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Throw blankets are usually easy to wash, but the right method depends on the fabric and construction. Start by checking the care label. Then use cool or warm water, a mild detergent, and the gentlest cycle that can clean the blanket well. Dry on low heat or air-dry when the label allows it.
The biggest mistake is treating every throw blanket the same. A cotton throw may handle regular washing well, while wool, faux fur, fleece, sherpa, knit, and weighted throws can need very different care.
How to Wash a Throw Blanket Step by Step
1. Check the care label first
Before washing, read the current care label attached to the blanket.
Look for instructions about:
- Machine washing
- Hand washing
- Dry cleaning
- Water temperature
- Bleach
- Dryer heat
- Air-drying
- Ironing
Follow the label even when the blanket looks similar to another one you own. Two soft throws can have different fibers, backing materials, trims, dyes, or finishes.
A blanket marked dry clean only should not go into a washing machine just because the fabric feels sturdy.
2. Check for stains and damage
Spread the throw out and look for:
- Food spots
- Makeup
- Pet messes
- Greasy areas
- Loose threads
- Open seams
- Snags
- Weak decorative trim
Treat stains before washing when the care label allows it. Use a small amount of suitable stain treatment and avoid hard scrubbing, which can roughen fleece or distort knitted fabric.
Repair major loose seams first. A small opening can become much larger during the wash cycle.
3. Shake off loose debris
Take the blanket outside or over an easy-to-clean floor and shake away:
- Crumbs
- Dust
- Pet hair
- Grass
- Loose dirt
For pet hair, a lint roller or suitable vacuum attachment can remove some hair before washing. This helps keep large clumps of fur out of the washer.
4. Wash the throw by itself or with similar items
Many throw blankets wash best alone, especially when they are bulky.
You can sometimes wash lightweight throws with similar items, but avoid mixing them with:
- Towels that shed lint
- Clothing with zippers
- Bras with hooks
- Rough denim
- Items with hook-and-loop fasteners
- Heavily soiled laundry
A soft fleece throw can collect lint from towels. A loose knit can snag on a zipper.
5. Choose the right water temperature
Cool water is a beginner-friendly choice for many washable throws because it can be gentler on color and fabric.
Warm water may be suitable for some cotton or synthetic blankets, but only when the care instructions allow it.
Avoid assuming hot water gives a better result. Heat can contribute to:
- Shrinkage
- Fading
- Fiber damage
- Matting
- Distortion
Always follow the blanket's care label.
6. Use a mild detergent
Use a normal amount of mild laundry detergent based on:
- The washer size
- The load size
- The detergent directions
- How dirty the blanket is
More detergent does not always mean a cleaner blanket. Too much can leave residue, especially in thick fleece, sherpa, and plush fabrics.
Avoid bleach unless the care label clearly allows it. Decorative dyes, prints, trims, and some fibers may not respond well to bleach.
7. Pick a gentle wash cycle
A gentle or delicate cycle is often a safe starting point for washable throw blankets.
Sturdy cotton throws may allow a normal cycle, but the label should guide you.
Use extra care with:
- Knitted throws
- Fringe
- Tassels
- Faux fur
- Sherpa
- Decorative stitching
- Loose weaves
The goal is to clean the blanket without causing unnecessary twisting, pulling, or rubbing.
8. Dry according to the care label
Drying is where many throw blankets get damaged.
Depending on the material, the label may call for:
- Tumble drying on low
- Air-drying flat
- Line drying
- No tumble drying
- Professional cleaning
High heat can shrink some fabrics and may damage soft or textured surfaces.
Remove a tumble-dried blanket when it is dry rather than leaving it through repeated hot cycles.
Can You Wash a Throw Blanket in a Washing Machine?
Many throw blankets are machine washable, but not all of them.
Machine washing is more likely to work well when the blanket is:
- Clearly labeled machine washable
- Small enough to move freely in the drum
- Free from fragile decoration
- In good condition
Do not force a bulky throw into a washer.
A blanket needs room to become wet, move, rinse, and spin. An overloaded washer may clean poorly, rinse poorly, or become unbalanced.
This matters with thick sherpa throws, oversized couch blankets, and heavy layered blankets. Check both the blanket care instructions and the washer manufacturer's guidance.
