Can You Wash Cooling Blankets? Your Ultimate Guide to Keeping Them Fresh & Chilly

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of slipping under a cooling blanket on a warm night. It’s the perfect solution for hot sleepers, people experiencing night sweats, or anyone living in a warmer climate. These blankets, often made from advanced fabrics like bamboo, Tencel, or specialized synthetic blends, work by wicking away moisture and promoting airflow to regulate your body temperature.

But after many nights of blissful, sweat-free sleep, an important question arises: “How do I clean this thing without ruining it?” It’s a valid concern. You’ve invested in a piece of sleep technology, and the last thing you want to do is damage the very fibers that make it work. Fear not! We’ve got you covered.

The Golden Rule: Always Check the Care Label First

Before you do anything else, locate the care tag on your blanket. This is your number one source of truth. The manufacturer knows their product best and will provide specific instructions tailored to the materials and construction of your exact blanket. The tag will tell you:

• Washing Temperature: Usually cold or cool water.
• Cycle Type: Almost always gentle or delicate.
• Detergent Recommendations: Typically a mild, liquid detergent.
• Drying Instructions: Often low-heat tumble dry or air dry.
• Warnings: Such as “Do Not Bleach” or “Do Not Use Fabric Softener.”

A General Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Cooling Blanket

If your care tag is faded or missing, this general guide is a safe bet for most common cooling blankets made from bamboo, microfiber, or cotton blends. This process prioritizes gentle care to protect the delicate fibers.

1. Pre-treat Stains: Check for any spots or stains. Apply a small amount of mild liquid detergent or a specialized stain remover directly to the area. Gently dab it with a soft cloth—avoid vigorous rubbing, which can damage the fibers. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
2. Choose the Right Detergent: Opt for a gentle, liquid detergent. Powdered detergents can sometimes leave a residue, and harsh chemicals or pods with fabric softeners can clog the fabric’s pores, reducing its breathability and cooling effectiveness.
3. Load the Washer Correctly: Wash the blanket by itself. Overcrowding the washing machine can lead to improper cleaning and cause excessive friction, which can lead to pilling or damage. If your blanket is very large, a commercial-sized front-loading washer at a laundromat is your best option.
4. Set the Machine:
   • Cycle: Select the ‘Gentle’, ‘Delicate’, or ‘Hand Wash’ cycle.
   • Water Temperature: Use cold water. Hot water can cause the fibers to shrink, warp, or lose their cooling properties.
   • Spin Speed: Choose a low spin speed to prevent stretching and stress on the fabric.
5. Skip the Additives: Do not use fabric softener or bleach. Fabric softeners coat the fibers with a waxy film that destroys their moisture-wicking and cooling abilities. Bleach is far too harsh and will break down the fabric.
6. Drying (The Crucial Part): This is where many cooling blankets meet their doom. High heat is the enemy.
   • Best Method (Air Dry): The safest way to dry your blanket is to air dry it. You can hang it on a clothesline (out of direct sunlight to prevent fading) or drape it over a large drying rack. Ensure there’s good airflow to prevent a musty smell.
   • Machine Dry (With Extreme Caution): If you must use a dryer, use the ‘Tumble Dry Low’, ‘No Heat’, or ‘Air Fluff’ setting. Add a few wool dryer balls to help fluff the blanket and speed up the process. Check it frequently and remove it as soon as it’s dry, or even slightly damp, to finish air drying.

Washing Instructions by Cooling Blanket Material

The material of your blanket is the biggest factor in its care routine. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types.

How to Wash Bamboo, Rayon, or Viscose Cooling Blankets

Bamboo-derived fabrics (including rayon and viscose) are famous for their silky softness and incredible breathability. However, their fibers are weaker when wet, requiring extra gentle care. They share many care requirements with other delicate items, which is why understanding different fabric needs is so important. If you love bamboo, you’ll find even more great options in our guide to the best bamboo blankets available today.

• Washing: Cold water, gentle cycle is a must. It’s best to wash them in a large mesh laundry bag to protect them from snagging.
• Drying: Air drying is strongly recommended. If you use a machine, it must be on a no-heat or very low-heat setting. High heat can cause the fibers to become brittle and lose their softness.
• Detergent: Use a pH-neutral, mild liquid detergent.

How to Wash Tencel™ or Eucalyptus Cooling Blankets

Tencel™ (a brand name for lyocell) is an eco-friendly fabric made from eucalyptus wood pulp. It’s known for being exceptionally smooth, durable, and great at moisture-wicking.

• Washing: It can handle a cold water gentle cycle well. Like bamboo, it’s best washed alone or with similar smooth fabrics.
• Drying: Tumble dry on low. Tencel is less prone to heat damage than bamboo but still requires care. Remove it promptly to prevent wrinkles.
• Extra Tip: Tencel is naturally wrinkle-resistant, but if you need to, you can iron it on a very low heat setting, preferably while slightly damp.

