Can you put blankets in the dryer? That depends on the material. Cotton and linen blankets are made from natural fibers that stand up well to heat, whereas synthetic blankets must be handled more gently.
In this guide, we’ll give you the full breakdown of which blankets can be dried in the dryer, which need to be air dried, and other helpful tips for proper blanket care.
What Blankets Can You Put In The Dryer?
Dryers typically use high heat to dry laundry quickly. This high heat can deform, shrink, or burn some materials, so it’s important to check the use tags and follow washing instructions carefully.
Cotton Blankets
Cotton blankets can be put in the dryer. However, cotton can shrink, so you’ll either want to use low heat or double-check the care tag.
Linen Blankets
Linen blankets can be safely thrown in the dryer. Hooray!
Nylon or Synthetic Blankets
Most nylon or synthetic blankets can be dried in the dryer on low heat, but check the label to be sure.
Silk Blankets
Silk is not dryer safe. Air-dry or dry clean only.
Wool Blankets
Wool shrinks with heat. Do not put it in the dryer.
Cashmere Blankets
Cashmere cannot handle the high heat of the dryer. Avoid drying in the dryer and air-dry instead!
Minky Blankets
Minky blankets are made from polyester that has been specially processed to create tiny, soft fibers. These fibers are sensitive to high heat and should only be air-dried. If necessary, they can be put in the dryer on the ‘no heat’ setting.
How to Dry Blankets in The Dryer
After washing a blanket according to proper care methods, place it in the dryer. It is best to wash one blanket at a time, so as not to overload the dryer and ensure proper drying.
The first time you machine dry a more delicate blanket, use the lowest heat setting and pause the drying cycle every fifteen minutes to ensure the blanket is not being damaged. Thicker, dryer-safe blankets can go the full cycle without such checks.
Air-dry Function on a Dryer
Some dryers have an air-dry function that tumbles the blankets but will not use any heat. This is a much safer option for some blankets.
However, even the air-dry feature is not safe for all blankets. The tumbling motion can be rough on delicate fabrics. In many cases, it is better to air-dry blankets the traditional way: hung outside on a line.
Tips for Drying
- To keep blankets from balling up, try knotting the corners.
- Add tennis balls or dryer balls to help blankets circulate better.
- Shake out blankets every thirty minutes for even drying.
Why Can’t Minky Blankets Go in The Dryer?
Minky blankets are made through a special process that simulates the silky, soft texture of mink fur using polyester. Amazingly though, they are hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free.
In order to preserve that softness, minky blankets require a little bit of extra care. They cannot go into the dryer because the polyester material is extremely heat sensitive. The ultra-thin synthetic fibers melt in the dryer and become rough and hard.
In a pinch, a minky blanket could go into the dryer on air-dry mode, but even this could alter the blanket by tearing or stretching the fibers. Once a minky blanket has been damaged in the dryer, it can be difficult to make a minky blanket soft again. Prevention is the best measure.
If you have a clothesline, hang up your minky blanket outside. As a bonus, when your blanket is fully dry it will smell unmistakably fresh.
How to Wash a Fluffy Blanket Without Ruining it
Some fluffy blankets can be put into the washing machine, but some can’t. To wash a fluffy blanket without ruining it, check the care label before you do anything else. Luckily, minky blankets are easy. Just machine wash on cold with mild detergent.
Washing Machine
For fluffy blankets that can be safely processed in the washing machine, select a gentle cycle to avoid rough movements that could cause damage. Use cold water to minimize shrinkage and keep the dye from running.
Hand Washing
If your fluffy blanket needs to be hand washed, fill a bucket with warm water and a bit of detergent. Gently pass the blanket through the water until any dirt or grime has been washed out. Empty the soapy water and refill with clean water, then pass the blanket through again until all the soap is gone.
Pros & Cons of Different Drying Methods
What drying method is best? Which will save you the most time? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Laundry Dryer Pros:
- Fast
- Convenient
- Easily prevent static with dryer sheets and wool balls
Laundry Dryer Cons:
- High heat can damage materials
- Tumbling can damage blankets
- Uses high amounts of electricity
Air Drying Pros:
- Protects delicate materials
- Powered by t he sun (free!)
- Reduces wrinkles and creases
Air Drying Cons:
- Can take longer to dry
- Requires more effort to hang blankets on a line
- Takes up more space
In short, there are positives and negatives to both types of blanket drying. Using a dryer can be a real timesaver—so long as the heat won’t damage the materials you wash.
On the other hand, if you spend money on high-quality blankets comprised of delicate materials, then put those blankets in the dryer and damage them, you’re wasting your money away. You should try to protect your expensive blankets by air-drying or dry cleaning them.
The Highest-Quality Minky Blankets
If you love soft, warm, ultra-silky blankets, then blankets from Sew Sweet Minky Designs are perfect for you. Our minky blankets are handmade by more than 300 stay-at-home parents and guardians, providing flexible employment for hard-working moms, dads, and grandparents.
Minky blankets may feel delicate, yet they are quite durable. The high-quality polyester fleece can stand up to all of the cuddles, snuggles, and blanket forts you throw. As for care, minky blankets are easy as machine washing on cold and hanging on the line to dry.
Got more questions about blanket care? Check out our complete guide to properly care for your minky blanket.