How To Keep Your Blanket Clean & Fresh?

How To Keep Your Blanket Clean & Fresh?

Table of Contents

A cozy blanket is your best friend during chilly nights and lazy weekends. But over time, it can start losing its softness and develop a musty smell due to dust, sweat, and moisture. Keeping your blanket fresh and clean not only makes it more comfortable but also extends its lifespan and ensures better hygiene.

If you’re wondering how to keep your blanket fresh and clean, this guide covers everything, from daily care habits to deep cleaning and smart storage tips.

Read More: How and When to Clean Carpets at Home

1. Why It’s Important to Keep Blankets Fresh

Blankets absorb body oils, sweat, pet hair, and even airborne dust. Over time, this buildup leads to unpleasant odors, allergies, and fabric wear. Regular cleaning helps in:

  • Maintaining softness and texture

  • Preventing bacterial growth and odor

  • Extending the life of your blanket

  • Ensuring a healthier sleeping environment

Ignoring blanket hygiene can make even premium blankets lose their charm quickly. That’s why a simple routine of cleaning and maintaining your blankets can make all the difference.

Avail 20% Off on Rugs Dry Cleaning Today!

2. Daily Blanket Care: Habits to Keep Blankets Fresh Longer

You don’t have to wash your blanket every week. Instead, a few simple daily habits can go a long way in keeping it clean and odor-free.

a. Shake It Out Every Morning

Each morning, give your blanket a quick shake before folding or spreading it. This helps remove dust, lint, and pet hair that might have settled overnight.

b. Keep It Away from Moisture

Blankets easily trap moisture, which leads to mildew and odor. Always air out your blanket in a well-ventilated room. If possible, place it under indirect sunlight once a week to keep it fresh.

c. Use a Bedsheet or Duvet Cover

A protective cover or bedsheet acts as a barrier against sweat and dust, reducing the need for frequent washing. Covers are easier to clean and help your blanket stay fresh longer.

d. Avoid Eating in Bed

Food crumbs and spills can leave stains and attract bacteria. Avoid eating or drinking while wrapped in your blanket to maintain its freshness.

3. How Often Should You Wash Your Blanket?

The frequency of washing depends on how often you use your blanket:

  • Everyday use: Wash every 2–3 weeks.

  • Seasonal use (stored blankets): Wash before storing and after taking them out.

  • Pet blankets: Wash weekly, as they trap hair and odors faster.

Regular cleaning prevents buildup of odor-causing bacteria and keeps your blanket soft and fluffy.

Get Your Carpets & Rugs Dry Cleaned Today!

4. How to Wash Blanket the Right Way

Knowing how to clean a blanket properly is essential to preserve its quality. Each type of blanket like cotton, wool, fleece, or electric requires a different approach.

a. Check the Care Label

Before washing, always read the manufacturer’s care label. It provides instructions about the water temperature, detergent type, and whether the blanket is machine-washable or dry-clean-only.

b. Machine Wash (For Cotton, Fleece, or Microfiber Blankets)

  1. Use cold or lukewarm water to prevent fabric shrinkage.

  2. Add a mild liquid detergent—avoid bleach as it can damage fibers.

  3. Select a gentle or delicate cycle to maintain softness.

  4. Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed.

  5. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat.

Pro Tip: Add ½ cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle—it naturally removes odor and keeps the blanket fluffy.

c. Hand Wash (For Wool or Delicate Blankets)

  1. Fill a tub with cold water and mild wool detergent.

  2. Gently submerge the blanket and swirl it softly.

  3. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.

  4. Rinse thoroughly and press out water—don’t wring it.

  5. Lay flat on a towel to air dry.

d. Dry Cleaning (For Heavy or Down Blankets)

For heavy blankets or those labeled “dry clean only,” professional dry cleaning is the safest option. It prevents fabric damage and ensures deep cleaning.

5. How to Remove Odor from Blankets

Even freshly washed blankets can sometimes retain a damp or musty smell. Here’s how to keep blanket fresh and smelling great:

    • Use Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on your blanket, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then shake or vacuum it off to neutralize odors.

    • Add White Vinegar in the Wash: It naturally removes detergent residue and odor.

    • Sun-Dry Regularly: Sunlight kills bacteria and gives your blanket a natural fresh scent.

    • Use Essential Oils: Add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil to your rinse cycle or spritz diluted oil on blankets before storing.

6. How to Store Blankets Properly

Knowing how to store blankets is just as important as cleaning them. Improper storage can lead to mildew, odors, and fabric damage.

a. Clean Before Storing

Always wash and dry blankets thoroughly before storing. Storing them with even a hint of moisture can lead to a musty smell or mold growth.

b. Use Breathable Storage Bags

Avoid plastic covers that trap humidity. Instead, use cotton or linen storage bags to allow air circulation while keeping dust away.

c. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Keep blankets in a cool, dry area away from sunlight and moisture. Adding silica gel packets or activated charcoal bags helps absorb humidity.

d. Add Freshness Boosters

You can place dryer sheets, lavender sachets, or cedar balls inside your storage area to keep your blankets smelling pleasant for months.

7. Expert Blanket Cleaning Tips You Should Know

Here are a few blanket care tips to ensure long-lasting freshness:

  • Avoid overloading your washing machine: wash one blanket at a time.

     

  • Use gentle detergent designed for sensitive fabrics.

     

  • Avoid fabric softeners frequently: they can coat fibers and reduce softness.

     

  • Fluff blankets in the dryer with wool dryer balls to maintain volume.

