01-30-2025

How To Keep Blankets Fluffy When Washing: A Complete Guide

Blankets are a main source of comfort (and sometimes decor) for us — and whether it’s your baby’s most trusted companion or where you run at the end of a long day, the last thing you want is for your blankets to lose their fluff.

The texture of a blanket is an essential part of its charm. Whether it’s a fleece blanket or a weighted blanket, no one wants their bedspread to have rough edges or itchy bristles. 

It can be tricky to figure out how to wash all of your different types of blankets, so to help you out, we’ve put together a complete set of care instructions for keeping your laundry fresh and clean without compromising your favorite blanket’s softness. 

How Can You Keep Blankets Fluffy When Washing?

There are lots of simple ways to take care of a fuzzy blanket or make a matted blanket soft again. Here are five easy tips to get you started.

Wash Separately

When machine washing your blankets, try to do them separately from the rest of your laundry. Too many pieces in a single wash cycle can cause clumping and overcrowding. 

If your blanket isn’t washed evenly, it may become compressed, causing it to lose its fluff.

Use the Gentle Cycle

When cleaning your fluffy blanket, use your washing machine’s delicate cycle option, which features a low-speed spin. By taking its time to remove buildup from your blankets, the machine is less likely to cause harm.

For even more protection, place your blanket in a mesh laundry bag before starting the rinse. These pouches protect fabrics from being torn and support ventilation. This is especially important if the care tag on your blanket suggests a delicate wash.

If you’re nervous that even a gentle rinse cycle will cause harm to your blanket, you can hand wash instead. Use your bathtub or sink, some mild detergent, and lukewarm water to gently cleanse the blanket. Add some white vinegar for a little extra strength.

Opt for Cold Water

Certain types of fabrics require cool water during washing, often to protect the size and color of the material. Check your blanket’s care label before putting it in the machine.

Even if it’s okay for your blanket to be washed with hot water, we suggest that you use cold instead. Hot water can cause fibers in fabrics to shrink or expand. This means your blankets can become distorted. To preserve their fluffiness and avoid shrinkage or stretching, wash blankets with cold water.

Use Mild Detergent

Harsh detergents can cause blankets to lose their softness and shape. Sometimes, all it takes to keep your blankets fresh and fluffy is to upgrade your laundry detergent. Looking for a new one? Try the Snif Laundry Collection.

Free of harsh chemicals, our Everything Wash is designed to remove dirt, stains, and odors from your laundry while still maintaining the integrity and colors of your garments. Plus, our Scent Boosters can give your blankets an extra level of fine fragrance. 

Together, our non-toxic, cruelty-free products will have your blankets looking, smelling, and feeling their best.

Air Dry When Possible

When it comes time to dry your favorite blanket, the best way to keep it feeling soft is to use low heat or no heat at all! If possible, avoid the wear and tear that comes with a drying machine and air dry your laundry instead. 

Once your blankets have been washed, do your best to squeeze out excess water. If possible, drape or hang the blanket evenly on a clothesline. You can also lay the blanket out flat on a clean surface — just don’t forget to flip it so that both sides dry properly.

Periodically check the blanket and wait until it fully dries. The amount of time this takes may vary depending on factors like the weather and ventilation. When it’s done, give it a good shake to fluff it up.

If you prefer to use your machine, tumble dry on low. When your dryer is at a lower heat setting, it’s less likely to mat or break down the fibers in delicate fabrics. If you want to keep your blankets fluffy, drying them at the lowest heat setting possible is an absolute must.

Just Like New

There is no reason why your soft blankets should have to be flat and rough after a wash cycle. 

By following these simple steps whenever possible, you’ll have them looking just like new. We hope you enjoy snuggling up under your fluffy blankets for days on end.

Sources:

Laundry Hygiene and Odor Control: State of the Science | PMC

Redefining object attachment: Development and validation of a new scale | PMC

Ventilation | Department of Energy

Understand Your Fibers - Textiles | UGA

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