Can You Wash a Blanket in a Washing Machine?
Most fleece, cotton and synthetic blankets are machine washable — just check the care label first. The main thing to get right is the load size: a bulky blanket needs room to move, so don’t cram it into a small drum. Woollen and electric blankets need extra care, which we’ll cover below.
What You Need
- Mild liquid detergent
- A machine with enough capacity for the blanket
- Wool detergent if washing a woollen blanket
Step-by-Step
- Check the care label for temperature and cycle limits.
- Shake the blanket outdoors to remove dust, lint and hair.
- Spot-treat any stains with a little detergent before washing.
- Load the blanket loosely — it should fill no more than two-thirds of the drum.
- Select a cold or warm gentle cycle. Use the wool/delicate cycle for woollen blankets.
- Add a small amount of liquid detergent and run an extra rinse to clear all soap.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t wash an electric blanket in the machine unless the label specifically allows it.
- Don’t use hot water on fleece — it causes pilling.
- Don’t overload the drum, or the blanket won’t clean evenly.
- Don’t use fabric softener on fleece; it reduces softness over time.
Drying Tips
Tumble dry on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls to keep it fluffy, or hang it over two parallel lines to spread the weight and speed drying. Woollen blankets should be dried flat to prevent stretching. Make sure the blanket is fully dry before storing to avoid a musty smell.
Useful Reads & Where to Shop
Bulky bedding needs space, so check our washing machine capacity guide before you load up. The same gentle approach applies to washing bedsheets and other large items.