When the temperature drops, your blanket becomes more than just décor. It’s your armor for cold mornings and late-night Netflix marathons. Whether you’re wrapping yourself in fleece, cashmere, or that old throw you “borrowed” from your parents’ house, one thing’s for sure: It’s getting a lot more use this time of year.
And with that extra use comes, well, buildup. Think hot cocoa spills, dog hair, and all the microscopic things that love cozy fabrics as much as you do. Even if it looks clean, your blanket should be washed every few weeks—or at least once a month during heavy use.
But here’s the catch: Washing a blanket the wrong way can wreck it. Use the wrong detergent or temperature, and you’ll end up with pilling, matting, or a shrunken mess that used to resemble comfort. Luckily, we’ve got the playbook for keeping every type of blanket clean, soft, and smelling incredible.
1. Check Your Blanket’s Care Label
Before anything else, read the care tag. Those small print instructions are there for a reason. Whether it says “dry clean only” or “machine wash cold,” the care label tells you exactly what your blanket can (and can’t) handle.
Different fabrics respond differently to heat, detergent, and spin speed—so start here and avoid expensive mistakes.
2. Add a Laundry Pod
Once you’ve confirmed your blanket is washer-safe, skip the liquid detergent. Go for a Laundry Sauce pod instead.
Laundry pods dissolve evenly in water and deliver the exact amount of detergent your blanket needs—no measuring, no residue, no clumps. Liquids, on the other hand, can leave behind streaks or buildup, especially on dense fabrics like fleece or weighted blankets.
Plus, this is your chance to make your blanket smell like something out of a luxury hotel. Laundry Sauce pods are crafted by world-class perfumers and come in rich, comforting fragrances like:
- Himalayan Cashmere: A hypoallergenic blend that smells like wrapping yourself in a freshly laundered cashmere sweater.
- French Saffron: Warm, sweet, and a little indulgent.
- Australian Sandalwood: Smooth, woodsy, and endlessly calming.
Want to dial it up even more? Add our scent boosters—they come in the same signature scents as the pods for an extra hit of fragrance that lingers long after wash day.
No matter what your care tag says, these must-haves keep your clothes looking and smelling their best—minus the guesswork.
3. Load Your Washing Machine Properly
Blankets are bulky, so placement matters. Lay the blanket evenly in the drum (or wrap it around the agitator if your washer has one) to keep the load balanced. This helps the water and detergent circulate evenly.
Always wash blankets alone or with similar items. Tossing them in with jeans or towels can cause friction, pilling, and uneven washing.
Skip bleach (it breaks down fibers) and fabric softeners, which can coat the fabric and make it feel waxy instead of plush.
4. Choose the Right Cycle for the Fabric
Not all blankets are created equal. Match your cycle to the material for the best results:
- Cotton Blankets: Wash on a gentle or normal cycle with cold or warm water.
- Fleece or Microfiber Blankets: Use a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent pilling.
- Wool Blankets: Select the wool or delicate cycle, use cold water, and stick with a wool-safe detergent. Lay flat to air dry—heat can shrink or warp the fibers.
- Weighted Blankets: Check the care label. If it’s machine washable, use a gentle cycle, cold water, and skip the fabric softener.
5. Use Cold Water
Cold water is your blanket’s best friend. It’s gentler on fibers, prevents fading, and shrinking, and keeps your blanket’s texture intact. Plus, it preserves the fragrance from your detergent longer than hot water does.
Bonus: Cold cycles also use less energy—good for your blankets, your bill, and the planet.
6. Hang to Air Dry
Whenever possible, let your blanket air dry. Drape it evenly over a rack or clothesline to maintain its shape and softness. Air drying not only helps preserve your blanket’s fragrance, but it also prevents the kind of fiber damage that comes from high heat.
If you’re in a rush or it’s raining outside, you can tumble dry on the lowest heat setting. Toss in a few dryer balls to keep things fluffy and speed up drying time.
Common Questions About Washing Blankets
Let’s answer a few of the most common laundry-day questions.
How Often Should You Wash Blankets?
For everyday throws or bedding blankets, wash them every 2-4 weeks. If it’s your go-to for movie nights or your dog’s unofficial nap zone, aim for weekly.
How to Keep Blankets Fresh Between Washes
Use a fabric refresher spray to revive scent and eliminate lingering odors. Hang your blanket outside for a quick refresh on a dry, breezy day—it works wonders.
How to Sanitize a Blanket
If you’re concerned about germs, add a laundry sanitizer or wash on a warm (not hot) cycle, depending on fabric type. Just make sure the care label approves.
Can You Use Fabric Softener on Blankets?
Skip it. Fabric softener can coat fibers and reduce absorbency, leaving your blanket feeling stiff or waxy. Stick with a gentle, high-quality detergent pod for that soft, clean feel instead.
Laundry Sauce Is the Key to Cozy Blankets
Blankets aren’t just for warmth—they’re comfort objects. The thing you reach for when the world feels a little too loud. Keeping them clean shouldn’t strip away that comfort; it should enhance it.
Laundry Sauce gives you everything you need to keep your blankets feeling plush, looking fresh, and smelling downright obsession-worthy. From Himalayan Cashmere to French Saffron, our high-performance pods and scent boosters turn every wash into a five-star sensory experience.
