How to Wash a Blanket: A Quick Guide to Cleaning Any Comforter or Throw

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Hand wash, machine wash, or spot clean any blanket
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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

  1. Check the care label to make sure your blanket is machine washable.
  2. Pre-treat any stains with the stain remover of your choice.
  3. Add your detergent and evenly load your blanket in the drum.
  4. Select wash cycle settings according to the instructions on the care label.
  5. Press the start button and allow your blanket to be washed.
Section 1 of 13:

How to Wash Blankets in the Washing Machine

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  1. 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] The care label should also include instructions on the proper wash cycle settings and water temperature to choose for your blanket.
    • If you see a symbol that looks like a washtub with a hand, the blanket is hand-washable only, which we’ll cover below .
    • If you see a symbol that looks like a washtub with an X through it, the blanket isn’t washable, so you’ll need to take it to the dry cleaner’s. [2]
  2. Before placing your blanket in the washer, spot-treat any stains with a stain remover like Shout or OxiClean . [3] 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.
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  3. 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] 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]
  4. 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]
    • And that’s it! You can now move on to drying your blanket in the dryer or air drying it, which will cover below .
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Section 2 of 13:

How to Wash Blankets by Hand

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  1. 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]
    • 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]
  2. 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]
  3. 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.
  4. 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]
    • 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.
  5. 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]
    • 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]
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Section 3 of 13:

Washing Comforters

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  1. Ali recommends washing comforters in cold or lukewarm water (never hot water!) and avoiding harsh products like bleach. Since comforters are so big, Dulude adds that they should be washed by themselves, without any other clothing or bedding items in the load.
    • Ali cautions against stuffing a comforter into a washing machine that’s too small. “If it doesn’t fit, don’t try to force it because that could damage it.” In this case, it’s probably best to take the comforter to a dry cleaner to be professionally cleaned.
    • Ali also recommends air drying comforters because this “will retain the quality of the comforter a lot better than putting it in the dryer, and it will keep the inside of the comforter from clumping up or knotting.”
    • If you must use the dryer, Ali says to “use it at the very lowest setting possible, and do it for the least amount of time.”
Section 4 of 13:

Washing Fleece, Sherpa, and Plush Blankets

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  1. If you’re washing a soft, plush blanket , Ali has some rules of thumb to follow. He recommends using “the least amount of water required,” and he also states that “the complete elimination of heat is a must.” In other words, it’s best to wash the blanket in cold water, set your washer’s water-fill setting to a smaller load, and dry the blanket on a fluff or air-dry setting with no heat. You can also air dry the blanket if you have the time.
    • Another surprising tip is to avoid fabric softeners altogether. “If you use fabric softener, you’ll feel the residue,” Ali explains. “It’s harder to get the residue off of a push blanket.”
    • In other words, fabric softener will actually make your plush blanket feel less soft, so go ahead and leave it out.
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Section 5 of 13:

Washing Cotton and Linen Blankets

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  1. Cotton and linen blankets tend to be more durable than wool, knit, or plush blankets, so they can withstand machine washing well. They do tend to shrink a bit during the first few washes, so if your blanket is newer, you might want to air on the side of caution and choose lower temperatures for your washer and dryer settings. [13]
Section 6 of 13:

Washing Wool & Cashmere Blankets

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  1. They will likely have special instructions you need to follow, and some will be dry-clean only. [14] Since wool can be a bit more delicate than other materials, you’ll likely need to use a short, delicate, cold-water cycle on your washing machine. You can also wash the blanket by hand to be safe. Either way, make sure to use a gentle, wool-safe laundry detergent , rather than a harsher heavy duty product. [15]
    • Similarly, wash cashmere blankets by hand with lukewarm water and a gentle detergent. You might even want to consider purchasing specially formulated cashmere shampoo , instead of detergent, to be extra safe. [16]
    • It’s also best to line dry your wool and cashmere blankets rather than machine drying them. [17]
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Section 7 of 13:

