How to Wash Crochet Blankets & Clothing Without Ruining Them

Crocheted and knitted blankets and clothes are beautiful, cozy, and made with love. But they can be tricky to clean. One wrong step, and you risk stretching, shrinking, or felting the fibers. If you’re wondering how to wash a crochet blanket or handmade clothing the right way, we’ve got you covered. Don’t worry—there’s a safe method that keeps your items soft, clean, and damage-free.

Know Your Fiber First

Start by identifying the yarn. Wool, cotton, acrylic, and blends behave differently in the wash. Acrylic is usually more forgiving, while wool needs extra care. If you’re unsure, treat the blanket like it’s delicate—better to be cautious than regretful.

Shake It Out, Then Soak

Before washing, shake out any crumbs, dust, or pet hair. Fill a tub or sink with cool water and add a gentle, dye-free detergent. Swish the detergent through the water before adding your blanket.

Place the blanket in the water and press it down gently. Don’t twist or wring it. Let it soak for about 15 minutes.

Rinse Without Stress

Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean, cool water. Gently press the blanket to remove the soap. You may need to repeat this step to rinse it thoroughly.

Still no twisting! Twisting can stretch or break the yarn.

Press and Dry With Care

After rinsing, lay the blanket flat on a clean towel. Roll it up to press out excess water. Then, unroll and lay the blanket flat on a dry surface. Shape it gently, and let it air dry completely.

Never hang it—hanging can distort the shape.

Rather Be Safe Than Sorry

Handmade items deserve extra care. Crochet, yarn blankets, and clothes often don’t hold up well in standard machines—even on delicate cycles. The risk of shrinking, stretching, or unraveling is real. We recommend keeping those items out of the washer when possible. If you’re unsure how to clean them, ask our team for guidance—we’re always happy to help.

And while your handmade pieces may need special treatment, the rest of your laundry doesn’t have to. Bring in your everyday clothes, bedding, or bulky loads, and let Nashville Laundry handle the heavy lifting. Stop by today and enjoy fresher laundry, less stress, and expert help when needed.