Blanket Care Guide | How to Wash and Dry Blankets

How often should I wash my blankets?

Bed blankets that don’t come into direct contact with the skin only need to be washed once every couple of months. If you use a bed sheet, chances are that oils and bacteria rarely touch your blanket. In this case, cleaning every two to three months is sufficient for removing dust and pet dander.

Blankets used directly on the body for lounging or sleeping should be washed at least twice a month. Frequently used blankets accumulate sweat, skin cells, fungi, bacteria, pollen, animal dander, dirt, and other microbes. Regular washing keeps you healthy while keeping skin irritations and allergies at bay. Washing and drying also extend your blanket’s life by rejuvenating its original softness and shape for maximum comfort.

How to wash a down blanket

If you own a full-size washing machine, it is easy to wash a down blanket at home. All you need is mild soap and our pro cleaning tips below.

Pretreatment: Stains are inevitable. If you have a question about a bedding stain, we likely have the answer. Check out our Bedding Stain Removal Guide to learn how to treat common bedding stains, from red wine to pet urine to blood.

Washing instructions

Place the blanket in the washing machine.
Add 1 tsp of gentle dish soap, such as Dawn. DO NOT USE laundry detergent.
Select a gentle or delicate cycle.
Wash with warm or cool water. AVOID HOT WATER, as this can cause fibers to shrink.
Add an extra rinse cycle to flush out excess soap.
Run an additional spin cycle to remove as much moisture as possible.
Promptly remove and start drying once clean.

If you don’t have access to a large washing machine, your options are to find a local laundromat or professional cleaner. Most laundromats have industrial-sized machines and are less expensive than dry cleaners. Word of warning: if you decide to go to a cleaner, always request your blanket to be laundered and NEVER DRY CLEANED. The harsh chemicals of the dry-cleaning process can ruin down and cut years off its life.

How to dry a down blanket

Drying is the most crucial step in cleaning a down blanket. Being completely dry preserves its intended shape and feel and prevents a moldy smell that will linger if damp. So how do you know when the down is bone dry? Our best tip is to have patience and accept that it may take several hours. When in doubt, give it another spin in the dryer before returning your blanket to the bedroom.

Drying instructions

Remove the blanket from the washer and straighten it. Shake out and flatten any twisting. Place in the dryer as open as possible.
Add 2-3 large dryer balls or clean tennis balls. These additions will help naturally fluff the down throughout the cycle.
Select a high heat.
Stop the dryer every 30 minutes to fluff the blanket.
Run the dryer 2-3 times in a row, gently fluffing between cycles.

*Don’t rush this step. Trust us when we say the third time really is the charm. Even if your blanket feels dry on the outside, the inside takes several cycles, and it’s worth the wait.

If you don’t own a full-sized washer and dryer, your options are to find a local laundromat or professional cleaner. Most laundromats own industrial-sized machines and are less expensive than a dry cleaner. Word of warning: if you decide to go to a cleaner, always request your blanket to be laundered and NEVER DRY CLEANED. The harsh chemicals of the dry-cleaning process can ruin down and cut years off its life.

How to wash a down alternative blanket

Washing a down alternative blanket is easy to do at home. All you need is a full-sized washing machine and gentle soap or detergent. While the polyester and cotton fill of a down alternative blanket isn’t quite as delicate as down, following our pro tips will help preserve the life of your blanket. Always check your blanket’s tag for instructions if you’re unsure about the material. Make sure to use the proper settings for the best results:

Washing instructions

Place the blanket in the washing machine.
Add 1 tsp of gentle dish soap (such as Dawn) or 2 tbsp of mild detergent (such as Woolite).
Select a gentle or delicate cycle.
Wash with warm water. AVOID HOT WATER, as this can cause fibers to shrink.
Add an extra rinse cycle to flush out excess soap.
Promptly remove and start drying once clean.

How to dry a down alternative blanket

The best way to dry a down alternative blanket is to tumble dry on a high heat setting. Air drying takes much longer and lacks the added benefit of fluffing that takes place in the dryer. Follow our pro tips below to dry and restore your down alternative blanket.

Drying instructions

Remove the blanket from the washer and straighten it. Shake out and flatten any twisting. Place in the dryer as open as possible.
Add 2-3 large dryer balls or clean tennis balls. These additions will help naturally fluff the down throughout the cycle.
Select a high-heat cycle.
Run the dryer 2-3 times in a row, gently shaking between cycles.

Blanket Cleaning FAQs

Can you dry clean a blanket?

We recommend washing blankets at home or at a laundromat and avoiding the dry cleaner since the harsh chemicals used could ruin the fill. If you use a professional cleaner, ask for the blanket to be washed instead of dry cleaned. Always check your blanket’s tag for specific instructions.

Can you bleach a white blanket?

Never use bleach on a down or down alternative blanket because it can ruin the fibers and reduce the loft and softness. Your blanket may never feel the same and will likely need to be replaced sooner. Check out our stain removal guide to safely pretreat your blanket and return it to its beautiful white state.

How do you get stains out of a blanket?

We’ve created a stain removal guide to help you treat the most common bedding stains and get your blanket back to new. Our top tips are to pretreat the stain before washing, use a mild solution, and gently blot instead of scrub. Scrubbing forces the stain further into the fibers, making removing it more difficult.

Why does my blanket smell funny after washing?

If your blanket suddenly smells different after washing, it’s probably not completely dry. Return your blanket to the dryer as soon as you notice and run it for an additional cycle or two.

When is it time to replace my blanket?

Quality down blankets should last 10+ years, while down-alternative fills and other materials will lose their loft and fluffiness much sooner. Instead of looking at the calendar, pay attention to the look and feel of your blanket for clues. If you notice flat or clustered sections, especially after washing and fluffing, it may be time to replace your blanket.

Downlite provides quality blankets and throws made of premium down and down alternative materials for every bed size and climate. If you want personalized assistance or professional advice, contact our customer service representatives, who will assist you in your decision-making.