If you are wondering how to wash blankets...
Read More
Menu
Table of Contents
Blankets are more than just seasonal items; they are comfort items that keep us warm, relaxed, and cozy throughout the year. Whether it is a fleece blanket on the couch or a winter blanket on the bed, every blanket requires proper care to keep it soft, fluffy, and fresh. However, many people are guilty of washing their blankets the wrong way, resulting in stiffness, shrinkage, fading, or loss of softness.
If you are wondering how to wash blankets without losing softness, this comprehensive guide has all the answers, from fabric-specific ways of washing to drying tips, common mistakes, and expert-approved solutions.
Premium Blanket Dry Cleaning
starts here!
Why Do Blankets Lose Softness After Washing?
Before learning the proper steps for washing the blanket, it is essential to understand why blankets become rough and stiff in the first place:
- Overuse of harsh detergents
- Washing in hot water
- Using high-speed spin cycles
- Overloading the washing machine
- Using high heat when drying
- Buildup of fabric softener residue
Each of these contributes to damaged fibers, the loss of natural softness, or the buildup of residue. The best part? None of this is necessary.
How to Wash Blankets Without Losing Softness
The key to washing blankets without losing softness lies in gentle handling, correct water temperature, mild detergent, and proper drying techniques. Let’s break it down step by step.
If you want to keep your blankets soft and warm, then you must follow some washing guidelines like gentle handling, correct temperature of water, mild detergent, accurate drying, etc. Now, let’s breakdown all these steps one by one:
Want expert care for your heavy or delicate blankets?
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Blankets Properly
1. Always Check the Care Label
Checking the care label before washing is one of the crucial step while washing any clothes as the “wash care label” include wasing instructions and also “what not to do” while washing that particular cloth” like
- Water temperature
- Washing method (machine or hand wash)
- Drying instructions
- Bleach or detergent restrictions
Ignoring this step is one of the biggest reasons blankets lose softness.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have much time to invest in stain removal and cleaning, then you can seek professional help like Tumbledry Dry Cleaning Service for spotless cleaning with free pickup and delivery service.
2. Shake and Pre-Clean Before Washing
Before placing the blanket in the washing machine:
- Shake it well to remove dust and debris
- Check for stains, pet hair, or spills
- Spot-clean stains using mild detergent and cold water
This prevents dirt from embedding deeper into the fibers during washing.
3. Choose the Right Detergent (Very Important)
Using the wrong detergent can cause fabric damage and shrinkage.
Choose detergents that are:
- Mild and liquid-based
- Free from bleach and enzymes
- Designed for delicate fabrics
Avoid powder detergents as they do not dissolve fully in cold water.
4. Wash Blankets in Cold or Lukewarm Water
Hot water is the enemy of softness. It weakens fibers and causes shrinkage, especially in wool and fleece blankets.
- Cold water: Best for fleece, microfiber, and synthetic blankets
- Lukewarm water: Suitable for cotton blankets
Never use hot water unless the care label specifically allows it.
5. Select the Gentle or Delicate Cycle
High agitation damages fibers and flattens fluff. Choose:
- Gentle cycle
- Delicate cycle
- Low spin speed
This minimizes friction and helps retain the blanket’s softness and shape.
6. Wash Blankets Separately
Overloading the washing machine prevents proper rinsing and increases fabric friction.
- Wash one blanket at a time
- Avoid mixing with towels or heavy clothes
- Ensure the blanket has enough room to move freely
This ensures even cleaning and better softness retention.
How to Dry Blankets Without Losing Softness
Drying is just as important as washing when it comes to softness.
7. Skip High Heat While Drying
High heat can:
- Melt synthetic fibers
- Shrink cotton blankets
- Make blankets rough and stiff
Always choose:
- Low heat setting
- Tumble dry on gentle
- Air dry when possible
8. Use Dryer Balls Instead of Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners coat fibers with chemicals that reduce absorbency and cause buildup over time.
Use:
- Wool dryer balls
- Tennis balls (clean ones)
They help fluff fibers naturally and restore softness without residue.
9. Don’t Overdry Your Blankets
Overdrying removes natural moisture and makes blankets stiff.
- Remove the blanket while slightly damp
- Shake it gently
- Lay flat or hang to air dry completely
This keeps fibers relaxed and soft.
Fabric-Specific Blanket Washing Guide
How to Wash Cotton Blankets Without Losing Softness
- Wash in cold or lukewarm water
- Use gentle detergent
- Avoid bleach
- Dry on low heat
Cotton blankets become softer over time when washed correctly.
How to Wash Fleece Blankets Without Losing Softness
- Wash in cold water only
- Never use fabric softener
- Air dry or tumble dry on low
Fabric softener ruins fleece softness permanently.
How to Wash Wool Blankets Without Shrinking
- Hand wash or use wool cycle
- Use wool-safe detergent
- Cold water only
- Lay flat to dry
Never wring or twist wool blankets.
How to Wash Microfiber Blankets
- Cold water wash
- Mild detergent
- Avoid heat
- Shake after drying
Microfiber responds very well to low-heat care.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Blanket Softness
Avoid these at all costs:
- Too much detergent
- Washing in hot water
- Using fabric softener
- Overloading the washing machine
- Drying on high heat
One wrong move can ruin the texture and fabric of the blanket forever
How Often Should You Wash Blankets?
- Bed blankets: Every 2–3 weeks
- Throw blankets: Once a month
- Winter blankets: Once every 1–2 months
Over washing can wear out fibers faster.
If your blanket is:
- Extremely heavy
- Made of wool or luxury fabric
- Old and delicate
Professional cleaning ensures deep cleaning without damaging softness.
Hurry Up & Get 20% off on first order with Tumbledry
Conclusion
The trick to learning how to wash blankets without losing softness has everything to do with taking care of your blankets and using the right products. Sometimes, all it takes is a little change, like a new detergent or turning down the heat, to make a world of difference in the softness of your blankets.
Take good care of your blankets, and they will pay you back with warmth, comfort, and softness that lasts.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.
Dry Cleaning Cost in India: What Affects Pricing?
This is a detailed guide to understand the...
Read More
How to Clean Curtains Without Shrinkage
Silk sarees have been in every woman’s wardrobe...
Read More
How to Clean Comforters Safely at Home
Silk sarees have been in every woman’s wardrobe...
Read More
Professional Shoe Cleaning: Is It Worth It
Silk sarees have been in every woman’s wardrobe...
Read More
How to Remove Mold from Clothes
Mold requires immediate action or else it can...
Read More
How to Clean Velvet Clothes Without Damage
Silk sarees have been in every woman’s wardrobe...
Read More
How to Remove Carpet Stains at Home
Are you pissed off from dirty carpets then...
Read More
How to Wash Silk Sarees at Home
Silk sarees have been in every woman’s wardrobe...
Read More
How to Clean White Sneakers Without Yellowing
Almost everyone has white shoes that get easily...
Read More Subscribe to us:
Sign up to get more such information & get the best deals on professional cleaning
