A beautiful throw can last for years — but only if it’s cared for properly. Different materials require different washing methods, drying techniques and storage habits. Treat a knitted throw like cotton and it may stretch; wash fleece incorrectly and it can lose its softness; handle wool the wrong way and it may shrink.

This guide breaks down exactly how to wash, dry and care for every type of throw, so you can keep your blankets soft, fresh and looking their best all year round.

General Throw Care Tips (Before You Start)

No matter the material, always follow these universal rules:

• Check the care label first — it’s the most accurate guide for your specific throw.
• Use gentle detergents — harsh chemicals can damage fibres.
• Avoid high heat — it causes shrinking, fading and fibre damage.
• Wash similar colours together — especially with dark or bold throws.
• Shake out throws before drying — helps them dry evenly and stay fluffy.

Once you’ve covered the basics, follow the material‑specific instructions below.

How to Wash Cotton Throws

Cotton is one of the easiest materials to care for — durable, breathable and machine‑washable.

Washing

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle
• Use cold or warm water (not hot)
• Mild detergent only
• Avoid fabric softener if the throw has a textured weave

Drying

• Air dry flat or tumble dry on low heat
• Remove while slightly damp to prevent creasing

Extra Tips

• Cotton can stretch if hung while wet — always dry flat
• For waffle or honeycomb weaves, reshape gently after washing

How to Wash Knitted Throws

Knitted throws need a little more care to maintain their shape and texture.

Washing

• Hand wash in cold water OR
• Machine wash on a delicate/wool cycle
• Use a gentle, wool‑safe detergent

Drying

• Never tumble dry
• Lay flat on a towel and reshape while damp
• Avoid hanging — it will stretch the knit

Extra Tips

• Chunky knits absorb lots of water; press gently to remove excess
• Store folded, not hung, to prevent stretching

How to Wash Fleece Throws

Fleece is durable, soft and easy to care for — perfect for family homes.

Washing

• Machine wash on a cool, gentle cycle
• Use mild detergent
• Avoid fabric softener — it reduces softness over time

Drying

• Tumble dry on low heat or air dry
• Fleece dries quickly, so avoid over‑drying

Extra Tips

• Wash fleece separately to avoid lint transfer
• If the throw becomes static, add a dryer sheet on low heat

How to Wash Wool & Wool‑Blend Throws

Wool is luxurious but delicate — it needs careful handling.

Washing

• Hand wash in cold water with wool detergent
• Or machine wash on a wool cycle (if label allows)
• Never wring or twist

Drying

• Lay flat on a towel
• Reshape gently
• Keep away from direct heat or sunlight

Extra Tips

• Wool is naturally odour‑resistant — wash only when needed
• Spot clean small marks instead of washing the whole throw

How to Wash Linen Throws

Linen is breathable, lightweight and becomes softer with every wash.

Washing

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle
• Use cool or warm water
• Mild detergent only

Drying

• Air dry for best results
• Tumble dry on low heat if needed
• Remove while slightly damp to reduce creasing

Extra Tips

• Linen softens naturally over time
• Avoid high heat — it weakens fibres

How to Wash Sherpa & Boucle Throws

These soft, textured throws need gentle care to stay fluffy.

Washing

• Machine wash on a cool, delicate cycle
• Use mild detergent
• Avoid fabric softener — it flattens the fibres

Drying

• Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
• Shake out halfway through drying to restore fluff

Extra Tips

• Brush lightly with a soft fabric brush if the fibres clump
• Store loosely folded to avoid flattening the texture

How to Remove Common Stains From Throws

Food & Drink Stains

• Blot (don’t rub)
• Apply a small amount of mild detergent
• Rinse with cool water

Pet Hair

• Use a lint roller or rubber glove
• Shake outdoors before washing

Makeup Stains

• Dab with micellar water or gentle stain remover
• Rinse and wash as normal

How to Store Throws Properly

Proper storage keeps your throws fresh and prevents damage.

• Fold neatly and store in a cool, dry place
• Use breathable cotton storage bags (avoid plastic)
• Add lavender sachets to deter moths (especially for wool)
• Rotate seasonally to keep throws in good condition

Closing Summary

Caring for your throws properly ensures they stay soft, fresh and beautiful for years. Cotton and fleece are easy to wash, knitted and boucle throws need gentler handling, and wool requires extra care to maintain its luxurious feel. By following the right washing, drying and storage techniques for each material, you can protect your throws from shrinking, stretching or losing their texture — keeping your home cosy, stylish and effortlessly well‑kept all year round.

Stephen Watson is the co-founder of Shades4Seasons and manages the day to day operations of the store. As a professional copywriter Stephen manages the store's social media marketing and content creation. Stephen has published long-form articles and blogs extensively on LinkedIn on topics ranging from technology to self-improvement and commercial matters. He is also a published author with his collection of poetry "The Milling Street Tales". You can find out more about Shades4Seasons founders here.