How to Wash Different Types of Throw Blankets
We know that washing your duvet covers, pillowcases and bed sheets is part of your routine, but in order to keep your bed completely fresh, it’s important to periodically wash your throws and blankets too.
Your bed layering may look beautiful, but to keep it germ free and smelling fresh, there are some steps you have to follow. Just like washing your bedspread, throws can contain a range of materials and are often large sizes, which means that washing your blankets may not be quite as easy as the rest of your bed linen.
This is why the experts at DUSK have come together to give you our top tips on how to wash and dry your throws and blankets.
How often should you wash throws & blankets?
While we recommend washing your bed linen every week, we suggest you should aim to wash your throws and blankets around once a month. These items of bedding should be an essential part of your cleaning regime to prevent harbouring germs around your home.
How should I wash & dry my blankets?
The material of your blanket can affect how it should be washed and dried. The safest way to find out how to wash and dry your beautiful blankets without causing damage is to follow the care instructions on the label.
A DUSK top tip: Some of our throws can be machine washed on a cool temperature. If your care label states that your throw can be machine washed, it’s also a good idea to wash it inside a large net laundry bag. This will prevent any stretching and protect any detailing.
Cotton
Generally, it’s best to wash cotton blankets and throws on a cool or 30 degree wash, however, we do recommend that some of our cotton designs should be hand washed, such as the Denver collection. It’s also best to line dry cotton throws and blankets to keep them looking their very best.
Wool blend and acrylic
We recommended that acrylic and wool blend blankets should be hand washed only. These fibres can be more delicate and handwashing ensures that they aren’t damaged. Similarly to cotton blankets, we suggest line drying your wool throws for the ultimate fresh and flawless finish.
Polyester
Polyester throws and blankets can generally be machine washed on a 30 degree cycle. While we recommend that line drying would be preferable, they can usually be tumble dried at a low temperature without causing any damage to your bed layers — but always make sure you check the care label first.
Faux silk
Much like polyester blankets, faux silk throw blankets (like our Vienna Collection) can usually be machine washed and tumble dried. We do however, recommend that you keep the heat setting as low as possible to prevent damage and again, always line dry if the weather permits.
How should I hand wash throws & blankets?
We know that hand washing your throws and blankets may seem daunting, but it really is easier than you may imagine. Start by filling a bathtub or deep sink with cool water and a gentle laundry detergent — be careful with the temperature of the water as if it’s hot it may cause the material to shrink.
Add your throw, swish it through the water and laundry detergent solution, and leave to soak for up to 30 minutes. Drain the water and gently press out excess liquid from the blanket. Follow this by re-filling your bathtub or sink with cool water and again, swish the blanket. Drain and repeat until all the laundry detergent has gone and the water is clear.
How do I keep my throws & blankets smelling fresh?
In between blanket washing, there’s nothing better than being able to keep your bedding smelling fresh and feeling luxurious. Here are our DUSK top tips to keep your bedroom smelling delightful:
- Regularly hang your throws outside to air out — the sun is a natural disinfectant and this will help to keep them feeling fresh.
- For fresh bedding every day, mix a gentle fabric softener with water. Simply mix one cup of your favourite fabric softener into a spray bottle with two parts water, then lightly spray onto your bedding.
- If you’re storing your blankets away for the summer, leave a dryer sheet between the folded layers so it will smell beautiful when you next reach for it on a chilly evening.
- A great way to keep your whole bedroom smelling fresher for longer is to incorporate candles and reed diffusers for subtle, long lasting scents.
Discover more of our guides for top tips when taking care of your bedding.