Should I wash a blanket from the store?

Author: Citlalli Moore  |  Last update: Monday, May 18, 2026

You can wash blankets in a washing machine as long as its fabric care label indicates that it is safe to do. Some materials should not be washed in a machine and should be dry-cleaned instead. If you are unsure how to care for your blanket, consult the manufacturer's instructions before washing it.

Should you wash store bought blankets?

Dust and Allergens: Blankets can accumulate dust, allergens, and other particles during packaging and shipping. Washing helps eliminate these. Softness and Freshness: Washing a new blanket can enhance its softness and make it smell fresher, making it more comfortable to use.

Is it OK to put blanket in washing machine?

You can wash blankets in a washer as long as you leave enough room for the blanket to move around in the washer. If you find yourself cramming the blanket inside, it means the blanket is too big or washer is too small.

Can you use a blanket without washing it first?

Yes, always wash clothing and linens before use. Manufacturers use a fabric finish that is loaded with chemicals. These chemicals are not healthy for humans or animals.

How do you wash a blanket for the first time?

You can wash most blankets weighing up to 20 pounds in your household washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach, which can damage the blanket's fibers over time, and fabric softeners, which may create a buildup that gives your blanket a scratchy feel.

Can we wash heavy blankets in washing machine?

Should blankets be washed alone?

Use a large capacity washer to allow your blanket to have room to move around freely. Machine wash alone in cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle.

How do you disinfect a blanket without washing it?

'Spraying the comforter with a fabric refresh spray can instantly revive its freshness,' says cleaning expert Toner. 'Look for sprays with antibacterial properties, which work well to neutralize odors instead of masking them. '

What happens if I dont wash my blanket?

Tiny dust mites love to feed on the shed cells. The critters and their droppings can trigger allergies, asthma, and cause your itchy eczema to flare. If you're allergic to dust mites, wash bedding every week in hot water.

Is it OK to use new bedding without washing?

Should you wash new bedding? While it might be tempting to put your new sheets straight on the bed, it's advised you wash them before you use them. New sheets can often harbour unwelcome particles like dust and dirt and may feel stiff, scratchy, and starched.

Should you wash a comforter when you first buy it?

Always wash a comforter when you first buy it. "While it may not be visible, traces of chemicals may sometimes be left over from the manufacturing process," says Morgan LaLonde, brand manager of laundry for Whirlpool.

Can I dry a blanket in the dryer?

You can evenly dry your comforter by carefully loading it into the dryer, selecting a bulky cycle setting and customizing the cycle temperature—if possible—to a low or no-heat setting.

How often should blankets be washed?

The wash schedule of your blankets depends on how often you use them and whether they have come into contact with spills, crumbs and sweat. You should wash blankets that come into direct contact with skin at least 1–2 times a month, but preferably around once a week.

How long can blankets sit in the washer?

While placing garments in the dryer or on the clothesline right after the cycle finishes is best practice, wet laundry should generally not stay in the washer for more than 8-12 hours. Mildew and mold thrive in warm, damp environments, and the washer provides an ideal setting if laundry is left too long.

Should you wash clothes you buy from the store?

' The answer is a resounding yes. You should wash every new article of clothing you buy to protect yourself and your family, whether your new garments come from a brick-and-mortar retailer straight off the rack, an online clothes outlet or a secondhand shop.

Should you wash pillows before use?

It's also possible that chemicals used in manufacturing-while ultimately not dangerous to your health-may trigger allergies for some folks. So it's a good idea to give your pillow a scrub first. New pillows may also come with a distinct scent due to the materials they're made with.

Should you wash a new mattress pad before using it?

Yes, we advise washing a mattress protector before its first use. This removes residual chemicals from the manufacturing process and can enhance the softness of the fabric. Also, always check the care instructions before washing to ensure proper handling.

Should you wash a new blanket before using it?

Ideally, all new bedding should be washed before being placed on your bed. Sheets, pillowcases, and blankets are particularly important to wash because they come in direct contact with your skin.

Should you wash bedding when you first buy it?

While washing bedding before use is a personal choice, experts recommend washing bedding before use, and this includes bedspreads. It's an excellent way to eliminate dust, debris, and other allergens before the bedspread comes in contact with your body.

What happens if you don't wash your bedding?

Failure to wash bedsheets regularly can leave skin exposed to dirt, sebum, cosmetic products, and debris which will not only cause dust mites to accumulate, but can result in outbreaks of conditions such as acne, rashes, as well as cause irritation and itching, and flare-ups or eczema.”

Can you get bed bugs from not washing your sheets?

You may be thinking, can you get bed bugs from not washing your sheets? No—bed bugs have absolutely nothing to do with cleanliness levels. However, washing your sheets regularly gives you the opportunity to look for and remove any possible bed bug infestations.

Should I wash a blanket alone?

How to wash your blankets
  1. Wash your blanket alone, without any other clothes added to the cycle. ...
  2. The best water temperature to choose for your cycle would be warm or even cold. ...
  3. If your washing machine has an agitator, turn the agitator off if possible.

Why does blanket smell bad after washing?

Over time, detergents and fabric softeners can accumulate inside the washing machine, especially if too much is used or if it's not suitable for your specific machine. This buildup can trap odors and foster bacteria and mold growth, which in turn can leave clothes smelling less than fresh.

Is it OK to wash blankets with clothes?

Damage to Fabric: The weight and bulk of a blanket can cause friction and pulling on more delicate clothing items during the wash cycle, potentially leading to stretching, pilling, or other damage.

How to get pee smell out of blankets without washing?

Leveraging the potent acidic properties of lemon juice, this natural ingredient can effectively neutralize the strong ammonia odors typically associated with urine. To prepare a lemon-infused spray, mix equal parts of fresh lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.

What kills bacteria on bed sheets?

Washing Germ-Infected Laundry
  • Bleach – Add ½ cup once the wash cycle has started. You should use color-safe bleach for any dyed fabrics, and chlorine bleach for white bedding.
  • Hydrogen peroxide – Unlike chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide is safe for most fabrics and dyes. ...
  • Borax – Add ½ cup to your wash.

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