A quality cooling blanket is an investment in better sleep, and with proper care, it can maintain its cooling properties and comfort for many years. However, the specialised materials that make these blankets effective also require more thoughtful maintenance than ordinary bedding. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your cooling blanket in top condition.
Why Proper Care Matters
Cooling blankets work through carefully engineered material properties—the open weave of bamboo fibres, the moisture-wicking treatment on synthetic fabrics, or the delicate microcapsules in phase-change materials. Improper washing and drying can damage these properties, leaving you with a blanket that no longer cools effectively.
Additionally, the natural fibres used in many cooling blankets (bamboo, eucalyptus, cotton) can shrink, pill, or lose their softness if exposed to harsh conditions. Taking the time to care for your blanket properly protects both its performance and your investment.
First Things First
Always check the care label on your specific blanket before washing. Manufacturer recommendations take precedence over general advice, as different brands may use different treatments or blends that require specific care.
Washing Your Cooling Blanket
General Washing Guidelines
Most cooling blankets can be machine washed, but the key is gentleness. Use the delicate or gentle cycle on your washing machine, which uses slower agitation and spinning speeds. This reduces stress on the fibres and helps maintain the blanket's structure.
Water temperature is crucial. Always use cold or lukewarm water (no more than 30°C). Hot water can damage natural fibres like bamboo and eucalyptus, cause shrinkage, and degrade any cooling treatments applied to the fabric. Cold water is also more energy-efficient and better for the environment.
Choose a mild, liquid detergent. Powder detergents may not dissolve completely in cold water and can leave residue in the blanket's fibres, affecting breathability. Avoid detergents with added brighteners, enzymes, or fabric softeners, as these can coat the fibres and reduce moisture-wicking ability.
Material-Specific Washing Tips
Bamboo blankets: Bamboo is durable but can be damaged by harsh treatment. Wash separately from items with zippers or hooks that could snag the fabric. Use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection if your blanket is delicate or has a loose weave.
Eucalyptus/Tencel blankets: These are generally quite resilient but benefit from minimal agitation. The fibres can weaken when wet, so avoid wringing or twisting. Wash with similar colours, as some eucalyptus blankets may release dye in early washes.
Phase-change material (PCM) blankets: The microcapsules containing PCM are generally durable but can be damaged by extreme conditions. Stick strictly to cold water and gentle cycles. Some PCM blankets have removable covers that can be washed separately—check your product's instructions.
Weighted cooling blankets: Due to their weight, these often need to be washed in a commercial-sized machine. Check your home machine's capacity before washing—overloading can damage both the blanket and the machine. Many experts recommend professional laundering for weighted blankets over 7kg.
What to Avoid When Washing
- Bleach: Chlorine bleach damages fibres and removes cooling treatments
- Fabric softener: Coats fibres and reduces breathability and moisture-wicking
- Hot water: Causes shrinkage and fibre damage
- Overloading: Prevents proper cleaning and can damage the blanket
- Harsh agitation: Causes pilling and weakens fibre structure
Drying Your Cooling Blanket
The Case for Air Drying
Whenever possible, air dry your cooling blanket. This is the gentlest method and eliminates the risk of heat damage. Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface or hang it over a sturdy clothesline. If hanging, redistribute the blanket periodically to prevent stretching.
Air drying in direct sunlight can help naturally sanitise the blanket and may help maintain the brightness of white or light-coloured blankets. However, prolonged sun exposure can fade colours, so limit direct sunlight to a few hours.
Using a Tumble Dryer
If you must use a dryer, always use the lowest heat setting or the "air fluff" option with no heat. High heat is the enemy of cooling blankets—it can shrink natural fibres, melt or degrade synthetic components, and destroy phase-change materials.
Remove the blanket from the dryer while still slightly damp and allow it to finish drying flat. This prevents over-drying, which can make fibres brittle, and helps the blanket maintain its shape.
Adding dryer balls (wool or rubber) can help fluff the blanket and reduce drying time without adding chemicals. Avoid dryer sheets, which leave a coating that can reduce the blanket's breathability.
How Often Should You Wash?
The frequency of washing depends on how you use your blanket. If it's your primary blanket and in direct contact with your skin, washing every 2-3 weeks is reasonable. If you use it over a sheet or as a secondary layer, monthly washing is usually sufficient.
Between washes, you can freshen your blanket by airing it out regularly. Hang it in fresh air for a few hours, or use a brief tumble in the dryer on the no-heat setting to help remove dust and odours.
Wash immediately if there are spills, stains, or if the blanket develops an odour. The longer stains sit, the harder they are to remove, and bacteria can grow in moisture-trapped areas.
Treating Stains
Address stains as quickly as possible. Blot (don't rub) the stain with a clean, damp cloth to absorb as much as possible. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of mild liquid detergent directly to the area and gently work it in with your fingers. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.
Avoid aggressive stain removers, spot cleaners with bleach, or harsh scrubbing, which can damage the fabric and leave visible marks even if the stain is removed.
Stain Treatment Quick Guide
- Sweat stains: Soak in cold water with a bit of white vinegar before washing
- Food/drink: Blot immediately, apply mild detergent, cold wash
- Blood: Always use cold water (hot water sets blood stains), soak before washing
- General yellowing: Soak in water with oxygen-based bleach alternative (check label first)
Storing Your Cooling Blanket
If you store your cooling blanket during cooler months, proper storage ensures it's ready to perform when you need it again.
Always store blankets clean. Any residual body oils, sweat, or stains can set during storage and attract pests. Wash and completely dry your blanket before putting it away.
Store in a breathable container or bag. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and promote mildew growth. Cotton storage bags, breathable fabric containers, or even clean cotton sheets wrapped around the blanket work well.
Choose a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures—both hot and cold—can degrade fibres over time. Avoid attics (too hot in summer) and damp basements.
Consider adding a natural moth deterrent like cedar balls or lavender sachets, especially if your blanket contains natural fibres.
Signs Your Blanket Needs Replacing
Even with excellent care, cooling blankets eventually wear out. Signs that it's time to replace yours include noticeable reduction in cooling effectiveness, persistent odours that don't respond to washing, significant pilling or thinning of the fabric, stretched-out shape or uneven areas, and tears, holes, or fraying that affect use.
A well-made cooling blanket, properly maintained, should last 3-5 years of regular use. Budget options may have shorter lifespans, while premium blankets often exceed this range.
Summary
Caring for your cooling blanket doesn't have to be complicated. The core principles are simple: wash gently with cold water and mild detergent, avoid heat when drying, and store properly when not in use. Following these guidelines will help your cooling blanket maintain its effectiveness and comfort for years, ensuring cool, restful sleep through many Australian summers to come.