Washing Crochet Blankets: Step-by-Step Hand or Machine Guide 2025

How to Wash a Crochet Blanket: Washing Crochet Made Simple

This guide keeps your handmade treasure soft, clean, and beautiful for years. We’ll start by checking the yarn type and care label, since wool, cotton, and acrylic each have their quirks. Then we’ll walk through simple hand wash and careful machine options, plus drying tips that protect shape and drape. We’ll also answer common questions so you can feel confident about washing crochet without stress.

Check Your Yarn Type Before Washing Crochet Blankets

Before washing crochet, pause and find out what you are working with. Yarn fiber decides everything from water temp to spin speed. A quick check now saves you from felted wool, stretched edges, or fuzzed stitches later.

• Find the fiber: check the yarn ball band, your project notes, or the seller’s listing.
• No label? Compare feel and behavior. Acrylic feels smooth and springy. Wool feels warm and slightly grabby. Cotton feels cool and matte.
• When unsure, play it safe: cool water, mild soap, no wringing, dry flat.

Understanding Acrylic vs. Wool Yarns for Safe Cleaning

Acrylic, wool, and cotton all behave differently in the wash. Use the guide below to pick the right method and keep your blanket soft and shapely.

Important cautions:

• Do not mix care rules: If your blanket uses different fibers in stripes or sections, treat the whole piece by the most delicate yarn in the mix. A wool-acrylic blend still needs wool-safe care.
• Spot clean first: For light soil, blot with cool water and a tiny drop of mild soap before committing to a full wash.
• When in doubt: Hand wash cool, minimal movement, dry flat.

Different safe options for washing crochet:

1. Quick freshen soak: cool water, a cap of wool wash, 10 minutes, press out, dry flat.
2. Sink hand wash: cool water, mild detergent, brief soak, gentle press, towel roll, dry flat.
3. Machine gentle: mesh bag, cool water, short delicate cycle, mild detergent, no softener, dry flat or low heat if acrylic or cotton.
4. Spot-only clean: dab stains with diluted soap, rinse the area, air dry.

Hand Washing Your Crochet Blanket the Gentle Way

When stitches are airy or yarn is sensitive, hand washing keeps shape and softness intact. You control the water, the movement, and the pressure, which is exactly what delicate crochet needs. If you are washing crochet after smoke, dust, or light spills, start small, then move to a full soak if needed.

Try one of these quick solutions before a full wash:

• Spot-only clean: Blot stains with a damp cloth and a tiny drop of mild soap.
• Freshen-up soak: Cool water and a cap of gentle detergent for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Full hand wash: Ideal for wool, embellishments, or unknown fibers.

Step-by-Step Hand Wash Process for Delicate Stitches

A sink or tub gives you space without stress on the fabric. Work slow and keep water cool.

1. Prepare water and soap
   Fill a basin with cool water. Add a small amount of mild detergent made for delicates or wool wash. Swish to disperse. Before soaking, spot clean stains with a damp cloth and a tiny dab of soap, then blot with plain water.
2. Soak softly
   Submerge the blanket fully. Press it down gently so water reaches every stitch. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This soak helps loosen light soil and can lift pet hair or dust so it rinses away more easily.
3. Agitate by hand lightly
   With palms open, press and release the fabric in the water. No scrubbing, twisting, or wringing. Move around the basin to cover the whole piece.
4. Rinse until clear
   Drain the soapy water. Refill with cool water and press the blanket to move clean water through it. Repeat until the water runs clear and no suds appear.
5. Remove water carefully
   Lift the blanket with both hands, supporting the weight. Press water out against the side of the basin. Lay the blanket flat on a large towel, roll it up, and press along the roll to absorb more moisture. Unroll, then lay flat on a dry surface, reshape edges and corners, and let it air dry.

Helpful reminders:

• Use cool water, mild soap, and gentle pressure.
• Skip bleach.
• Do not hang to dry. Gravity can stretch stitches.

Machine Washing as a Quick Alternative for Sturdy Yarns

Short on time? For acrylic or cotton blankets, a careful machine wash can work. Keep it gentle and protected.

• Use a mesh laundry bag. If you do not have one, slide the blanket into a zippered pillowcase to shield stitches from snags.
• Choose the delicate or hand-wash cycle, cold water, and low spin.
• Wash a small load only so the blanket has space and avoids friction.
• Prefer a front-loader or a washer without a center agitator. Agitators can stretch or distort crochet.
• Add a small amount of mild detergent. 
• After the cycle, remove the blanket promptly. Dry flat on a clean surface and reshape while damp.

