As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.
A stinky blanket usually needs more than extra detergent. The best fix is to remove loose dirt, wash it with the right amount of detergent, rinse it well, and dry it completely. Always check the care label before washing, soaking, bleaching, or using heat.
Why Blankets Start to Smell
Blankets hold on to body oils, sweat, pet hair, food crumbs, smoke, and moisture. Their thick fabric can also trap detergent and fabric softener.
Common blanket smells include:
- A sour smell from body oils, sweat, or poor rinsing
- A musty smell from damp storage or slow drying
- A pet smell from fur, saliva, or accidents
- A smoky smell from cooking, fireplaces, or cigarettes
- A stale smell from sitting in a closet for months
- A chemical or perfume smell from too much laundry product
Finding the likely cause helps you choose the right cleaning method.
How to Get Rid of a Stinky Blanket Smell
1. Check the Care Label
Read the blanket’s care label before doing anything else. Some blankets can go in a regular washer. Others need cold water, a gentle cycle, air drying, or professional cleaning.
Pay close attention to blankets made from:
- Wool
- Electric or heated blanket materials
- Weighted blanket covers and inserts
- Faux fur
- Delicate knit fabrics
- Down or feather fill
Do not assume every blanket can handle hot water, bleach, soaking, or a heated dryer.
2. Shake Off Hair and Loose Dirt
Take the blanket outside and shake it well. This removes crumbs, dust, lint, and some pet hair before the blanket gets wet.
For pet hair, try:
- A lint roller
- A slightly damp rubber glove
- A dry rubber squeegee
- A vacuum with an upholstery attachment
Removing hair first helps the washer clean the fabric instead of moving wet fur around.
3. Pretreat Smelly Areas
Look for spots that smell worse than the rest of the blanket. Common areas include the top edge, the middle of the blanket, and places where a pet sleeps.
Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent to washable areas. Gently work it into the fabric with your fingers. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes unless the product label says otherwise.
For pet accidents, use a laundry product made for that type of stain and fabric. Follow the product directions. Avoid mixing different stain removers.
4. Wash the Blanket by Itself
A bulky blanket needs room to move. Washing it alone often gives better results than packing it into a load of sheets and towels.
Choose the water temperature and cycle listed on the care label. Use a measured amount of detergent. Adding extra detergent may leave residue inside thick fabric, which can cause another sour smell.
A large comforter-style blanket may not fit safely in a small home washer. If the blanket cannot move freely, use a larger machine that is suitable for bulky bedding.
5. Add an Extra Rinse
An extra rinse can help remove trapped detergent, body oils, and odor-causing residue.
This step is especially useful for:
- Thick fleece blankets
- Plush blankets
- Pet blankets
- Blankets washed with too much detergent
- Blankets that feel stiff or coated after washing
Do not add more detergent during the extra rinse.
6. Dry the Blanket Completely
A blanket that stays damp inside can smell musty even after a good wash.
Follow the care label for drying. Some blankets can go in a dryer on low heat. Others should be laid flat or hung to air dry.
If you use a dryer:
- Do not overfill it
- Pause the cycle and turn the blanket
- Check thick seams and folded edges
- Keep drying until the whole blanket is dry
If you air dry the blanket, spread it out as much as possible. Turn it several times so both sides dry evenly. Avoid folding or storing it while any part still feels cool or damp.
How to Remove a Musty Smell
A musty blanket smell often comes from moisture. The blanket may have been stored before it was fully dry, left in the washer too long, or kept in a damp closet.
Wash the blanket according to its care label. Use the normal amount of detergent and add an extra rinse. Dry it fully before checking the smell again.
For a blanket that cannot be washed right away, hang it in a dry, well-ventilated place. Fresh air may reduce a light stale smell, but airing alone may not remove deep body oil, mildew-like marks, or pet residue.
If you see spreading spots, fabric damage, or a smell that returns right after cleaning, check the manufacturer’s care guidance before trying stronger products.
How to Remove a Sour Smell After Washing
A blanket may smell sour after washing because:
- It sat wet in the washer
- The washer was too full
- Too much detergent was used
- The blanket did not rinse well
- The center stayed damp during drying
- The washing machine needs cleaning
Rewash the blanket without adding a heavy dose of detergent. Select an extra rinse if the care label allows it. Then dry the blanket completely.
Learn how to wash a throw blanket by checking fiber and trim, treating stains, choosing detergent and cycle, balancing the load, and drying without damage.
Also check the washing machine. Clean the detergent drawer, door seal, filter, and drum according to the machine manufacturer’s instructions. A dirty washer can transfer stale smells back to bedding.
How to Remove Pet Smell From a Blanket
Start by removing as much pet hair as possible. Then pretreat any visible spots and wash the blanket by itself.
Use a detergent that is suitable for the blanket’s fabric. For urine, vomit, or other pet accidents, use a cleaner labeled for washable fabrics and follow its directions. Some products should not be combined with bleach or other cleaners.
Do not use high dryer heat until the stain and smell are gone. Heat may make some stains and smells harder to remove.
