Lazy Girl’s Guide to Washing Throw Blankets

Okay, so my original post shared my go-to 'lazy girl' method for washing throw blankets, and it's seriously a game-changer! But I've had a few questions about specific blanket types and situations, so I wanted to dive a bit deeper and share some more tips I've learned along the way. It's all about keeping those cozy throws fresh without the fuss! First up, let's talk about those gorgeous chunky knit blankets. I absolutely adore mine, but they can seem intimidating to wash! Based on my experience and looking at care labels (which are super important to check!), the delicate cycle with cold water is usually your best friend. The OCR images even show specific instructions for a white chunky knit throw blanket, recommending delicate wash with gentle detergent and delicate dry, never hanging to dry because they can stretch out of shape. I learned that the hard way once! So, gentle cycle, cold water, and lay flat to dry or use a delicate dryer setting. For plush or faux fur throw blankets (like the beige one in the OCR images!), the goal is to keep them super soft and fluffy. Again, cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle is key. High heat can melt the fibers and ruin that lovely plush feel, so avoid hot water for these. When drying, tumble dry on low or air fluff only. I often throw in a few wool dryer balls to help keep them fluffy and speed up drying. Now, wool blankets are a bit different. While my general delicate cycle hack works for many, wool can be tricky. Some wools are machine washable (look for 'superwash wool' on the care label!), but many traditional wool blankets need to be hand-washed or dry cleaned. If yours is machine washable, use a wool-specific detergent and a very gentle, cold cycle. Lay flat to dry to prevent shrinking or stretching. Always, always check that care label for wool! The OCR even emphasized checking care labels for various materials. Many of you asked about using hot water for washing blankets. While hot water is great for sanitizing bedding like sheets or towels, for most throw blankets – especially those made of synthetic fibers, delicate knits, or with specific textures – it's generally a no-go. Hot water can cause shrinking, fading, and damage to delicate fibers. That's why my 'lazy girl' method focuses on the delicate cycle with cold water. It's gentle enough to protect the fabric while still getting it clean. The washing machine control panel in the OCR clearly shows the 'DELICATES' cycle selected with cold water, which is what I recommend for most throws. For pet blankets or child's throw blankets that need extra freshness, you can pre-treat any visible stains. My secret for odors? That cup of white vinegar I mentioned in my original post works wonders! It's a natural deodorizer and fabric softener. You can also add a scoop of oxygen booster (color-safe!) to the wash cycle for a deeper clean without harsh chemicals. When it comes to how to load blankets in the washing machine, try not to overcrowd it. This allows the blankets to move freely and get thoroughly cleaned and rinsed. If you have several, wash them in smaller loads. I usually spread one or two blankets evenly around the agitator (if you have one) or drum, rather than just stuffing them all in one clump. Before putting them in, don't forget to shake them out – just like the OCR image shows! This gets rid of loose dust, crumbs, and pet hair, making the wash much more effective. So, whether it's a fluffy faux fur throw blanket, a heavy chunky knit, or a well-loved child's blanket, remember to check the care label first. When in doubt, the delicate cycle, cold water, mild detergent, and white vinegar is a pretty safe bet for keeping your throws looking and feeling amazing. Happy washing!