How to Wash a Sherpa, Fleece or Padded Quilt Blanket
Short answer: wash sherpa fleece, fleece and padded quilt blankets on a gentle cycle in cold water with a mild detergent, skip bleach and fabric softener, and dry on low heat or air dry. Shake the blanket out before and after to keep the pile soft. This is general guidance; follow any care label that came with your order.
Step by step
- Check the label. If your blanket has a care label, follow it.
- Shake it out to loosen dust and pet hair.
- Spot clean first. Dab stains with cool water and a drop of mild detergent.
- Wash on gentle, cold. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach and fabric softener. Wash large quilts alone so they can move freely.
- Dry low or air dry. Tumble on low heat, or hang to dry. Shake it again when it is dry to fluff the fibers.
Fleece vs sherpa vs padded quilt
| Fabric | Wash | Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Fleece | Gentle, cold | Low heat or air dry |
| Sherpa fleece | Gentle, cold; wash alone | Low heat or air dry; fluff when dry |
| Padded quilt | Gentle, cold; use a large machine | Low heat; make sure the filling is fully dry |
Not sure which fabric to buy? Read sherpa, fleece or padded quilt: which to choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a sherpa blanket in the dryer?
Use low heat or air dry. High heat can mat sherpa and fleece fibers, so tumble on low with a couple of dry towels or hang it to dry.
Should I use fabric softener or bleach?
Avoid both. Fabric softener can leave a coating on fleece and sherpa, and bleach can fade printed designs.
How often should I wash a throw blanket?
Wash it when it looks or smells dirty, or about once a month if you use it daily. Spot clean spills right away.
Where do I find the care instructions for my blanket?
Check any care label or insert that came with your order first, and follow it over this general guidance.