How to Wash Throw Blankets by Material
The fabric makes a major difference. Here are practical starting points, but the care label still comes first.
How to Wash a Fleece Throw Blanket
Fleece is a synthetic fabric with a soft, brushed surface. It is common in family rooms, dorm rooms, kids' rooms, and pet-friendly homes.
For a machine-washable fleece throw:
- Shake off crumbs and hair.
- Wash with similar fabrics.
- Use cool water.
- Choose a gentle cycle.
- Add mild detergent.
- Dry on low heat or air-dry if allowed.
Avoid washing fleece with lint-heavy towels. Fleece can collect loose fibers.
High dryer heat can also be hard on its soft surface. Follow the label.
How to Wash a Sherpa Throw Blanket
Sherpa is a fluffy fabric made to resemble woolly fleece. Many sherpa throws have a smooth outer side and a thick, fuzzy inner side.
To help protect the texture:
- Check the care label.
- Wash separately or with similar soft items.
- Use cool water when allowed.
- Choose a gentle cycle.
- Use a modest amount of mild detergent.
- Dry with low or no heat if directed.
Too much heat and heavy rubbing can leave the fluffy side looking matted.
Do not aggressively brush a wet sherpa blanket unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it.
How to Wash a Cotton Throw Blanket
Cotton throws are common because they can feel breathable and work well for everyday use.
Many washable cotton throws can be cleaned with:
- Cool or warm water
- Mild detergent
- A gentle or normal cycle
- Low dryer heat
However, cotton can shrink, especially with heat. Loosely woven cotton and decorative throws may also change shape more easily than tightly woven blankets.
For a guest-room throw or sofa blanket that needs to keep a neat shape, gentler washing and lower heat may be worth the extra drying time.
How to Wash a Wool Throw Blanket
Wool needs more caution.
Some wool throws are:
- Hand wash only
- Machine washable on a wool cycle
- Dry clean only
Do not guess.
When the label allows washing, wool often needs:
- Cool water
- Very little agitation
- A detergent suitable for the fabric
- Careful reshaping
- Flat drying
Heat, rubbing, and sudden temperature changes can cause wool to shrink or felt. Felting means the fibers tangle and tighten together, changing the blanket's size and texture.
Never put a wool throw in the dryer unless the current care label specifically allows it.
How to Wash a Faux Fur Throw Blanket
Faux fur is usually made with synthetic fibers, but its construction varies.
Some faux fur throws are machine washable. Others need more careful cleaning.
When machine washing is allowed:
- Use cool water.
- Choose a gentle cycle.
- Use mild detergent.
- Avoid high heat.
- Let the blanket dry as directed.
Dryer heat can damage the texture of some faux fur fabrics.
A faux fur blanket may look flat while damp. Do not use aggressive heat to make it fluffy again. Follow the manufacturer's care guidance.
How to Wash a Knitted Throw Blanket
Knitted throws can stretch and snag more easily than tightly woven blankets.
For a washable knit throw:
- Use a gentle cycle if machine washing is permitted.
- Avoid rough items with hooks and zippers.
- Use cool water when allowed.
- Support the blanket when lifting it wet.
- Reshape before drying.
A wet knit can be much heavier than a dry one. Pulling it from one corner may stretch the fabric.
Flat drying is often useful when the label calls for it.
How to Wash a Crochet Throw or Afghan
Handmade crochet blankets need special care because the fiber may be unknown and the stitches can stretch.
Before washing, try to find out whether the yarn is:
The biggest mistake is treating every throw blanket the same; learn how to wash a heavy blanket safely by checking its wet weight, care label, washer capacity, drum space, balance, cycle, detergent, and drying needs.
- Cotton
- Wool
- Acrylic
- A blend
Follow any care instructions provided by the maker or yarn manufacturer.
When the fiber is unknown, aggressive machine washing and high dryer heat are risky choices.
Vintage crochet throws can be especially delicate. Weak yarn may break when wet or under strong agitation.
How to Wash a Weighted Throw Blanket
A weighted throw is different from a normal throw blanket because of its added internal weight.
Before washing:
- Check the care label.
- Check the total blanket weight.
- Read the washer's load guidance.
