What temperature should a blanket be washed at?

Follow the temperature on the blanket's label. Most plush and fleece blankets are washed at a low temperature on a delicate programme, and wool blankets on the wool programme with cold or lukewarm water.

Can a double blanket be machine-washed?

It can be washed if it can move freely inside the machine. Wash blankets too big to move freely by hand in the bathtub, or take them to a laundry with a large-capacity machine.

Can you use fabric softener on a blanket?

On plush, fleece and cotton blankets it can be used at the dose on the label; too much softener leaves residue in the fabric. For wool blankets, follow the label's recommendation.

Guide · Laundry and clothes washing · October 19, 2026

How to Wash a Blanket

Blankets are used a lot in winter, and because they are large, washing them can seem like a chore. Most plush, fleece and cotton blankets can be washed at home in the machine or the bathtub; wool blankets need more careful washing. This guide explains how to wash a blanket in the machine and by hand, what to watch for depending on the material, and how to dry it.

Before washing

Read the label: the washing temperature and whether the blanket can be machine-washed are on the label (what temperature to wash clothes).
Check the machine's capacity: the blanket must be able to move freely in the drum; a blanket squeezed in does not get clean and strains the machine.
Remove the dust: shake the blanket out outdoors.
Pre-treat stains: apply stain remover to the stain and leave it briefly; test first in a hidden corner.
For fibre, down and memory foam pillows: how to wash a pillow.
For camping and baby sleeping bags: how to wash a sleeping bag.
For fibre-filled, cotton and wool duvets: how to wash a duvet.
For quilted and padded bedspreads: how to wash a bedspread.
For sofa covers and sofa throws: how to wash a sofa cover.
For dog and cat beds and blankets: how to wash a dog bed.

How to wash a blanket in the washing machine

Wash the blanket on its own.
Choose the delicate, blanket or duvet programme at the temperature on the label; keep the spin speed low.
Use liquid laundry detergent at the dose on the label; in thick blankets, powder detergent may not dissolve fully and can leave marks.
On plush and fleece blankets, fabric softener can be used at the dose on the label; too much leaves residue in the fabric (how to use fabric softener).
Use the extra rinse option if there is one.
For fleece jackets, coats and cardigans: how to wash fleece.

How to hand-wash a blanket

Blankets that do not fit in the machine can be washed in the bathtub or a large basin. Add hand-wash detergent to lukewarm water and dissolve it completely, press the blanket into the water to wet it and wash the dirty areas by pressing with your hands or feet. Rinse several times with clean water until no foam remains. Do not wring the blanket; let it drain over the edge of the bathtub, then press out the excess water (how to hand wash clothes).

What to watch for with each material

Plush, fleece and flannel-fleece blankets

Synthetic blankets stand up well to water, and most can be machine-washed. High temperatures can flatten and harden the pile; do not exceed the temperature on the label and do not tumble dry the blanket on high heat.

Cotton blankets

Cotton blankets stand up well to water, but they may shrink slightly and release colour in the first washes. Wash coloured blankets separately.

Wool blankets

Wool felts and shrinks with hot water and hard rubbing. If the label allows, wash it on the machine's wool programme with cold or lukewarm water; when hand washing, work quickly and do not rub. Take valuable wool blankets to a dry cleaner.

Electric blankets

Wash an electric blanket only according to the instructions in the manufacturer's manual; do not put it in water without detaching the controller and cable connection. If the manual does not allow washing, do not wash the blanket.

For washing, drying and storing an electric blanket: how to wash an electric blanket.

How to dry a blanket

Dry the blanket spread over two lines or a balcony railing; if the weight hangs from a single point, the blanket can lose its shape.
Turn thick blankets over a few times while they dry.
Do not leave it in direct sunlight for long; the colours can fade.
Do not fold and put it away until it is completely dry; damp causes bad smells.

What not to do

Using bleach on coloured and synthetic blankets.
Washing a wool blanket in hot water.
Cramming the blanket into the machine.
Wringing the blanket.
Washing a coverlet in the same load as a blanket, packed tightly; for detailed coverlet steps: how to wash a coverlet.
Mixing different cleaning products (can cleaning products be mixed).

For hotels, dormitories and hospitals

In hotels, dormitories, guesthouses and hospitals, blankets are washed at regular intervals and large volumes are mostly processed in the laundry. TETİK liquid laundry detergents are sold in 4 kg packs, and powder machine detergent and hand-wash powder detergent in 20 kg. For product lists, see our guides Laundry supplies and chemicals and Hotel cleaning supplies list; for bulk purchases you can request a quote.

Prepared by: Tetikoğlu Kimya — cleaning chemicals manufacturer since 1997. When using products, always follow the instructions and warnings on the pack.