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Blankets used every night should usually be washed every one to two weeks. Blankets that sit on top of the bed and do not touch your skin may only need washing every one to three months.
The right schedule depends on how the blanket is used, who uses it, and whether pets sleep on it. Always check the care label before washing, drying, bleaching, ironing, or using heat.
A Simple Blanket Washing Schedule
| How the blanket is used | Practical washing schedule |
|---|---|
| Used against your skin every night | Every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Used over a top sheet | Every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Decorative blanket at the foot of the bed | Every 1 to 3 months |
| Guest-room blanket | After each guest or before the next guest |
| Child's everyday blanket | Every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Blanket shared with a pet | About once a week |
| Sofa throw used often | Every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Blanket stored for a season | Before storing and after long storage if needed |
| Spare blanket rarely used | Every few months or when dusty |
These are starting points, not strict rules. Wash a blanket sooner when it looks dirty, smells stale, feels oily, has food or drink on it, or collects a lot of hair.
How Often to Wash a Blanket Used Every Night
A blanket that touches your skin each night should usually be washed every one to two weeks. It collects body oils, sweat, skin flakes, hair, and residue from lotions or skin products.
You may be able to wait two to four weeks when all of these are true:
- You use a clean top sheet between your body and the blanket.
- You sleep in clean clothes.
- Pets do not sleep on the bed.
- You do not eat in bed.
- The blanket still smells and feels clean.
Wash it more often when you sleep directly under it without a top sheet.
How Often to Wash Blankets With Pets
A blanket that a dog or cat sleeps on may need washing about once a week. Pet hair, dirt, drool, and outdoor debris can build up quickly.
You may need to wash it sooner if your pet comes inside with muddy paws or sheds heavily. A washable throw placed over the main bedding can make laundry easier. It is simpler to wash a small throw than a large comforter or heavy blanket.
Between washes, shake the blanket outdoors or remove loose hair with a lint roller or vacuum attachment. Check the blanket label before vacuuming delicate knits or loosely woven fabric.
How Often to Wash Children's Blankets
Wash a child's everyday blanket every one to two weeks. Wash it sooner after spills, accidents, illness, or outdoor use.
Small children may carry the same blanket between the bed, sofa, car, and floor. That can make it dirty faster than an adult's bed blanket.
Keeping a spare blanket can help on laundry day. Check that the replacement has a similar feel if the child is attached to a certain texture.
How Often to Wash Guest-Room Blankets
Wash sheets and blankets that touched the guest after each stay. A decorative blanket that stayed folded at the foot of the bed may not need a full wash every time, but check it for hair, stains, dust, and odors.
Before new guests arrive:
- Smell the blanket for any stale or musty odor.
- Check the edges and surface for marks or hair.
- Wash it when you are unsure whether it was used.
- Make sure it is completely dry before placing it on the bed.
A washable coverlet or light quilt can be practical in a guest room. A coverlet is a thin bed covering that usually sits on top of the sheets.
How Often to Wash Sofa Throws
A throw used every day should usually be washed every two to four weeks. Wash it weekly when pets sleep on it or when several people use it often.
Decorative throws that are rarely touched may only need washing every few months. Shake them out and check for dust between washes.
Sofa blankets may need more frequent cleaning than bed blankets because they can collect food crumbs, pet hair, and dirt from clothing.
When to Wash a Blanket Sooner
Do not wait for the usual laundry day when a blanket:
- Has visible dirt or stains
- Smells stale, smoky, sweaty, or musty
- Has food or drink spilled on it
- Was used while someone was ill
- Was carried outdoors
- Is covered in pet hair or drool
- Feels oily or sticky
- Was left damp
- Has been stored in a dusty place
Treat spills as soon as the care label allows. Blot wet spots instead of rubbing them deeper into the fabric.
Does the Blanket Material Change the Schedule?
The material may not change how quickly a blanket gets dirty, but it can change how safely and easily it can be washed.
Cotton Blankets
Many cotton blankets are washable, but they may shrink when exposed to high heat. Use the care label to choose the water and dryer settings.
Cotton can be a practical choice for kids' rooms, guest rooms, and homes with pets because many cotton blankets are easy to care for.
Fleece Blankets
Fleece can collect pet hair, lint, and static. Wash it according to the label, often with similar fabrics. High heat may damage some fleece or change its soft surface.
Blankets used every night should usually be washed every one to two weeks; learn how to remove lint from a polyester blanket using rollers, brushes, controlled dryer settings, or a fabric shaver while avoiding snags and surface damage.
Avoid washing fleece with rough items that have hooks, zippers, or hook-and-loop fasteners.
Wool Blankets
Wool often needs gentler care. Some wool blankets can be machine washed on a wool or delicate cycle, while others require hand washing or professional cleaning.