Washing Knit and Chenille Blankets

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  1. Knit and crochet blankets can be pretty delicate, so it’s best to put them in a mesh laundry bag before washing them in your washing machine. Laundry bags prevent the blankets from stretching out or snagging on anything in the wash. [18] You’ll also want to choose a delicate, gentle wash cycle, cold water, and mild detergent.
    • Air drying a knit blanket is best, but don’t hang it up; lay it flat to dry instead. If you hang a knit blanket, it’s more likely to stretch out or become misshapen. [19]
Section 8 of 13:

Washing Weighted Blankets

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  1. Weighted blankets contain a filling element, such as beads or pellets, and they tend to be pretty heavy. Because of this, many weighted blankets will need to be washed professionally by a dry cleaner, especially if they weigh 20 pounds or more. You may be able to wash smaller weighted blankets in your washer at home, but only if the care label states that it is machine-washable. You’ll usually need to use a gentle cycle, cold water, and mild detergent. [20]
    • Wash weighted blankets on their own, without any other clothing or bedding items.
    • If the care label states that it’s safe to put your blanket in the dryer, use the lowest heat setting, check on the blanket periodically to fluff it, and make sure it doesn’t bunch up.
    • If you air-dry the blanket, lay it out flat and turn it over every 4 hours to speed up the drying process. It will usually take 24-48 hours for a weighted blanket to air dry. [21]
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Section 9 of 13:

Washing Electric Blankets

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  1. If the label says your electric blanket is machine washable , unplug it and detach any external wiring elements. Then, choose your wash cycle settings according to the instructions on the label. If your blanket indicates that it is not machine or hand-washable, you’ll need to stick to spot-cleaning any dirty areas since it’s not safe to get the whole blanket wet. [22]
    • Always let an electric blanket air dry. Do not put them in the dryer. [23]
Section 10 of 13:

How to Dry Blankets in the Dryer

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  1. When using a dryer to dry your blanket, keep the heat setting between low and medium. Higher heat might shrink the blanket or cause synthetic materials like polyester to scorch. If you're drying a down or wool blanket, set the dryer to tumble (without heat). [24]
    • Because it uses no heat, tumble drying takes longer and should only be used if you're worried about damaging a natural fabric.
    • Cotton and synthetics are resilient fabrics, which makes them totally dryer-approved (just watch out for high heat on synthetics, as they're prone to burning after a while).
  2. Once again, make sure the blanket is distributed evenly in the dryer. Let the blanket lie loosely in the barrel, and try not to bunch it up.
    • Clear out the dryer's lint trap before you begin drying. Fluffy items like bedding tend to shed a lot of lint, which can become a fire hazard as it accumulates.
  3. If your blanket is of heavy construction or has been washed and dried many times, it should be okay to let it go through a full drying cycle at low heat. Dry delicate or loosely woven blankets in short bursts, and keep an eye on the blanket's material as it dries. Set the dryer's timer for the desired time, or else monitor the blanket throughout the drying process. [25]
    • Tumble drying a delicate blanket might take hours. Reset the dryer at the end of a tumble cycle and repeat until the blanket is no longer damp.
    • Overdrying can cause shrinkage or damage. Choose the appropriate time for the blanket you're drying and give it a feel from time to time when machine drying for longer periods.
  4. Take the blanket out of the dryer while it is still slightly damp. In most cases, it's preferable to allow blankets to finish air drying—this will help instill a fresh fluffiness in the blanket as the remaining moisture dissipates and spare you the grief of dealing with shrinking, scorching, stretching, and static. Smooth the blanket out by hand, then either hang it from a clothesline or drape it over something broad and flat. Let the blanket hang until it's completely dry. [26]
    • A drying rack or ironing board can be useful for draping a drying blanket if space for a clothesline is unavailable to you.
    • Turn the blanket over periodically to expose both sides to direct airflow.
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Section 11 of 13:

How to Air Dry Blankets

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  1. If you decide to air dry your blanket after washing it, be sure that you've first removed as much moisture from the blanket as you can. This process will save you a lot of drying time. Make sure to press the blanket rather than wringing or bunching it.
    • You can even sandwich the blanket between two clean, dry towels, roll the whole thing up, and apply pressure to it to press out as much water as possible.
  2. Using a clothesline or ironing board, straighten and suspend the blanket so it can begin to dry. Hang drying works best when it's done outside, due to the movement of the air, but you can also turn on a fan or let the blanket hang overnight if you need to dry the blanket inside.
    • Smooth out all wrinkles and folds before hanging the blanket, or else the blanket will crease and dry unevenly.
    • Make sure the blanket is completely stretched out when hang drying. Greater surface area means faster, more thorough drying.
    • Wool, silks, linens, and any blankets with loose weave-work, like crochet, should always be hung and allowed to air dry. Air drying is the gentlest way to treat easily damaged fabrics and will help protect them for many more washings and drying.
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Section 12 of 13:

How often should you wash blankets?

