How to Wash a Comforter and Other Types of Blankets

Plus, find out the right way to treat stains and dry these bedding essentials.

While we all know that we need to regularly wash our sheets, many of us forget that blankets and comforters also need to be cleaned. Just like sheets, blankets gradually acquire a buildup of anything from sweat to hair, so they'll need a routine refresh. If you aren't sure how to tackle the cleaning process, stay tuned. Ahead, we've shared tips from laundry experts to help you learn the right way to wash your comforters and other types of blankets.

You should wash your comforter at least every few months to remove germs and debris, according to Rechelle Balanzat, a laundry and dry cleaning expert and the founder of Juliette, a premium laundry cleaning service based in New York City.

Wash your other blankets once or twice a month for hygiene reasons, says Balanzat. Cotton blankets that you layer over sheets should be cleaned up to every week or every other week. "Your cotton blanket will accumulate less pet dander and house dust if you regularly shake it out and let it air out," says Balanzat.

Fleece blankets should be washed up to once or twice per month to preserve their quality. Balanzat recommends washing wool blankets every three months with a wool-safe, delicate detergent so they don't get damaged in the washing machine and dryer.

Before tossing your comforter in the washing machine, it's important to know which type you have: down or synthetic. Down comforters are stuffed with soft, natural undercoating from geese and ducks, whereas synthetic comforters are filled with man-made materials, says Maria Mooney, the brand director of Truly Free, a line of non-toxic laundry and household cleaning products.

"If you're deciding between purchasing a down- or synthetic-filled comforter, compare the differences to determine which one best fits your needs and wants," says Mooney. Down is typically warmer, lighter, and more breathable than synthetic (which is also known as down alternative). Each type requires specific washing and drying techniques, as explained below.

Before washing your synthetic comforter, read any instructions provided by the bedding brand.

Materials You'll Need

Follow these expert-approved steps to wash and dry a synthetic comforter:

Again, make sure to read instructions before placing a down comforter in the washing machine and dryer to preserve its quality.

Materials You'll Need

Follows these expert-approved steps to wash and dry a down comforter:

Follow Balanzat's steps to wash other common types of blankets you have on your bed, including wool, cotton, and fleece.

Before washing a wool blanket, the first step is to review the care label. "Most of the time, you only need to spot-clean it or clean it on a seasonal basis," says Balanzat. "Never use warm or hot water or a clothes dryer when washing wool [it could shrink and damage the fabric]."

Make sure you check the care label on your cotton blankets, as many of these blankets are typically blended with other fabric types. Plus, 100 percent cotton blankets can shrink if you aren't careful. "Your cotton blanket's label may say that it is okay to machine wash it in cold or warm water and tumble dry it on low heat, which is fine, but you can shorten the drying time to increase longevity," says Balanzat. "If there are any noticeable stains, carefully handwash the affected area in warm water with diluted detergent before putting the blanket in your washing machine on cold."

Always wash fleece blankets separately in cold water on a gentle cycle whenever possible to avoid pilling or matting. "Use only a small amount of detergent—more soap won't necessarily make your blanket cleaner," says Balanzat. "In fact, too much detergent can adhere to the fleece fibers and reduce the softness of your blanket."

Another pro tip: Avoid using bleach, as this could deteriorate the blanket's fibers or change the color. Since polyester fleece is naturally stain-resistant, Balanzat says that washing your fleece blanket in cold water with detergent should be able to get rid of any stains. However, you can pre-treat stubborn stains with a drop of dishwashing liquid, like Dawn, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing.