How to Wash a Blanket: The Complete Care Guide

Blankets are comfort at its best, from the soft throw on your sofa to the heavy duvet that keeps you warm at night. But washing them isn’t as simple as tossing them in the machine. Each fabric, from wool to faux fur, has its own care routine. At Laundryheap, we help thousands of customers clean bulky and delicate blankets without damage. If you’ve been wondering how to wash a blanket properly, this comprehensive guide will help you do it safely and effectively.

How Often Should You Wash a Blanket?

How often you clean a blanket depends on how often you use it. As a general rule, wash blankets every two to three weeks if they’re used daily, or once a month for decorative throws. Blankets in contact with skin or pets may need more frequent cleaning.

For those who don’t have space for large loads or prefer convenience, Laundryheap offers pickup and delivery laundry services to handle heavy items like blankets and duvets.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Blanket

Before learning how to wash a blanket, always check the care label. It tells you whether your blanket is machine-washable, dry-clean only, or hand-wash preferred. Once that’s done, follow these steps:

1. Shake off loose dirt or debris. Give the blanket a good shake before washing.
2. Pre-treat any stains. Use a mild detergent or stain remover on visible marks.
3. Select the correct cycle. Choose a gentle or delicate cycle on your machine.
4. Use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water can shrink or weaken fibres.
5. Add mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the material.
6. Dry properly. Air-dry if possible. If using a dryer, select a low-heat setting and remove the blanket while slightly damp to prevent shrinkage.

Professional services like Laundryheap use commercial machines that clean blankets thoroughly while keeping their texture soft and fresh.

How to Clean a Blanket Without a Washing Machine

Not all blankets fit into standard washing machines. If yours is too large or made of delicate material, hand-washing or professional cleaning may be best. To hand-wash:

• Fill a bathtub or large basin with lukewarm water.
• Add a small amount of mild detergent.
• Submerge the blanket and gently swirl it.
• Let it soak for 15–20 minutes, then drain and rinse until the water runs clear.
• Gently squeeze out excess water (never wring it).
• Lay it flat to dry.

If the process feels too time-consuming, Laundryheap can handle it for you. Simply schedule a pickup, and we’ll return your blanket clean, soft, and ready to use.

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets need special care due to their dense fillings. If you’re wondering how to wash a weighted blanket, check the tag first; most can be machine-washed, but only if they weigh under 9 kg.

Here’s what to do:

• Use a front-loading washing machine to avoid imbalance.
• Wash in cold or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle.
• Use a mild detergent and skip fabric softener.
• Tumble dry on low or air-dry flat.

For heavier-weight blankets or brands like Hush, which may have specific care requirements, Laundryheap provides professional cleaning that prevents clumping and fabric wear.

How Do You Wash a Weighted Blanket with a Removable Cover?

Many weighted blankets come with covers. Remove the cover and wash it separately following the label instructions. Most covers can be washed in cold water on a delicate cycle and air-dried. Always ensure the weighted insert is fully dry before reassembling.

How to Wash a Hush Blanket

If you own a Hush blanket, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s care directions. The Hush brand recommends cold water and a gentle cycle. Avoid bleach and high heat, as both can damage the filling. Always air-dry to maintain the blanket’s structure and softness.

When in doubt, professional care through Laundryheap ensures your Hush blanket stays clean, fresh, and durable.

How to Clean a Wool Blanket

Wool blankets need delicate care. They can easily shrink or lose their softness in hot water. For how to clean a wool blanket, here’s the safest approach:

• Use cold water and a wool-safe detergent.
• Hand-wash or choose a gentle “wool” setting on your machine.
• Avoid rubbing or twisting the fabric.
• Press out water gently and dry flat on a towel.

Never hang a wet wool blanket, as the weight can stretch it. If your blanket is valuable or you’re worried about shrinking, Laundryheap offers wool-safe cleaning that keeps it soft and perfectly shaped.

How to Wash a Faux Fur Blanket

Faux fur blankets are luxurious but tricky to wash. To keep the fibres soft and fluffy, follow these steps:

• Shake the blanket to remove dust and lint.
• Use a front-load washing machine on a delicate cycle with cold water.
• Add mild detergent (no bleach or softeners).
• After washing, gently shake to fluff the fur.
• Air-dry flat away from direct heat or sunlight.

Avoid using a tumble dryer, as heat can cause damage to the fur.

How to Wash a Heated Blanket

Heated blankets include internal wires, so washing them requires extra care. Always unplug the cord before cleaning. To safely wash a heated blanket:

• Check the manufacturer’s care label.
• Most can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with cold water.
• Use mild detergent only.
• Never wring or twist the blanket.
• Hang or air-dry completely before reconnecting power.

If the blanket is too large or delicate, Laundryheap can help clean it while preserving its function.

How to Wash Sheets and Comforter Together

If you’re washing bedding as well, you might wonder how to wash sheets and a comforter in one load. This can be done safely if your machine is large enough and the fabrics are similar. Use cold water, mild detergent, and a gentle cycle. Avoid overcrowding; both items need space to move freely.

For bulky duvets or comforters, Laundryheap offers a bedding cleaning service that ensures deep cleaning and even drying without damage.

Common Blanket Washing Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hot water can shrink or damage fibres.
• Overloading the washing machine.
• Skipping the rinse cycle can leave detergent residue.
• Using fabric softener on wool or faux fur.
• Drying on high heat.

Following proper washing techniques helps keep your blankets soft, fresh, and long-lasting.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to wash a blanket properly helps keep it soft, clean, and lasts longer. Whether it’s a wool throw, weighted blanket, or faux fur comforter, a bit of care goes a long way. If your washing machine can’t handle bulky loads, or you’d rather save the effort, Laundryheap can do it for you. Schedule a pickup today and enjoy fresh, professionally cleaned blankets without leaving home.

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