Washing a Crochet Blanket: The Complete Beginner-Friendly Guide to Cleaning & Caring for Handmade Blankets

There’s something incredibly special about a crochet blanket. Whether it’s a cozy throw on your couch, a baby blanket gifted to a loved one, or a large heirloom afghan you spent months creating, crochet blankets hold warmth, time, and love in every stitch.

But eventually, every crochet blanket needs cleaning.

And that’s where many crocheters — especially beginners — start to worry.

Will it shrink?
Will the stitches stretch out?
Will the colors bleed?
Can it go in the washing machine?

Crochet blankets are not the same as store-bought blankets. Handmade fabric behaves differently, and using the wrong washing method can permanently damage hours of work.

The good news? Washing crochet blankets is simple when you know what to look for and how to do it safely.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn:

How to tell the correct washing method for your blanket
Which yarns are machine washable
How to safely hand wash crochet blankets
How to machine wash without ruining stitches
How to dry blankets without stretching them
How to remove odors and stains safely
Tips for baby blankets and gift blankets
How to store blankets long-term
Mistakes to avoid when cleaning crochet

By the end, you’ll feel confident caring for any crochet blanket you own or create.

Let’s walk through everything step by step.

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Why Crochet Blankets Need Special Care

A crochet blanket isn’t woven fabric. It’s made of loops that interlock, creating flexible, open fabric.

Because of this structure, crochet blankets can:

Stretch when wet
Lose shape if hung
Snag in rough washing cycles
Shrink if heat is used
Felt or tighten depending on fiber type

Handmade blankets also vary widely depending on yarn, stitch, and tension. A bulky wool blanket behaves very differently than a lightweight acrylic baby blanket.

Proper washing protects:

Stitch structure
Blanket shape
Color vibrancy
Yarn softness
Longevity of your project

Learning correct care ensures your blanket lasts years instead of months.

Step One: Identify What Yarn Was Used

Before washing anything, ask:

What type of yarn is the blanket made from?

Different yarn fibers react differently to water, heat, and agitation.

If you made the blanket yourself, check your yarn label or pattern. If it was gifted, ask the maker if possible.

If you’re unsure, examine how the yarn feels.

Common Crochet Blanket Yarn Types

Acrylic Yarn

Most crochet blankets are made from acrylic.

Acrylic is:

Durable
Affordable
Machine washable
Resistant to shrinking
Good for everyday use

Acrylic blankets are usually the easiest to clean.

Cotton Yarn

Cotton blankets are common for baby blankets and summer throws.

Cotton is:

Breathable
Absorbent
Strong
Machine washable
Heavy when wet

Cotton can stretch if hung to dry.

Wool Yarn

Wool blankets are warm and beautiful but require care.

Wool:

Shrinks with heat
Can felt with agitation
Often requires hand washing
Needs gentle drying

Blended Yarn

Many blankets use blends like:

Acrylic & wool
Cotton & acrylic
Wool & nylon

Blends usually combine durability with softness but still benefit from gentle washing.

Step Two: Check the Yarn Label Care Instructions

If you still have the yarn label, it provides the safest instructions.

Look for:

Machine washable symbols
Hand wash symbols
Temperature recommendations
Drying instructions

When in doubt, choose the gentlest option.

Step Three: Should You Machine Wash or Hand Wash?

Machine Washing Is Usually Safe If:

✔ Blanket is acrylic or cotton
✔ Stitches are tight and secure
✔ No delicate embellishments are attached
✔ Yarn label allows machine washing

Hand Washing Is Better If:

✔ Blanket contains wool
✔ Blanket is delicate or heirloom quality
✔ Stitches are loose or lacy
✔ Blanket includes fragile appliqués

If unsure, hand washing is safest.

How to Hand Wash a Crochet Blanket (Safest Method)

Hand washing sounds intimidating but is simple and protects stitches best.

What You Need

Bathtub, sink, or large basin
Mild detergent
Cool or lukewarm water
Clean towels

Step-by-Step Hand Washing Process

1. Fill Tub with Cool or Lukewarm Water

Never use hot water.

Hot water causes:

Shrinking
Fiber damage
Color bleeding

2. Add Mild Detergent

Use gentle detergent designed for delicate fabrics.

Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.

Mix detergent evenly in water.

3. Submerge Blanket

Place blanket in water and gently press it down.

Do not twist or scrub.

Let soak for 15–20 minutes.

4. Gently Swish

Move blanket gently through water to loosen dirt.

Avoid wringing or pulling stitches.

5. Drain and Rinse

Drain dirty water and refill with clean water.

Rinse until detergent is gone.

