Blanket Buying Guides

How to Care for Your Blanket (Microfiber Plush & Sherpa Washing Guide)

Blanket Washing Guide

Personalized blankets are made to be loved, used, and lived with — not stored away. With the right care, your blanket will stay soft, vibrant, and cozy for years to come.

This blanket washing guide walks you through how to properly care for microfiber plush and Sherpa blankets, how to handle spills and stains, and what to avoid so your blanket keeps looking and feeling its best.

Why Proper Blanket Care Matters

Personalized blankets are different from ordinary throws. They’re custom-printed, often used daily, and usually hold sentimental value.

Proper care helps:

  • Preserve softness and texture

  • Protect printed designs and colors

  • Prevent shrinking, matting, or stiffness

  • Extend the life of your blanket

The biggest rule of all? Act quickly.
Most damage happens when spills or stains are left untreated for too long.

Always Check the Care Label First

Before washing any blanket, check the care label attached to it.

Care labels provide fabric-specific instructions for:

  • Water temperature

  • Wash cycle type

  • Drying method

If the label and this guide differ, follow the label first.

General Care Rules (For All Blanket Types)

These simple rules apply to both microfiber plush and Sherpa blankets:

  • Blot spills immediately
    Don’t rub — blot gently with a clean cloth to absorb liquid.

  • Avoid harsh chemicals
    Bleach and strong cleaners can damage fibers and fade prints.

  • Skip fabric softener
    Fabric softeners coat fibers and reduce softness over time.

  • Use mild detergent only
    Less is more when it comes to blanket care.

  • Wash with similar fabrics
    Avoid towels, denim, or anything abrasive.

How to Care for Microfiber Plush Blankets

Microfiber plush blankets are soft, lightweight, and smooth. Their fine fibers trap dirt easily, which means gentle handling is key.

Spot Cleaning Microfiber Plush

  • Blot spills immediately with a clean cloth

  • Apply a small amount of mild detergent or gentle stain remover

  • Dab gently — do not scrub

  • Rinse lightly and blot dry

Machine Washing Microfiber Plush

  • Use cold or lukewarm water

  • Select a gentle or delicate cycle

  • Use mild detergent only

  • Wash separately or with other soft items

Drying Microfiber Plush

  • Air dry or tumble dry on low heat

  • Avoid high heat — it can stiffen or damage fibers

  • Once dry, shake the blanket to restore softness

Removing Stubborn Stains

For deeper stains:

  • Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste

  • Apply gently and let sit for 10–15 minutes

  • Blot clean and wash as usual

How to Care for Sherpa Blankets

Sherpa blankets are ultra-warm and fluffy, but their soft pile requires extra care to avoid matting or flattening.

Before Washing Sherpa

  • Shake out the blanket to remove dust and debris

  • Use a lint roller or soft brush to remove pet hair

Spot Cleaning Sherpa

  • Blot spills immediately

  • Apply a gentle stain remover

  • Let sit briefly, then blot clean

Machine Washing Sherpa

  • Wash on a gentle or delicate cycle

  • Use cold water only

  • Use mild detergent

  • Never use bleach or fabric softener

  • Wash alone or with similar soft fabrics

Drying Sherpa

  • Air drying is best
    Lay flat or hang in a well-ventilated area

  • If using a dryer:

    • Tumble dry on low heat only

    • Remove promptly to prevent matting

Restoring Sherpa Fluff

If Sherpa feels flat after washing:

  • Gently brush with a soft-bristle brush

  • Use slow, light strokes — never aggressive brushing

How to Handle Common Stains & Messes

Accidents happen — especially with kids and pets. Here’s how to deal with common issues:

Food & Drink Spills

  • Blot immediately

  • Use mild detergent and cold water

  • Wash as soon as possible

Oil or Grease

  • Sprinkle baking soda on the stain

  • Let sit for 15–20 minutes

  • Brush off and wash gently

Blood

  • Always use cold water

  • Blot repeatedly with mild soap

  • Never use heat until stain is fully removed

Pet or Kid Messes

  • Blot first

  • Pre-treat gently

  • Wash promptly on a gentle cycle

Waiting makes stains harder to remove. Immediate action saves blankets.

Everyday Care Tips

  • Shake blankets outdoors to remove dust

  • Avoid sitting or lying on Sherpa with shoes

  • Store blankets in a cool, dry place

  • Avoid damp storage areas to prevent odors or mildew

When to Spot Clean vs. Machine Wash

Spot clean when:

  • The spill is small

  • The blanket is otherwise clean

  • You want to avoid unnecessary washing

Machine wash when:

  • The blanket has odors

  • There’s overall dirt buildup

  • It’s been used heavily over time

Keep Your Blanket Cozy for Years to Come

With proper care, your personalized blanket can stay soft, vibrant, and beautiful for years.

Remember:

  • Act fast on spills

  • Use gentle cycles and mild detergent

  • Avoid heat, bleach, and fabric softeners

A little care goes a long way toward keeping your blanket just as special as the day it was made.