How to Wash Polyester, Nylon, or Microfiber Cooling Blankets

Many cooling blankets use proprietary blends of synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon (often marketed with names like Arc-Chill or Cool-Max). These fabrics are engineered for durability and to feel cool to the touch.

• Washing: These are generally more durable and can be washed on a gentle cycle with cold or cool water.
• Drying: Tumble dry on low heat. High heat is a major risk here—it can literally melt the fine synthetic fibers, causing them to mat together and lose their silky, cool feel forever.
• Watch out for: Pilling can be an issue. Washing the blanket inside out or in a laundry bag can help minimize this.

Special Care for Weighted Cooling Blankets

If your cooling blanket also has weight (from glass beads or plastic pellets), you’re dealing with two sets of care instructions. This requires a level of care similar to that detailed in our guide on if you can wash a weighted blanket.

• Check the Weight Limit: First, ensure your home washing machine can handle the blanket’s weight. A blanket over 20 lbs can damage your machine. If it’s too heavy, a trip to the laundromat is in order.
• Look for a Removable Cover: Many weighted cooling blankets come with a washable outer cover. In this case, you only need to wash the cover, following the instructions for its specific material. The inner weighted core should rarely, if ever, be washed.
• Washing the Core (If Necessary): If the inner part gets soiled, you’ll need to spot-clean it or, if the manufacturer allows, wash it on a gentle cycle and dry it on the lowest possible heat setting, which may take several cycles to fully dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

To ensure your blanket stays in top condition, steer clear of these common laundry errors:

• Using High Heat: This is the #1 cooling blanket killer. It damages fibers, reduces cooling efficiency, and can even cause melting in synthetics.
• Adding Fabric Softener: It leaves a residue that clogs the pores of the fabric, preventing it from wicking moisture and breathing properly. Use wool dryer balls instead for softness.
• Using Bleach: It’s too aggressive and will weaken and discolor the delicate fibers.
• Washing with Rough Items: Avoid washing your cooling blanket with towels, jeans, or anything with zippers or buttons that could snag the fabric. The level of care is much different than what’s needed for a durable stroller blanket designed for outdoor use.
• Over-drying: Even on low heat, leaving a blanket in the dryer for too long can “cook” the fibers. It’s better to pull it out when it’s 95% dry and let it air dry the rest of the way.

Recommended Products for Cooling Blanket Care

Using the right tools for the job can make all the difference. Here are a few highly-rated products on Amazon that are perfect for keeping your cooling blanket in pristine condition.

DANGTOP Bamboo Cooling Blanket

A top-rated choice made from 100% bamboo, this blanket is incredibly soft and breathable. Perfect for hot sleepers who need gentle, effective cooling.

Check Price on Amazon

Elegear Arc-Chill Cooling Blanket

This blanket uses Japanese Arc-Chill technology (a blend of nylon and PE) for a noticeably cool-to-the-touch feel. It’s a great example of a durable synthetic option.

Check Price on Amazon

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Detergent

This detergent is free of dyes and perfumes, making it ideal for delicate fabrics and sensitive skin. It cleans effectively without harsh chemicals that can damage cooling fibers.

Check Price on Amazon

Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls

A natural alternative to fabric softener and dryer sheets. They reduce drying time, soften fabrics, and prevent static cling without any chemical residue.

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I wash my cooling blanket?

For a blanket you use every night, washing it every 2-4 weeks is a good rule of thumb. If it’s more of a seasonal throw or you use a top sheet between you and the blanket, you can stretch this to once every month or two. Keeping all your bedding clean is important, and that includes special items like the best pet blanket for your furry family members.

What happens if I accidentally wash my cooling blanket in hot water?

A single wash in hot water might not be catastrophic, but it could cause some irreversible damage. For natural fibers like bamboo, it can lead to shrinkage and a rougher texture. For synthetic fibers, it can damage them on a microscopic level, reducing their cooling capacity. Avoid it if at all possible.

Can I iron a cooling blanket?

Generally, no. Ironing is a bad idea for most cooling blankets. The direct, high heat from an iron can easily melt synthetic fibers or scorch natural ones. If your blanket is wrinkled, try tumbling it in the dryer on a no-heat setting with a damp cloth for 15 minutes, or simply lay it flat on your bed, and the wrinkles should release over time.

My blanket isn’t as cool as it used to be. Can washing help?

Yes, sometimes it can! Over time, body oils, sweat, and dirt can build up in the fabric, impeding its ability to breathe and wick moisture. A proper, gentle wash can clear out this residue and restore its cooling performance. The fabrics used are often very different from the simple, cozy materials in something like the best swaddle blanket for a newborn, and they need to be clear of residue to function.

Final Thoughts: A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Washing a cooling blanket isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit more mindfulness than throwing a load of towels in the wash. By following the “golden rule” of checking the care label and defaulting to a gentle, cold-water routine, you can easily maintain your blanket’s high-tech features.

Remember: Cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent, and low (or no) heat in the dryer. By treating your cooling blanket with the care it deserves, you’ll ensure it continues to provide you with cool, comfortable, and restorative sleep for many hot nights to come.