How Often Should You Wash Your Throw Blankets?

If you own a couch or a comfy living room chair, then there’s a strong possibility you keep a collection of throw blankets nearby. These blankets are a fantastic way to make a living room feel more cozy, especially when you want to cuddle up with a good book or binge-watch a new TV series. But just like every other blanket you own, these communal blankets need to be cleaned. The question is, exactly how often should you wash a throw blanket? 

Throw blankets should be washed at least once a month. If you use a blanket frequently, consider washing it weekly. If you use it occasionally or rarely, then monthly is sufficient. If someone has recently been sick, if the blanket is stained due to a spill, or it smells, wash it right away. If you have pets or small children, you should wash these blankets more often. 

Throw blankets add warmth and comfort to any room. They make living rooms feel welcoming, and they can even help you lower your heating bills in the winter. To ensure a throw blanket remains clean and smells fresh each time you reach for it, it's good to know how often it should be cleaned and which factors impact how often you should put it through a wash cycle.

How Often Should You Wash Throw Blankets?

Throw blankets should be washed at least once a month when they are in use. If you rarely use them, a monthly wash ensures they stay clean and sanitary. If, however, you use your throw blankets all the time, then you should wash them twice a month or weekly. 

While once a month is a good target, there are many variables that impact how frequently you should wash your throw blankets.

Factors Impacting How Often You Should Wash Throw Blankets

1. The Fabric

The type of throw blanket and the materials it’s made of are factors you might not think about, but can have a major impact on how frequently you need to wash your throw blankets. Some materials and colors stain more easily than others. 

Furthermore, some blanket materials hold onto odors more than others. For example, wool doesn’t absorb odors very easily, which means a wool blanket won’t get smelly as quickly as others. Many synthetic fabrics, and even cotton, hold onto odors and may require you to wash them more often.

2. Frequency Of Use

How often you use your throw blankets is usually the biggest variable in determining how frequently you should wash them. If you use them every night, then they are likely to get dirty faster than if you rarely use them.

You should wash blankets used every night at the same time you wash your bed linen. If you use your throw blankets occasionally, then you can wash them less often.

3. The Intended Use

Throw blankets are used for various purposes. The primary use is to place them over your body. But they are also used to cover ugly or deteriorating upholstery, or to protect a new couch from damage. The way you use your throw blanket impacts how quickly it becomes soiled soiled, which in turn can change how frequently you must wash it.

4. Pets and Young Children

Adults are usually less messy than children, and certainly cleaner than pets. If you have pets or young children, throw blankets will likely need more frequent washing than if you don’t. This is particularly true if you have a pet that sheds a lot, and is allowed on your couch and chairs with the throw blankets.

5. Spills And Stains

You should wash a throw blanket right away if you spill something on it or notice a stain. This will prevent bacterial growth, and it will also reduce the risk of permanent stains. If you eat around your throw blanket or allow pets to sit on it after coming in from an outdoor walk, dirt, stains and spills are more likely.

Signs It’s Time For You To Wash A Throw Blanket

1. It Smells Bad

One major red flag that indicates it’s time to wash a throw blanket involves how it smells. It should smell like fresh laundry, or nothing at all. Once your throw blanket has an unpleasant odor, it’s time to wash it.

Bad smells are common when you have pets, small children, or a home with high humidity. As soon as you notice an unpleasant odor on a blanket, wash it right away.

2. It’s Covered In Pet Hair

Another sign it’s time to wash your throw blankets is if they are covered in pet hair. Pet hair can cling to blankets, especially synthetic fabrics that are more prone to static cling. When your blanket is covered in pet hair, it will soon cover you in hair and spread throughout the home.

To help keep your throw blankets clean and keep pet hair to a minimum, you should wash and dry your throw blankets once you see pet hair on them.

3. You’re Expecting Company

If you are hosting a party or having a friend over for a relaxing movie night, your throw blankets must be clean. Unless you washed them very recently, it’s smart to wash all your throw blankets and dry them before you invite company over. This will help your home look more inviting.

4. Someone Was Recently Sick

If someone in your home was recently sick, it’s always smart to sanitize the the rooms. In addition to wiping door knobs and surfaces, you should also wash your throw blankets. This is particularly true if the sick individual spent time bundled up in them while ill. 

This will reduce the risk of other people in the home getting sick in the future.

5. There Was A Spill

Another reason you should immediately wash a throw blanket is if something spills on it. Whether a child or pet has an accident, or one of your adult guests spills a bit of wine, your blanket needs immediate attention.

Spills can quickly turn to stains if left untreated. They also tend to make blankets smell and render them unsanitary.

6. The Blanket Feels Damp

If you notice your blanket feels damp, this could be a sign that you need to wash it. For one, a damp blanket could be a sign that something spilled on it. Alternatively, the blanket might be holding on to moisture due to the humidity in the air.

You should quickly wash a damp throw blanket. This will help prevent the risk of mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew can cause allergic reactions and spark other health problems.

7. You’re Packing Away Blankets For The Summer

One last reason why you should wash your throw blanket is if you plan to store it away. Many people have thick throw blankets they use specifically for the winter months. As the weather warms up, these heavier throws become less necessary.

If you plan to store your throw blankets for the summer, ensure you wash them first. Also, be sure they are completely dry before you store them. This will prevent the risk of mold and mildew growth when they are in storage.

Final Notes On How Often You Should Wash Throw Blankets

Throw blankets are one of the best ways to make your living room more inviting and cozy. They are a great way to warm up your body without spending more money on heating, and they can even protect your expensive furniture. But throw blankets, like all bedding, must be washed regularly.

If you use your throw blankets occasionally, you should still wash them at least once per month. When you use these blankets more frequently, consider washing them weekly along with your bedding. Remember, the type of fabric, frequency of use, and presence of pets or small children all impact how frequently you should wash your throw blankets.

Related Guides:

• 20+ Different Types of Blankets (with Photos)
• How To Get Static Out Of Blanket
• How To Clean a Weighted Blanket (Step-by-Step Guide)