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. However, to keep that cooling technology working optimally, proper care and cleaning are essential.

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 with this ultimate care guide that addresses how to preserve cooling technology and maintain cooling blanket effectiveness.

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 to preserve cooling fibers.
• Cycle Type: Almost always gentle or delicate to protect fabric integrity.
• Detergent Recommendations: Typically a mild, liquid detergent without additives.
• Drying Instructions: Often low-heat tumble dry or air dry to prevent heat damage.
• Warnings: Such as “Do Not Bleach” or “Do Not Use Fabric Softener” which can degrade cooling performance.

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 and maintain thermal regulation properties.

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 before washing.
2. Choose the Right Detergent: Opt for a gentle, liquid detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. 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. Consider hypoallergenic options for sensitive skin.
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 to ensure thorough cleaning without strain.
4. Set the Machine:
   • Cycle: Select the ‘Gentle’, ‘Delicate’, or ‘Hand Wash’ cycle to protect cooling fibers.
   • Water Temperature: Use cold water exclusively. Hot water can cause the fibers to shrink, warp, or permanently lose their cooling properties.
   • Spin Speed: Choose a low spin speed to prevent stretching and stress on the fabric structure.
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 at a molecular level, ruining its thermal regulation capabilities.
6. Drying (The Crucial Part): This is where many cooling blankets meet their doom. High heat is the enemy of cooling technology.
   • 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 and promote even drying.
   • 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 completely.

Washing Instructions by Cooling Blanket Material

The material of your blanket is the biggest factor in its care routine. Different fabrics require different approaches to maintain their cooling technology. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most common types and how to care for each properly.

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 and friction damage.
• 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 permanently.
• Detergent: Use a pH-neutral, mild liquid detergent specifically designed for delicate natural fibers.
• Performance Tip: Bamboo blankets naturally regulate temperature, but proper washing maintains their moisture-wicking capabilities that keep you cool.

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. These blankets often have excellent thermal regulation properties that need proper maintenance.

• Washing: It can handle a cold water gentle cycle well. Like bamboo, it’s best washed alone or with similar smooth fabrics to prevent abrasion.
• Drying: Tumble dry on low heat only. Tencel is less prone to heat damage than bamboo but still requires care. Remove it promptly to prevent wrinkles and maintain fabric integrity.
• 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 and with a pressing cloth.
• Longevity: Proper care of Tencel blankets can significantly extend their lifespan while maintaining cooling performance.

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 through specialized weaving or treatment.

• Washing: These are generally more durable and can be washed on a gentle cycle with cold or cool water. Avoid warm or hot water completely.
• Drying: Tumble dry on low heat only. 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 with synthetic blends. Washing the blanket inside out or in a laundry bag can help minimize this friction damage.
• Technology Preservation: Many synthetic cooling blankets use phase-change materials or specialized weaves; proper washing preserves these technologies.

Cooling Blanket Material Care Comparison

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 with commercial machines 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 the weighted compartments.
• Maintenance Schedule: Wash weighted cooling blanket covers every 2-3 weeks, but only wash the inner weighted insert 1-2 times per year at most to preserve its structure.

Seasonal Care and Storage for Cooling Blankets

Proper off-season storage is just as important as washing for maintaining your cooling blanket’s performance. When summer ends or during colder months when you don’t need active cooling:

• Clean Before Storage: Always wash your blanket according to instructions before storing it to prevent stains from setting and to eliminate allergens.
• Complete Drying: Ensure the blanket is completely dry before storage to prevent mold or mildew growth that can damage fibers and create odors.
• Breathable Storage: Store in a cotton storage bag or pillowcase—never plastic containers that can trap moisture and cause yellowing.
• Cool, Dry Location: Choose a closet or storage area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or damp areas to preserve fabric integrity.
• Avoid Compression: Don’t store under heavy items that can crush the fibers and affect their cooling structure long-term.

