How to Wash Blankets Without Ruining Them (Complete Guide)
- pamowen6
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Blankets seem simple — until they come out of the wash stiff, lumpy, or still dirty.
Most of the time, it’s not the blanket — it’s the process. Wrong machine size, too much detergent, or poor drying will undo the whole job.
If you want consistently soft, properly cleaned blankets, here’s how to do it right.
Why Blankets Go Wrong in the Wash
Blankets hold a lot of water and need space to move. When they don’t:
Dirt stays trapped in the fibres
Detergent doesn’t rinse out properly
The blanket dries unevenly and feels stiff
This is why bulky items often turn out better in a laundromat than at home.
For thicker bedding like quilts, see our guide on how to wash a doona properly — the process is similar, but requires more capacity and drying time.
Types of Blankets (And Why It Matters)
Different materials need different handling:
Cotton blankets → durable, handle warm washes
Fleece blankets → softer fibres, need gentle care
Wool blankets → delicate, cold wash only - we reccomend using a wool specific detergent.
Weighted blankets → heavy, require large machines
Electric blankets → strict care instructions
Ignoring the material is the fastest way to damage your blanket.
Can You Wash Blankets at Home?
You can — but only if your machine is big enough.
If the blanket fills the drum before water is added, it won’t clean properly. It needs room to move freely for water and detergent to circulate.
For anything beyond a light throw, a laundromat will give you a better result in less time.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Blankets Properly
Step 1: Choose the Right Machine Size
This is where most people get it wrong.
Small throw → standard machine
Medium blanket → large machine
Heavy or multiple blankets → extra-large machine
No movement = no proper clean.
Step 2: Use the Right Amount of Detergent
More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner results.
Use a quality detergent
Avoid overuse (causes residue and stiffness)
For fleece and soft blankets, a gentle detergent helps maintain softness.
Step 3: Select the Correct Wash Cycle
Match the cycle to the material:
Cotton → warm wash
Fleece → cold or warm gentle cycle
Wool → cold, delicate cycle only
Heat can shrink or damage fibres — especially with wool.
At the Speedy Bubble Laundromat Mango Hill/North Lakes, our washers all have a delicate setting, we recommend selecting this for all blankets with filling. At our Burpengary East Laundromat we have made it even easier. We offer a wash setting called Doonas & Toppers, which is meticulously designed to provide optimal results while ensuring the utmost care for your bedding.
Step 4: Spin Properly
A strong spin removes excess water, which is critical for bulky items.
This is one of the biggest advantages of commercial laundromat machines — they extract more water, meaning faster and more effective drying.
Step 5: Dry It the Right Way
Drying is where most blankets get ruined.
Use medium heat for most materials. My personal tip, avoid high heat settings in laundromats full stop!, Their dryers are already designed for speed. Choosing the correct dryer size that allows room for your blankets to tumble is far more effective than the temperature setting and lower temp means lower risk of damage.
Low heat for delicate fabrics
Shake and reposition during the cycle
Make sure the blanket is completely dry before folding. Any trapped moisture will lead to that musty smell people complain about.
If you’ve ever dealt with that issue, it’s the same problem people have with doonas — here’s why your bedding can still smell after washing and how to fix it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overloading the machine
Using too much detergent
Washing bulky items in machines that are too small
Using high heat on delicate materials
Not drying thoroughly
These are the reasons blankets lose softness, shape, and freshness.
Special Care Blankets
Weighted Blankets
Check weight limits before washing
Use large-capacity machines only
Dry on low heat or air dry
Electric Blankets
Follow manufacturer instructions strictly
Use gentle cycles
Avoid high heat
Wool Blankets
Cold wash only
Use wool-safe detergent
Avoid aggressive spin and heat.
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When to Use a Laundromat
Use a laundromat when:
Your blanket is too large for your home machine
You’re washing multiple bulky items
You want faster drying and better results
Commercial machines are designed for movement, extraction, and proper drying — which is exactly what bulky laundry needs.
Blanket Washing in North Lakes / Mango Hill
& Burpengary East
If you’re based in Mango Hill / Northlakes, Burpengary or surrounding North Brisbane suburbs, The Speedy Bubble Laundromat is set up specifically for bulky items like blankets and bedding.
Our large-capacity machines give your laundry the space it needs to clean properly, and our high-performance dryers deliver faster, more even results.
You can choose:
Self-service laundromat use
Wash, dry & fold laundry service
Convenient pickup and delivery
Secure laundry lockers for flexible access
Whether it’s a seasonal refresh or part of your regular routine, you’ll get a better result using the right equipment.
Final Word
Blankets aren’t hard to wash — but they are easy to get wrong.
Use the right machine size, control your detergent, and dry them properly, and you’ll keep them soft, clean, and long-lasting.
Cut corners, and you’ll feel it straight away.
FAQs: Washing Blankets
How often should you wash blankets?
Every 2–4 weeks depending on use.
Can I wash multiple blankets together?
Only if the machine is large enough to allow movement.
Why does my blanket feel stiff after washing?
Usually too much detergent or poor rinsing.
Can blankets go in the dryer?
Yes — but heat settings must match the material.
Expert tip!
Always check the care instruction lable before you start.
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