How-to-Care-for-Knitted-Items-Washing-Blocking-Knitting
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-to-wash-weighted-blanket
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-to-wash-weighted-blanket
- ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/how-to-wash-electric-blanket
- ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/how-to-wash-electric-blanket
- ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundering-problems-solutions
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-blankets/
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-blankets/
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/fabrics/how-to-wash-fleece
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/how-often-should-you-wash-your-blankets
- ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-often-should-you-wash-your-comforter-7368337
- ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-often-should-you-wash-your-comforter-7368337
- ↑ https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-do-laundry/how-to-read-laundry-symbols
- Videos provided by Eatallthebirds
About This Article
Article Summary
X
Before you wash a blanket, look at the care instructions on the label for information about washing and drying it. You can usually just wash blankets in the washing machine on a gentle cycle using cool water. Add in 1/4 cup of a mild detergent and let your washing machine do the rest. If your blanket is delicate, you can hand wash it by filling a tub with cool water and adding it a bit of detergent. Then, swish the fabric around and rub off any stains with your fingers. After it is clean, simply rinse and wring dry. To learn how to dry a blanket, scroll down.
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 435,263 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I was worried that the fibers would damage the machine, as I once washed a chenille throw and had to call engineer when fibers got into machine parts. Nightmare!" ..." more
Advertisement
100%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"I was worried that the fibers would damage the machine, as I once washed a chenille throw and had to call engineer when fibers got into machine parts. Nightmare!"
..."
more
"Making the decision to take my blankets to the laundromat and using the large load washers."
"Very helpful, this answered all my questions."
