Throw blankets are the perfect finishing touch for elevating any room. Draped over sofas, layered on beds, or folded up neatly in a cosy corner, but with regular use comes the inevitable wear and tear - making proper care essential!
In this guide, we’ll explain how to clean different types of throw blankets and show you how to follow the care guidelines to keep them looking and feeling like new. Whether your throw is made of cotton, fleece, faux fur or knitted, we’ll walk you through how to wash, dry, store and maintain your throw so it stays soft, fresh, and ready for every season.
Faux fur throws are a stylish way to add a touch of luxury to your space - but they do require a little bit of extra care when it comes to cleaning.
Before doing anything, always check the care label on your throw. Some may be machine washable, while others are better suited for hand washing or even dry cleaning.
If machine washing is suitable, make sure your washing machine can handle the weight, as faux fur becomes much heavier when wet. Use cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle, along with a mild, bleach-free detergent, and wash the throw on its own to avoid friction with other fabrics. To prevent matting, place the throw in a large laundry bag or pillowcase before washing.
The safest cleaning option is usually hand washing. Fill a bathtub or large sink with cold or lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent. Submerge the throw and gently swish it around. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with clean, cold water.
When it comes to drying, avoid using high heat as it can damage or melt the fur. If you need to use a dryer, choose a low heat setting and add dryer balls to help fluff it up. Ideally, press out excess water and hang the throw to air dry. Whilst your throw is damp, give it a gentle brush to smooth the fibres and restore its softness.
For spot cleaning, mix a small amount of detergent with water, dampen a clean cloth and blot the stain gently. Let it air dry completely, then brush to restore the texture.
Cleaning your faux fur throw doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right steps, you can keep it soft, fluffy, and looking like new all year round.
To keep your fleece throw looking and feeling like new, it’s important to follow the correct care steps.
Always use a mild detergent and wash on a gentle cycle. For the best results, wash the throw on its own to prevent pulling and friction with other fabrics. Avoid using fabric softeners as they can coat the fleece and reduce its softness over time.
When drying, tumble dry on a low heat setting or simply air dry. High heat can cause the fleece to shrink or melt, so it's best to avoid it.
Cotton throws are a great way to add a touch of breathability to your space. Cotton is also an easy fabric to care for, as most washing machines include a cotton setting.
To clean your cotton throw, use a mild detergent, and if needed, apply a stain remover for any spot treatments. Place the throw in the washer on a gentle or cotton cycle either on its own or with similar colours.
When it comes to drying, tumble dry on a low heat setting to prevent shrinking. Alternatively, air drying is a great option to help maintain the throws shape and texture.
It’s important to avoid high heat, as this can cause your cotton throw to shrink or wrinkle.
Most of our knitted throw blankets are machine washable on a delicate cycle, but it’s important to always check the care label before cleaning your throw.
If machine washing is allowed, use a mild detergent and wash on a gentle cycle to prevent the woven material from stretching or shrinking. Avoid washing it with items that could cause snags, such as zippers or hooks.
If the care label advises against machine washing, fill a bathtub or a large sink with cool water and add a gentle detergent. Submerge the throw for 10-15 minutes, then gently squeeze out the excess water.
When drying, avoid tumble drying or ironing, as heat can cause the knit to shrink or lose its shape. Instead, lay the throw flat or a clean towel to air dry. Where possible, avoid hanging it while wet, as the added weight can cause the throw to stretch.
Some of our knitted throws may be dry-clean or spot-clean only, so it's essential to always follow the instructions on the care label to ensure your throw stays looking and feeling its best.
If you’re washing a throw blanket with a fringed trim, it’s important to check the care label first to ensure you’re treating the fabric correctly. Fringes can easily become tangled or damaged during washing, so a few extra precautions can help preserve both the look and feel of your throw.
If the care label allows for machine washing, place your throw inside a laundry bag or a pillowcase to protect the fringe from getting caught or frayed. Use a gentle cycle with a mild detergent appropriate for the fabric.
If you’re hand washing, be especially careful not to pull or twist the fringe whilst it’s wet, as this can cause tangling or damage.
When drying, either air dry or tumble dry on a low heat setting. Once the throw is damp (not fully dry), gently fluff the fringe with your fingers to prevent it from stiffening or matting.
If the fringe does become tangled during washing or drying, don't worry. Simply use your finger or a wide-tooth comb to carefully work through the knots.
To keep your throws fresh and in great shape all year-round, proper storage is key. If you’re putting your throw away for the warmer months, make sure to clean it according to the care label first, this helps prevent any stains from setting into the fabric during storage. Also, ensure the throw is completely dry before storing it to avoid mould or unwanted odours. We recommend that you wash your throw at least once a month, or when you wash the rest of your bedding to keep it looking and feeling fresh.
Fold your throws neatly to avoid deep creases. For throws with a fringe, fold them carefully and leave the fringe hanging free to prevent tangling. If the throw isn't used often, consider rolling it up instead to help reduce permanent crease marks.
Avoid storing throws in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading and distort the fabric over time. Instead, choose a cool, dry storage space to protect them from damage. If you’re storing throws for long periods, give them an occasional fluff or a gentle shake to keep them from becoming flat or musty.
Throws are the perfect finishing touch in any space, and caring for yours properly helps maintain its softness and longevity. For some help on finding the perfect throw, check out our guide on how to choose the right throw for you - it's full of tips and tricks to help you find the ideal match for your home.
For a relaxed, effortless vibe, drape your throw casually over the back of your sofa. Pair it with a few cushions to instantly elevate the look of your living room.
In the bedroom, try placing your throw at the foot of the bed, whether neatly folded or casually tossed, it will add an instant layered look and enhance the appearance of your bedding.
Want even more inspiration? Check out our guide on styling throws for more styling ideas.
We’d love to see how you style your throws at home, so don’t forget to share with us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. We can’t wait to see all the ways you bring comfort and style into your space!