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  1. For throw blankets that you only use occasionally in your living room or family room, washing them once every few months should be fine. If you have pets, however, you may need to up the frequency to once per month. [27] For blankets you use every night on your bed, it’s usually best to wash them weekly or every other week. [28] Comforters should be washed every 1-3 months. [29]
    • If you use a top sheet and your comforter doesn’t come in direct contact with your body, you can usually get away with washing it every 3 months. If you don’t use a top sheet and you place your comforter directly over your body each night, it’s best to wash it monthly. [30]
Section 13 of 13:

Blanket Washing FAQs

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  1. It is safe to wash some blankets in the washing machine, but some blankets will be hand-wash or dry clean only. To check if your blanket is machine washable, look for the icon that looks like a washing tub with water in it on the care label. [31] If you see this symbol, it’s safe to put the blanket in the washer. Just be sure to follow the instructions listed on the care label for wash cycle settings and water temperature to avoid any damage to the blanket.
    • If you see an icon that looks like a washing tub with a hand in it, the blanket is hand-wash only.
    • If you see an icon that looks like a washing tub with an X through it, the blanket is not washable, so you’ll need to take it to a professional dry cleaner.
  2. If you want to refresh your blanket, comforter, or duvet without hand-washing or machine-washing it, Dulude recommends spraying it with vinegar and then putting it in the dryer to kill any dust mites. Just check the care label to make sure your particular blanket is safe to put in the dryer before trying this method!
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you wash a fuzzy blanket without ruining it?
    Kadi Dulude
    House Cleaning Professional
    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.
    Kadi Dulude
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What do you do if a blanket was left outside overnight and is saturated with water?
    Community Answer
    Press 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    I 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 Answer
    Wool 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      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.
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      • 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.
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      • 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.
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      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.
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      • 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.
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      • 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.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-do-laundry/how-to-read-laundry-symbols
      2. ↑ https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-do-laundry/how-to-read-laundry-symbols
      3. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-blankets/
      4. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-load-a-top-loading-washing-machine-36975119
      5. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/how-often-should-you-wash-your-blankets
      6. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-often-to-wash-blankets-6834298
      7. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundry-basics
      8. ↑ https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-do-laundry/how-to-read-laundry-symbols
      9. ↑ https://www.cleaningiscaring.org/wpd/hand-washing-clothes-dos-and-donts/
      1. ↑ https://www.cleaningiscaring.org/wpd/hand-washing-clothes-dos-and-donts/
      2. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-to-wash-weighted-blanket
      3. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-to-wash-weighted-blanket
      4. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-blankets/
      5. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-blankets/
      6. ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/how-to-wash-a-wool-blanket
      7. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/how-to-wash-cashmere
      8. ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/how-to-wash-a-wool-blanket
      9. ↑ https://www.allfreeknitting.com/Knitting-Tutorials/How-to-Care-for-Knitted-Items-Washing-Blocking-Knitting
      10. ↑ https://www.allfreeknitting.com/Knitting-Tutorials/How-to-Care-for-Knitted-Items-Washing-Blocking-Knitting
      11. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-to-wash-weighted-blanket
      12. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-to-wash-weighted-blanket
      13. ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/how-to-wash-electric-blanket
      14. ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/how-to-wash-electric-blanket
      15. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundering-problems-solutions
      16. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-blankets/
      17. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-blankets/
      18. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/fabrics/how-to-wash-fleece
      19. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/how-often-should-you-wash-your-blankets
      20. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-often-should-you-wash-your-comforter-7368337
      21. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-often-should-you-wash-your-comforter-7368337
      22. ↑ https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-do-laundry/how-to-read-laundry-symbols
      23. 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.

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