The Complete Guide to Washing and Caring for Your Blankets

Proper blanket care is essential for maintaining both hygiene and longevity. A well-maintained blanket can last for many years, providing consistent comfort and warmth. However, different blanket materials require different care approaches. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about washing, drying, and storing your blankets correctly.

How Often Should You Wash Your Blankets?

The frequency of blanket washing depends on how the blanket is used. Understanding proper washing intervals helps maintain blanket quality while ensuring hygiene.

Blankets that come into direct contact with your skin should be washed more frequently than decorative throws. Bed blankets used nightly typically accumulate body oils, sweat, and dead skin cells, making regular cleaning important for both hygiene and allergen control.

Recommended Washing Schedule

• Bed blankets (regular use): Every 1-2 weeks during active use
• Decorative throws: Every 1-3 months, or when visibly soiled
• Guest room blankets: After each guest use and before storage
• Weighted blankets: Every 2-4 weeks depending on use
• Seasonal blankets: Before storage and after retrieval

Caring for Cotton and Fleece Blankets

Cotton and fleece blankets are among the easiest to maintain, making them popular choices for everyday use. Their durability allows for machine washing, though proper technique ensures they stay soft and vibrant.

Cotton Blanket Care

Cotton blankets are wonderfully low-maintenance but can shrink if exposed to high heat. Always check the care label first, as some cotton blankets have special finishes that require gentler treatment.

• Water temperature: Use cold or warm water (never hot) to prevent shrinkage
• Detergent: Choose a mild, liquid detergent—powder can leave residue in the fibres
• Wash cycle: Gentle or permanent press cycle protects the weave
• Drying: Tumble dry on low heat or line dry for best results
• Ironing: If needed, use medium heat while the blanket is slightly damp

Fleece Blanket Care

Fleece requires special attention to maintain its signature softness. The synthetic fibres can be damaged by heat and certain chemicals, leading to pilling and loss of texture.

• Pre-treatment: Shake out debris and treat any stains before washing
• Water temperature: Always use cold water to prevent damage
• Detergent: Use minimal detergent—excess soap attracts dirt and causes buildup
• Fabric softener: Avoid completely—it coats fibres and reduces softness over time
• Drying: Air dry whenever possible, or use the lowest heat setting

Special Care for Wool Blankets

Wool blankets, particularly those made from Australian merino, represent a significant investment and require careful handling. The natural lanolin in wool provides some self-cleaning properties, meaning wool blankets need less frequent washing than synthetic alternatives.

Understanding Wool's Unique Needs

Wool fibres have scales that can interlock when exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation—this is what causes felting and shrinkage. The key to wool care is minimising these three factors simultaneously.

Hand Washing Wool Blankets

Hand washing is the safest method for most wool blankets:

1. Fill a bathtub or large basin with cool water (below 30°C)
2. Add a small amount of wool-specific detergent or gentle baby shampoo
3. Submerge the blanket and gently press it into the water—never wring or twist
4. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes
5. Drain and refill with clean cool water for rinsing
6. Press out excess water gently—roll in a towel to absorb moisture
7. Lay flat to dry on a clean surface away from direct heat or sunlight

Machine Washing Wool (When Safe)

Some wool blankets are labelled as machine washable. These have been treated to resist felting, but caution is still advisable:

• Use the wool or delicate cycle only
• Cold water is essential
• Place the blanket in a mesh laundry bag for protection
• Never machine dry—always lay flat or hang to dry

Washing Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets present unique challenges due to their considerable heft. Most home washing machines can handle blankets up to about 7kg, but heavier options may require commercial machines or professional cleaning.

Before You Wash

Always check your weighted blanket's care label first. The filling material matters significantly—glass bead fillings generally handle washing better than plastic pellet alternatives.

• Glass bead filling: Usually machine washable in appropriate-capacity machines
• Plastic pellet filling: Machine washable but may be noisier during the cycle
• Organic fillings: Often require spot cleaning or professional services

Machine Washing Instructions

1. Ensure your machine capacity exceeds the blanket's weight (check manufacturer guidelines)
2. Use cold water and gentle cycle to protect the stitching and filling
3. Add mild detergent—avoid bleach and fabric softeners
4. Consider running an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent
5. Check that the blanket is evenly distributed in the drum to prevent imbalance

Drying Weighted Blankets

Drying is often more challenging than washing. The weight causes extended drying times, which can lead to mildew if not handled properly.

• Air drying is safest—lay flat on a clean surface or drape over multiple parallel lines
• If using a dryer, choose low heat and expect multiple cycles
• Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to prevent clumping
• Ensure the blanket is completely dry before storage to prevent mould

Electric Blanket Maintenance

Electric blankets require the most careful maintenance due to their internal wiring. Improper care can damage the heating elements or create safety hazards.

Washing Electric Blankets

Many modern electric blankets are designed to be machine washable, but older models may not be. Always consult your specific product's care instructions.

• Disconnect all electrical components before washing
• Pre-soak in cold water with mild detergent for 15 minutes
• Use the gentle cycle with cold water for no more than 3 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent
• Avoid wringing—gently press out excess water

Drying and Storage

Proper drying is crucial for electric blanket longevity:

• Drip dry partially over a clothesline or shower rod
• Finish drying flat to prevent wire stress
• When dry, run through low heat cycle briefly to restore fluffiness
• Store rolled (not folded) to prevent wire damage at crease points

Proper Storage Techniques for All Blanket Types

How you store blankets during off-seasons significantly impacts their condition when you retrieve them. Poor storage can lead to pest damage, mildew, permanent creases, and fibre degradation.

General Storage Guidelines

• Clean before storing: Always wash blankets before seasonal storage—stains set over time and body oils attract pests
• Ensure complete dryness: Even slight dampness can cause mildew during storage
• Choose appropriate containers: Breathable cotton storage bags are ideal; avoid plastic which traps moisture
• Add protection: Cedar blocks or lavender sachets deter moths without harsh chemicals
• Store in cool, dry locations: Avoid attics (too hot) and basements (too damp)

Material-Specific Storage Tips

• Wool: Roll rather than fold to prevent permanent creases; use cedar or moth deterrents
• Cotton: Can be folded; benefits from occasional refolding to prevent crease damage
• Fleece and synthetics: Store loosely to maintain loft; avoid compression
• Weighted blankets: Store flat if possible to prevent filling from shifting
• Electric blankets: Roll around a cardboard tube to protect wiring

Following these care guidelines will help your blankets maintain their appearance, feel, and functionality for years to come. Remember that investing a little time in proper maintenance protects your investment and ensures consistent comfort whenever you reach for your favourite blanket.