Do not assume a wool blanket can go into a normal wash cycle. Check the label first. Heat and strong movement can cause shrinking or matting.
Weighted Blankets
A weighted blanket may be too heavy for a home washer, especially when wet. Check the product's care instructions and weight limits for your washer.
Some weighted blankets have a removable cover. Washing the cover more often can reduce how frequently the inner blanket needs cleaning.
Electric Blankets
Follow the manufacturer's current cleaning instructions. Remove detachable controls and cords only as directed. Do not wash, dry, iron, or clean an electric blanket in a way that is not approved on its label.
Knitted and Loose-Weave Blankets
Loose knits can stretch, snag, or lose their shape. A mesh laundry bag may help with smaller items when the label allows machine washing.
Drying flat may be recommended for some knits. Lifting a wet, heavy knit from one edge can stretch it.
How to Wash a Blanket Without Damaging It
Start with the care label. Blanket materials and construction vary, so one method will not work for every blanket.
1. Check the Washer Capacity
A blanket needs room to move. Do not force a bulky blanket into a small washer.
An overloaded machine may not clean or rinse the blanket evenly. A large, wet blanket can also become much heavier than expected. Check your washer guidance before washing heavy bedding.
2. Treat Stains First
Blot fresh spills with a clean cloth. Use a stain treatment only when it is suitable for the blanket fabric.
Test unfamiliar products on a hidden area first. Avoid scrubbing delicate fibers.
3. Use the Recommended Cycle
Choose the water temperature and wash cycle listed on the care label. Gentle or bedding cycles may be suitable for some blankets, but the label should guide the choice.
Use a reasonable amount of detergent. Too much may leave residue in thick fabric.
4. Dry It Completely
A blanket should be fully dry before it goes back on the bed or into storage. Damp folds can develop an unpleasant smell.
Use the recommended dryer setting, or air-dry the blanket when directed. High heat can shrink, melt, mat, or weaken some materials.
For air-drying, spread the blanket so air can reach as much of the surface as possible. Turn it when needed.
How to Keep Blankets Cleaner Between Washes
You can reduce how fast a blanket gets dirty by:
- Using a top sheet
- Washing sleepwear regularly
- Keeping food and drinks away from the bed
- Wiping pets' paws before bedtime
- Placing a washable pet throw over the bedding
- Shaking blankets outdoors
- Removing hair with a lint roller
- Airing out the bed before making it
- Storing spare blankets in a clean, dry place
Do not spray heavy fragrances on a blanket to hide odors. A scent may cover the smell without removing the residue causing it.
Can You Wash Blankets Too Often?
Frequent washing can slowly wear out some blankets. Fabric may fade, pill, shrink, stretch, or lose softness, especially when washed with strong cycles or high heat.
The goal is to wash often enough to keep the blanket fresh without washing it after every use when it is still clean.
A washable duvet cover, top sheet, or pet throw can protect harder-to-wash blankets. These smaller layers are often easier to clean regularly.
Washing Blankets Before Seasonal Storage
Wash or clean blankets before storing them for the season. Stains and body oils can become harder to remove after sitting for months.
Make sure the blanket is completely dry. Fold it loosely and place it in a clean, dry storage space. Follow the manufacturer's guidance for storage bags, especially for wool, electric, weighted, or down-filled bedding.
When you take a blanket out of storage, air it out and check for dust, odors, dampness, or marks. Wash it again when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should blankets be washed every week?
Blankets that touch your skin, are used by children, or are shared with pets may benefit from weekly washing. A blanket used over a top sheet can often be washed every two to four weeks.
How often should a blanket on top of a comforter be washed?
A decorative blanket that stays on top of the comforter may only need washing every one to three months. Wash it sooner if it is used often, touched by pets, or exposed to food and drinks.
Should I wash a new blanket before using it?
You may choose to wash a new blanket before first use to remove dust, loose fibers, or packaging odors. Check the care label first, especially for wool, electric, weighted, or dry-clean-only blankets.
How often should pet blankets be washed?
A pet blanket used every day can usually be washed about once a week. Wash it sooner when it has mud, drool, strong odors, or a heavy layer of hair.
Can I wash a blanket with sheets?
Light blankets may be washed with sheets when the fabrics, colors, and care settings are compatible. Bulky blankets usually clean better when washed separately so they have enough room to move.
How do I know when a blanket needs washing?
Wash it when it smells stale, feels oily, has stains, collects visible hair or crumbs, or has been exposed to sweat, spills, pets, illness, or outdoor dirt.
How often should spare blankets be washed?
Spare blankets stored in a clean, dry place may only need washing every few months or before use. Wash them before storage and make sure they are fully dry.
remove pilling from a blanket. remove excessive lint from blankets. fix a blanket that sheds.