You may need multiple rinses.

6. Remove Excess Water Carefully

Do NOT wring.

Instead:

Support blanket fully
Press water out gently
Roll in towels to absorb moisture

How to Machine Wash a Crochet Blanket Safely

Machine washing saves time but must be done carefully.

Machine Washing Steps

Use Gentle Cycle

Choose:

Gentle or delicate setting
Cold water
Low agitation

Use Mild Detergent

Avoid fabric softeners and bleach.

Place Blanket in Laundry Bag (Optional)

A large mesh bag protects stitches from snagging.

Wash Alone or with Soft Items

Avoid washing with:

Jeans
Towels
Zippers
Heavy items

Avoid High Spin Speeds

High spin stretches stitches.

Use low spin setting.

Drying Crochet Blankets Properly

Drying is where most damage happens.

Wet crochet blankets become heavy and stretch easily.

Best Method: Lay Flat to Dry

Lay clean towels on flat surface.
Spread blanket evenly.
Shape edges neatly.
Let air dry.
Flip halfway through drying.

This prevents stretching.

Can You Use a Dryer?

Sometimes — but carefully.

Safe dryer rules:

Low heat or air dry only
Remove while slightly damp
Lay flat to finish drying

Never use high heat.

How to Remove Odors from Crochet Blankets

Blankets absorb smells over time.

Gentle Odor Removal Tips

Add baking soda to wash
Air blanket outdoors
Use vinegar rinse
Wash regularly

Fresh air works wonders.

Removing Stains from Crochet Blankets

Treat stains quickly.

Stain Removal Steps

Blot stain — don’t rub.
Apply mild detergent.
Rinse gently.
Wash normally.

Avoid harsh chemicals.

Special Care for Baby Crochet Blankets

Baby blankets need frequent washing.

Choose yarn that is:

Machine washable
Soft
Hypoallergenic

Always use gentle detergent.

Avoid strong fragrances.

Washing Heirloom or Vintage Crochet Blankets

Older blankets need extra care.

Use:

Hand wash only
Minimal agitation
Flat drying

Support fabric at all times.

How Often Should Crochet Blankets Be Washed?

Depends on use.

Recommended Frequency

Everyday couch blanket: every 1–2 months
Bed blanket: every 1–3 months
Baby blanket: weekly or as needed
Decorative blanket: rarely

Spot cleaning reduces wear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Hot Water

Causes shrinking and distortion.

Hanging Blankets to Dry

Stretches stitches permanently.

Using Bleach

Damages fibers and colors.

Wringing Out Water

Breaks stitch structure.

Washing Too Often

Wears out yarn prematurely.

Long-Term Crochet Blanket Storage Tips

Store blankets properly between seasons.

Storage Best Practices

Wash before storing
Keep completely dry
Use breathable storage bags
Add lavender or cedar for pests
Avoid damp areas

Never store dirty blankets.

Fixing Problems After Washing

Blanket Stretched?

Lay flat and reshape while damp.

Blanket Feels Stiff?

Rinse thoroughly and dry flat.

Colors Bled?

Rewash immediately in cold water.

Travel & Outdoor Use Blanket Care

Outdoor blankets get dirtier.

Shake out debris before washing.

Use gentle cycle after travel.

Keeping Crochet Blankets Beautiful for Years

A crochet blanket isn’t just fabric.

It holds:

Hours of work
Creativity
Love
Memories

Proper care preserves all of it.

Final Thoughts: Washing Crochet Blankets Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

Many crocheters fear washing handmade blankets.

But once you understand yarn type and washing basics, the process becomes simple.

Remember the golden rules:

✔ Use cool water
✔ Use gentle detergent
✔ Avoid heat
✔ Support blanket while wet
✔ Lay flat to dry

Treat your crochet gently, and it will reward you with warmth and comfort for years.

Because in the end, crochet blankets aren’t just cozy…

They’re handmade hugs stitched one loop at a time. 🧶

Keep Learning & Crocheting with Confidence

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to explore our other beginner-friendly crochet tutorials to continue building your skills and confidence. You can dive into step-by-step guides on creating a strong foundation chain, mastering single crochet, learning half double and double crochet stitches, improving yarn tension, and choosing beginner projects that help you grow as a maker.

Each article is designed to make crochet simple, approachable, and enjoyable—whether you’re just starting out or returning to the craft after a break.

And don’t forget to download your FREE Crochet Abbreviations Cheat Sheet, plus grab the Granny Square free pattern and the 30-Day Crochet Project Challenge Workbook to keep your creativity flowing.

Happy crocheting, and may every stitch bring a little extra comfort to your day. 🧶