Benefits for busy crafters:

• Saves time while still being gentle.
• Good for sturdy yarns like acrylic and many cottons.
• Less handling if your blanket is large.

Play it safe:

• If you are unsure about the yarn, hand wash instead.
• If you notice pilling or stretching from past machine washes, return to the sink method.

Drying and Storing Your Freshly Washed Crochet Blanket

This is the part that protects all your hard work. After washing crochet, the way you dry and store it decides how soft it feels and how well it holds shape. Treat damp stitches like wet clay. Gentle support, steady air, and patience give you a smooth, even finish.

Best Drying Techniques to Maintain Shape and Softness

Keep movement low and airflow high. Here is a simple method that works for most yarns.

1. Prepare a flat surface
   Lay out clean, dry towels on a bed, table, or drying rack. A mesh sweater rack is perfect if you have one.
2. Transfer and spread flat
   Lift the blanket with both hands to support the weight. Set it down flat. Do not hang it. Gravity can stretch edges and open holes.
3. Pat into place
   Use your palms to nudge the blanket back to its original shape. Square the corners, line up edges, and smooth ripples. For stripes or motifs, align them gently so they dry straight.
4. Roll and press
   Place a fresh towel on top, roll the sandwich, then press along the roll to pull out water. Do not twist. Unroll and replace with dry towels if they become damp.
5. Add airflow
   Set up a fan across the room to move air over the blanket. Keep it on low so the fabric does not flutter. Open a window if humidity is low.
6. Rotate for even drying
   After several hours, flip the blanket if possible or replace the towels again. This keeps the back from staying damp. Plan for 12 to 24 hours, longer for heavy wool.
7. Keep it out of direct sun
   Sun can fade color and make fibers brittle. Bright shade is fine. Warm, dry rooms speed things up.

Extra notes for fiber types:

• Wool: Treat this like a blocking session. While damp, measure width and length, then use rustproof pins to secure edges to size. Light tension is enough. This sets the stitches and brings back crisp lines.
• Acrylic: Dry flat for best shape. If you need speed, tumble on air or low for 10 to 15 minutes in a mesh bag, then finish flat.
• Cotton: Cotton gets heavy when wet. Support the weight when moving it. Low dryer heat is possible, but stop while still slightly damp and finish flat.

Helpful tips that make a difference:

• No wringing: Press, do not twist. Twisting distorts stitches.
• Protect texture: Use smooth towels, not terry that sheds or snags.
• Mind pets: Cover with a clean mesh laundry bag while drying if you have curious paws.

Bold solutions for common scenarios:

• Small space: Use two stackable sweater racks with a fan nearby. Rotate every few hours.
• Cold weather: Place the rack near a vented heater, not on it. Steady warm air speeds drying.
• Stubborn dampness: Swap to dry towels, elevate on a rack, and boost airflow.

Store it the right way once fully dry:

• Fold loosely, do not compress. Tight folds can crease stitches.
• Use breathable storage like cotton pillowcases or fabric bins. 
• Add a lavender sachet or cedar block to discourage moths. Keep scents mild to avoid residue.
• Choose a cool, dry spot away from direct sun and damp walls.
• For heirloom wool, consider acid-free tissue between folds to prevent lines.

Quick ways to keep blankets fresh between washes:

• Shake out and air the blanket on a rail for an hour.
• Spot clean spills right away with cool water and mild soap.
• Use a fabric shaver on pills, then rest the blanket flat.

Conclusion

Keep it simple and kind. Check the yarn, choose a gentle wash, and let it air dry flat. Whether you hand wash in cool water, use a mesh bag on a delicate cycle, or stick to a quick freshen soak, washing crochet is about calm steps that protect your stitches. Care for your creations with love, then wrap up and enjoy the warmth you made.

Share your best washing tips or yarn notes in the comments. Your experience helps the next maker.

 FAQs

Can I dry clean?

Yes, for wool sometimes, if the label allows.

How often to wash?

Every 3 to 6 months, or when it looks or smells dirty.

What if it shrinks?

While damp, reshape gently and dry flat.

Is vinegar okay?

A splash in the rinse helps with odors and softness.

Spot clean only?

Yes, for light dirt or small spills, then air out.

I’m Christa, the maker behind Secret Yarnery. I design simple, joyful crochet projects that look polished without the stress. My patterns focus on clear steps, flexible stitch counts, and finishes that lay flat and last. When I’m not filming tutorials on YouTube, I’m testing borders, sipping coffee, and picking color combos that pop on camera and in real life. If you love easy wins, tidy joins, and playful textures, you’re in the right place.

Find me here:

• YouTube: here
• Blog and patterns: secretyarnery.com
• Instagram: @secretyarnery