     

  • Regularly sun your blanket to prevent bacteria and odor buildup.

Get Shiny & Spotless Rugs At Home With Tumbledry!

8. When to Replace Your Blanket

Even with the best care, blankets have a lifespan. If your blanket starts losing its softness, develops permanent odors, or has thinning areas, it might be time to replace it. A well-maintained blanket typically lasts 3–5 years, depending on usage and care.

Conclusion

Keeping your blanket fresh and clean isn’t just about looks, it’s about comfort, hygiene, and better sleep quality. By following these blanket cleaning tips and maintenance hacks, you can ensure that your blanket stays soft, fresh-smelling, and cozy all year long.

Remember:

  • Air your blanket weekly.

  • Wash it as per fabric type.

  • Store it properly after cleaning.

These simple steps go a long way in maintaining the freshness and longevity of your favorite blanket.

 

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.

Subscribe to us:

Sign up to get more such information & get the best deals on professional cleaning

schedule Free Pick Up

Our 7 Step Process For Spotless Shining Shoes!

Seven Step Process 2

Try it once to feel the difference

  • Inspection

    Shoe material analyzed to decide the cleaning methodology.

  • Dismantling

    The laces, sole, and other removable parts are separated to be cleaned individually.

  • Deep Cleaning & Stain Removal

    Any spots or stains are removed with German organic chemicals.

  • Deodorize (Anti-bacterial Treatment)

    All the bacteria, viruses and bad odor is eliminated.

  • Drying

    Shoes are Air Dried, Blow Dried, or Sun Dried depending on the skin type.

  • Shoe Nourishment

    Shoe skin is nourished & enriched with our unique natural oil based polish

  • Assembly

    Once polish is dried, our experts reassemble all shoe parts and pack them for delivery.

Try it once to feel the difference

Carpet Cleaning

Carpet Dry Cleaning Service by Tumbledry

An intense, deep-cleaning of carpets to restore their original glory

We specialize in dry cleaning of Persian rugs, silk & Turkish carpets, and all other premium, imported rugs of nylon, wool, cotton, polyester and olefin.

  • 100% carpet fabric color & luster preserved
  • Eco-friendly, pet and child-safe detergents
  • Anti germ treatment & deodorization
  • Mold damage reversal
  • Complimentary border pasting

WOOLENS DRY CLEANING​

shutterstock 1658641876

Our Woolmark approved Lagoon system is the world’s most advanced and eco-friendly technology for dry cleaning woolen garments – sweaters, coats, furs, shawls, pashmina, and jackets.

Your woolen garments will be delivered stain free, and will retain their original texture, smoothness, fluffiness, shape & size. Our advanced systems and processes ensure zero shrinkage.

For expensive and delicate woolens like furs & pashmina, we use special eco-friendly chemicals from Germany which are of neutral ph, and form a protective covering around wool fiber to maintain its shine & lustre after dry cleaning.

CURTAIN CLEANING​

curtain dry cleaning and laundry service

Premium curtain dry cleaning service service with facility to remove the curtains from rods and install them back after dry cleaning.

  • Processing as per curtain fabric type (silk, velvet, blackout etc)
  • Zero shrinkage guaranteed with our Italian technology
  • 99% stain removal promise
  • 100% shine & lustre maintained with our German organic chemicals
  • Crisp, wrinkle free steam iron
  • Complimentary curtain ring replacement

Leather Dry Cleaning

Leather Dry Cleaning at Tumbledry

Professional leather dry cleaning for jackets, bags, purses, clutches, wallets, belts, shoes, boots and stilettos.

Protect your leather items from dirt, dust, oil stains, perspiration, dehydration, mold & mildew.

Our expert leather care technicians inspect each item with utmost care to assess the color, shade, and type of leather, and accordingly decide the most appropriate treatment.

Complimentary conditioning and polishing to ensure smooth & shining finish

Shoes/Bag Cleaning & Restoration

shutterstock 400663813 e1634736771725

Experts in dry cleaning of Sports, Canvass, Leather, Suede, Nubuck Shoes, Sneakers, Boots, Sandals and Canvass, Jute, Leather & Suede Bags

    • Gentle chemicals and conditioners to maintain the color & fabric.
    • Mink & Lanolin Oil Nourishment
    • Spotless cleaning of laces, straps, insoles, and inner lining
    • Disinfection with our German deodorizers

Following Restoration Services are also available:

    • Sole pasting
    • Inner sole replacement
    • Damaged collar replacement
    • Inner lining replacement
    • Heel replacement
    • Sole replacement
    • Re coloring
    • Laces replacement

Haute CouturE Dry CleaniNG

Men Dry Cleaning 4 min

Want to restore the glory of your haute couture? Look no further than Tumbledry!

We have a separate team of processing experts who handle your most expensive silk, bridal & designer wear for dry cleaning. Each Haute Couture article is given a customized treatment in our state of the art dry cleaning facility.

Our team has more than a decade experience of dry cleaning most delicate and expensive silk sarees, including: Banarasi silk, Kanjivaram/Kanchipuram silk, Baluchari silk, Bomkai silk, Tussar silk, Chanderi silk, Dharmavaram silk, Banglori silk, Mysore silk, and Patola silk.

Be it Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani, Masaba Gupta, or Sabyasachi Mukherjee – we have got tons of experience dry cleaning fashion articles from most popular designer houses. We understand the nuances of the make and design, as well as the fabric structure used by these designer houses – and this enables us to give the perfect treatment to these haute couture articles