- See whether the cover is removable.
Some weighted throws have a washable outer cover while the inner weighted section needs different care.
Do not put a heavy weighted blanket into a household washer simply because it fits through the door. Wet weight and load balance also matter. Follow the product and appliance guidance.
How to Hand Wash a Throw Blanket
Hand washing can be useful for blankets that are too delicate for a normal machine cycle but are still labeled washable.
Step 1: Use a clean basin or tub
Make sure the container has no leftover cleaning chemicals.
Step 2: Add the right water temperature
Use the temperature listed on the care label.
Step 3: Add a small amount of suitable detergent
Mix it into the water before adding the blanket.
Step 4: Lower the blanket into the water
Gently press it down so the fabric becomes wet.
Step 5: Clean without harsh scrubbing
Gently move or press the blanket through the water.
Avoid:
- Twisting
- Hard wringing
- Rough scrubbing
- Pulling on fringe
Step 6: Rinse well
Drain the wash water and rinse according to the fabric's needs.
Step 7: Remove excess water carefully
Do not twist a delicate blanket like a towel.
For some fabrics, you can gently press out water or roll the blanket in clean towels. Follow the care guidance for the material.
Step 8: Dry as directed
Some throws can hang dry. Others should lie flat to reduce stretching.
How to Dry Throw Blankets Without Ruining Them
The best drying method depends on the fabric.
Tumble drying
When the label allows machine drying, low heat is often gentler than high heat.
A dryer needs enough room for the blanket to tumble. A tightly packed blanket may dry unevenly.
Air-drying flat
Flat drying can be useful for:
- Wool
- Knits
- Crochet blankets
- Throws that may stretch
Place the blanket on a suitable clean surface with good airflow. Reshape it gently rather than pulling it.
Line drying
Line drying works for some throws, but a heavy wet blanket can stretch under its own weight.
Check the care instructions before hanging a delicate knit or wool throw.
Make sure the blanket is fully dry
Do not fold and store a damp throw.
Thick areas can stay wet longer than expected, especially:
- Sherpa layers
- Dense hems
- Seams
- Tassel bases
- Quilted sections
Let the entire blanket dry before putting it into a basket, closet, or storage box.
How Often Should You Wash Throw Blankets?
There is no single schedule that works for every home.
Wash frequency depends on how the blanket is used.
A decorative throw that sits untouched at the end of a guest bed may need less washing than a couch blanket used every evening.
Wash more often when the throw:
- Is used directly against the body
- Collects pet hair
- Is used by children
- Is used during meals
- Has visible dirt
- Develops an unwanted odor
- Is used by many guests
For everyday sofa throws, regular light cleaning can be easier on the fabric than waiting until the blanket is heavily soiled.
How to Wash Throw Blankets With Pet Hair
Pet-friendly homes often have a different problem: the blanket may not look dirty, but it is covered in fur.
Before washing:
- Shake the blanket outdoors when practical.
- Use a lint roller.
- Remove loose hair with an appropriate vacuum attachment.
- Check the washer after the cycle.
- Clean the appliance as recommended by its manufacturer.
Avoid putting a blanket covered in thick clumps of hair directly into the washer.
For homes with shedding pets, a smooth, tightly woven throw may be easier to maintain than deep sherpa or long faux fur. The softer, deeper textures can trap hair.
How to Wash Throw Blankets With Tassels or Fringe
Fringe can tangle during washing.
For a washable fringed throw:
- Choose a gentle cycle.
- Avoid rough laundry.
- Consider washing the throw separately.
- Untangle fringe gently after washing.
- Do not pull hard on wet tassels.
Some decorative trims are more delicate than the main blanket fabric. That is another reason the care label matters.
Should You Use Fabric Softener on Throw Blankets?
Do not automatically add fabric softener.
Whether it is suitable depends on the blanket and the product guidance. Some fabrics and finishes may not respond well to it, and residue can build up when too much laundry product is used.
Check the throw's care information and the laundry product directions.
For fleece, microfiber, and other performance-style synthetic fabrics, be especially careful about adding products that are not recommended by the manufacturer.
Common Throw Blanket Washing Mistakes
Using water that is too hot
Hot water can contribute to fading, shrinking, or fabric changes.