Troubleshooting Common Cooling Blanket Problems

Even with proper care, you might encounter issues. Here’s how to address common problems and potentially restore your cooling blanket’s performance:

My Cooling Blanket Isn’t as Cool Anymore

If your blanket has lost its cooling effect, try these revival techniques:

• Deep Cleaning: Wash with a cup of white vinegar (no detergent) to break down residue, then run an extra rinse cycle.
• Detergent Buildup Removal: Soak in cool water with ¼ cup baking soda for 1 hour before washing normally.
• Fabric Softener Residue: If previously used, wash multiple times with hot water (if fabric allows) and detergent to strip the coating.
• Restoring Wicking: For moisture-wicking blankets, ensure they’re completely free of any oily residues that block capillary action.

My Blanket Has Developed Odors

Cooling blankets can trap body oils and sweat in their fibers. To eliminate odors:

• Pre-soak in cool water with ½ cup baking soda for 30 minutes before washing
• Add ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize odors
• Ensure complete drying—moisture trapped in fibers causes mildew smells
• Sun drying (briefly) can help eliminate persistent odors through UV light

Common Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

To ensure your blanket stays in top condition and maintains its cooling technology, 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, permanently destroying thermal regulation properties.
• 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 natural softness without chemicals.
• Using Bleach or Harsh Chemicals: These are too aggressive and will weaken and discolor the delicate fibers, breaking down the very structure that provides cooling comfort.
• 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 to prevent heat damage.
• Using Dryer Sheets: Like fabric softener, these leave a chemical coating that reduces breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities essential for cooling performance.
• Ignoring Weight Limits: For weighted cooling blankets, exceeding your washer’s capacity can damage both the machine and the blanket’s internal weight distribution.

Recommended Products for Cooling Blanket Care

Using the right tools for the job can make all the difference in maintaining your cooling blanket’s performance. Here are a few highly-rated products on Amazon that are perfect for keeping your cooling blanket in pristine condition while preserving its special properties.

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. Features excellent moisture-wicking properties that require proper maintenance to preserve.

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 that requires specific care to maintain its specialized cooling technology over time.

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 or leave residue that reduces breathability and thermal regulation.

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 that can clog cooling fabric pores. Essential for maintaining cooling blanket performance.

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I wash my cooling blanket to maintain its properties?

For a blanket you use every night, washing it every 2-4 weeks is a good rule of thumb to remove body oils and sweat that can clog cooling fibers. 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 and potentially causing permanent matting of the fibers. Avoid it if at all possible to preserve cooling technology.

Can I iron a cooling blanket to remove wrinkles?

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. Most cooling fabrics are designed to be low-wrinkle anyway.

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

Yes, absolutely! Over time, body oils, sweat, detergent residue, and dirt can build up in the fabric, impeding its ability to breathe and wick moisture. A proper, gentle wash with the right products can clear out this residue and potentially restore much of 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 optimally for temperature regulation.

Can I dry clean my cooling blanket?

Most cooling blankets should not be dry cleaned. The harsh chemical solvents used in dry cleaning can damage the specialized fibers and coatings that provide the cooling effect. Always check the care label first, but in most cases, gentle machine washing or hand washing is the recommended cleaning method to preserve cooling properties.

How can I tell if I’ve damaged my cooling blanket’s technology?

Signs of damage include: loss of cool-to-the-touch feeling, reduced moisture-wicking (sweat pools instead of evaporating), changes in texture (becoming rougher or matted), visible pilling on the surface, or a permanent change in drape or flexibility. If you notice these issues after improper washing, you may have compromised the cooling technology.

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 and extend its useful life significantly.

Remember the core principles: Cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent, and low (or no) heat in the dryer. Avoid fabric softeners and harsh chemicals, and consider using protective duvet covers to reduce washing frequency. By treating your cooling blanket with the specialized care it deserves, you’ll ensure it continues to provide you with cool, comfortable, and restorative sleep for many hot nights to come while preserving your investment in quality sleep technology.

Proper maintenance isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about preserving the advanced materials and engineering that make your cooling blanket work. With the right care routine, your cooling blanket can maintain its temperature-regulating properties season after season, providing reliable comfort year after year.