How to Wash Blankets: Expert Answers to Common Questions

Blankets are cozy essentials, but they can be tricky to clean without damaging the fabric. Should you machine wash or hand wash? Tumble dry or air dry? And how often is too often? At our laundry, we’ve handled all types of blankets—from fleece throws to cashmere and sherpa—and put together clear answers to the most common blanket care questions.

1. Can most blankets be machine-washed, or do some need hand washing or dry cleaning?

Most blankets can be machine washed, but usually on low tumble dry to protect the fabric. The best way to know is to read the label attached to the blanket to make sure it’s safe for a regular machine wash. Some require cold machine wash and tumble dry low, for example, blankets made with polyester. Cotton and linen also do best on low temperature with a hang dry option. Some blankets come with specific dry-cleaning instructions, but those are not common. Knit fabric, wool, cashmere, and sherpa can also be machine washed cold on a delicate, short cycle with gentle detergent. To prevent tearing on these materials, you can use a garment bag. For silk, mohair, mink, and embroidered blankets, hand washing is best to avoid damaging the fabric. For spot treatment, we prefer using gel stick OxiClean. Heated blankets are usually recommended to be hand washed, but if they have a detachable cord, some may be safe for machine wash.

2. What water temperature and machine cycles are safest for blankets?

From our store experience, the cold machine wash setting is the safest for blankets made of fleece, wool, sherpa, knit, crochet, or faux fur. A delicate or short cycle with gentle detergent is best.

3. Is there a specific type of detergent you should use, and are fabric softeners okay?

We recommend using a gentle detergent. For sensitive skin, we use Arm & Hammer Free & Clear, which has worked really well for our customers. Other than that, Tide is a stable and reliable choice. Fabric softener is optional, but if you don’t want to use it, baking soda works well to keep blankets soft and fresh. Baking soda mixed with a little vinegar also helps soften blankets and remove heavy odors while keeping them fresh without too much fragrance. We like to use Arm & Hammer baking soda, which gives the best results.

4. Can blankets be tumble-dried, or is air-drying better to prevent shrinking or clumping?

We advise tumble drying on low since it’s usually the quickest way. Make sure to use dryer balls and move the blanket around during the cycle to prevent uneven drying, since blankets can curl up and create wet spots inside. To prevent wrinkles, take the blanket out of the dryer immediately and give it a good fluff. Air drying is also a great option, but it takes more time. You can also do a hybrid method: tumble dry on low to remove most of the moisture, then hang dry to finish and prevent shrinking.

5. How often should blankets be washed to maintain cleanliness without damaging the fabric?

We advise washing blankets weekly or biweekly. This helps keep hygiene while preventing damage to the fabric from overwashing.

6. How can you keep blankets smelling fresh between washes?

To help blankets smell fresh, you can use baking soda if you don’t want to use fabric softener. Arm & Hammer baking soda has worked best for our customers. Baking soda mixed with a little vinegar also helps soften blankets and remove heavy odors while keeping them fresh without too much fragrance. In addition, make sure not to fold the blanket immediately in the morning air it out on the bed in a dry, well-ventilated area to release any trapped moisture. Occasionally, you can also use an essential oil spray, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to keep the blanket smelling clean and inviting.

About Coco Laundry

If you’d rather not worry about washing your own blankets, let us do it for you. Coco Laundry’s wash and fold service in Long Beach, CA has the experience and equipment to handle blankets of all fabrics, from fleece and sherpa to wool and cashmere. Our team takes care of your laundry with professional attention so your items come back clean, soft, and fresh—ready to use again.

We proudly serve Long Beach and nearby areas, including Seal Beach, Downtown Long Beach and Belmont Shore. Whether you need regular wash and fold service or just want us to take care of bulky blankets, Coco Laundry makes it simple and convenient.