For blankets used on sofas, dog beds, or the foot of a bed, placing a washable cover over the blanket can make cleanup easier. Wash the cover often instead of waiting for smells to build up in the thicker blanket.
How to Remove Smoke or Cooking Smells
Smoke and cooking odors can settle deep into fleece, cotton, and synthetic fibers.
Begin by airing the blanket in a dry, shaded place. Then wash it according to the care label. Use the correct detergent amount and an extra rinse.
One wash may not remove a strong smoke smell. Repeat the wash only if the fabric can handle it. Avoid covering the smell with large amounts of scent booster or fabric softener. These products may add fragrance without removing the residue causing the odor.
For blankets that cannot be machine washed, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Should You Use Vinegar or Baking Soda?
Some washable blankets may be cleaned with plain white vinegar or baking soda, but these products are not right for every fabric or washing machine.
Before using either one:
- Check the blanket care label
- Check the washer manufacturer’s guidance
- Do not mix vinegar with chlorine bleach
- Do not combine several cleaning products
- Test delicate or colored fabric in a hidden spot
Vinegar is sometimes used in the rinse cycle to help remove detergent buildup. Baking soda is sometimes added to the wash for stale smells. Use only a modest amount and do not treat them as replacements for proper washing and complete drying.
Avoid home mixtures on wool, electric blankets, delicate fabrics, or special coatings unless the manufacturer says they are safe.
What Not to Do
Do Not Overload the Washer
A packed washer cannot rinse a bulky blanket well. The middle may stay dirty while the outside gets wet.
Do Not Use Too Much Detergent
More soap does not always mean more cleaning. Thick blankets can trap extra detergent and develop a sour or waxy smell.
Do Not Store a Damp Blanket
Even slight dampness can create a stale smell in a folded blanket. Check seams, corners, and thick edges before putting it away.
Do Not Use High Heat Without Checking
High heat may shrink, melt, mat, or damage some blanket materials. Heated blankets and faux-fur blankets may need special care.
Do Not Mix Cleaning Chemicals
Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other household cleaners. Follow one product’s directions at a time.
Do Not Hide the Smell With Fragrance
Sprays and scent boosters can make a blanket smell fresher for a short time, but they may not remove body oils, pet residue, or trapped moisture.
How to Keep Blankets Smelling Fresh
Wash blankets before odors become strong. The right schedule depends on how the blanket is used.
A throw blanket in a guest room may need only occasional washing. A blanket used every night, shared with pets, or used by children may need cleaning more often.
Simple habits help:
- Let blankets air out after use
- Keep wet pets off clean bedding
- Wash spills and accidents quickly
- Remove pet hair between washes
- Avoid piling damp blankets in a hamper
- Clean the washer as directed
- Store blankets only when fully dry
- Use a breathable storage bag or clean shelf
- Keep stored blankets away from damp walls or floors
For seasonal storage, wash and dry the blanket first. Fold it loosely and place it in a clean, dry area. Check the current product guidance before using sealed bags with wool, down, or other special materials.
When a Blanket May Need More Than One Wash
A second wash may be needed when a blanket has:
- Heavy body oil buildup
- Strong pet odor
- Old food or drink spills
- Smoke exposure
- Detergent trapped in thick fabric
- Been stored damp for a long time
Do not keep washing a delicate blanket without checking its care instructions. Repeated washing, strong products, and high heat can damage fibers.
If the smell stays after careful cleaning and full drying, the odor may be inside the fill, backing, foam, or damaged fibers. At that point, follow the manufacturer’s guidance or consider replacing the blanket if it cannot be cleaned safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my blanket still smell after washing?
The washer may have been too full, too much detergent may have been used, or the blanket may not have dried completely. Rewash it with the correct detergent amount, add an extra rinse, and dry every section fully.
Can I wash a smelly blanket with my sheets?
It is usually better to wash a bulky blanket by itself. This gives it more room to move, rinse, and dry evenly. Small, lightweight blankets may be washed with similar items if the care label and washer capacity allow it.
Can I use fabric softener to remove blanket odor?
Fabric softener may cover the smell, but it does not always remove the residue causing it. It can also build up on fleece and other thick fabrics. Follow the blanket care label before using it.
Why does my blanket smell musty after being stored?
The blanket may have been stored while slightly damp, or the storage area may hold moisture. Wash or air the blanket as its care instructions allow, dry it completely, and clean the storage space before putting it back.
How do I get dog smell out of a blanket?
Remove loose hair, pretreat washable spots, and wash the blanket by itself with a suitable detergent. Use a fabric-safe pet stain product for accidents, follow its directions, and dry the blanket completely.
Can sunlight remove a bad blanket smell?
Fresh air and indirect sunlight may help with light stale odors. Strong sun can fade some colors or damage certain fabrics, so check the care label and avoid leaving delicate blankets outside for long periods.
Is it safe to put a smelly blanket in the dryer?
Only use the dryer if the care label allows it. Avoid high heat when a stain or pet accident remains. Make sure the blanket has enough room to tumble and keep drying until thick areas are fully dry.
why does my bedding still smell after washing. what absorbs smell the most. blanket buying guide.