Using high dryer heat
A blanket may survive the wash and then be damaged in the dryer.
Overloading the washer
A packed blanket may not rinse well or may cause an unbalanced load.
Using too much detergent
Thick throws can hold detergent residue.
Washing soft throws with towels
Towels may shed lint onto fleece or other textured blankets.
Ignoring decorative details
Tassels, fringe, embroidery, and loose knits can need gentler handling.
Wringing wet blankets
Twisting can stretch or distort some fabrics.
Storing the blanket while damp
A thick throw needs to dry completely before storage.
What to Do If a Throw Blanket Comes Out Rough
A blanket can feel rough after washing for several reasons, including:
- Too much detergent
- Poor rinsing
- High heat
- Fabric wear
- A changed surface texture
First, check the care label.
When the fabric allows it, another rinse may help remove excess detergent residue. Do not keep adding more laundry products in an attempt to restore softness.
For fleece, sherpa, and faux fur, texture changes caused by heat or matting may not be fully reversible.
What to Do If a Throw Blanket Shrinks
Do not stretch a shrunken blanket aggressively.
Check the fabric type and manufacturer guidance. Some washable knits may be gently reshaped while damp, but other fabrics will not return to their original size.
This is why lower heat is often the more cautious choice when the care label allows several drying options.
Easy Throw Blanket Care for Busy Homes
For a simple routine, choose blankets that match your real laundry habits.
For kids' rooms
Look for easy-care throws with clear washing instructions. Avoid highly delicate trims when spills are common.
For pet-friendly homes
Smooth fabrics may release hair more easily than deep plush textures.
For dorm rooms
Check whether the blanket fits comfortably in the available washer and dryer. A compact, machine-washable throw is often easier to manage than a very bulky one.
For guest rooms
Wash before or after guest stays as needed, then store only when fully dry.
For RV beds
Think about limited washer space and drying room. A lightweight throw may be simpler to wash during travel.
For small bedrooms
One easy-care throw can be more practical than several bulky layers that are difficult to store and clean.
A Beginner-Friendly Washing Routine
For a typical machine-washable throw blanket, a simple routine is:
- Read the care label.
- Shake off hair and crumbs.
- Treat visible spots carefully.
- Wash separately or with similar soft items.
- Use a mild detergent.
- Choose cool water unless the label says otherwise.
- Use a gentle cycle.
- Dry on low heat or air-dry as directed.
- Store only when completely dry.
That approach works as a practical starting point for many everyday throws while leaving room for the specific needs of wool, faux fur, knits, weighted blankets, and other special fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a throw blanket in the washing machine?
Many throw blankets can go in a washing machine, but only when the care label permits it. Make sure the blanket has enough room to move in the drum. Bulky, delicate, weighted, wool, and highly decorated throws may need another cleaning method.
What setting should I wash a throw blanket on?
A gentle or delicate cycle is a common choice for many washable throws. Some sturdy cotton blankets may allow a normal cycle. Follow the current care label for the specific blanket.
What temperature should I wash throw blankets at?
Cool water is often a cautious choice for washable throws because it can be gentler on color and fabric. However, the care label should decide the correct temperature.
Can I put a throw blanket in the dryer?
Only when the care label allows it. Low heat is often gentler than high heat, but some wool, knit, faux fur, or delicate blankets may need air-drying or flat drying.
How do you keep a throw blanket soft after washing?
Use the correct amount of detergent, rinse well, avoid unnecessary high heat, and follow the fabric's care directions. Do not assume extra fabric softener will help, since it may not suit every blanket.
How often should throw blankets be washed?
Wash them based on use. A couch throw used daily, a pet blanket, or a child's blanket may need cleaning more often than a decorative throw in a quiet guest room.
Can I wash throw blankets with towels?
It is often better not to wash soft fleece, plush, or textured throws with lint-shedding towels. Towels can also be rougher and heavier in the wash. Similar fabrics usually make better load partners.
Why does my throw blanket smell after washing?
The blanket may still be damp inside thick layers, hems, or seams. Let it dry completely in good airflow. Also check the washer and follow the appliance manufacturer's cleaning guidance if laundry often develops unwanted odors.
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