How to Dry a Blanket?

Blankets are an indispensable part of our homes as they provide a comfortable sleeping experience and a warm environment. However, proper drying after washing is crucial for maintaining the blanket's texture, shape, and hygiene. Incorrect drying can cause the blanket to shrink, stiffen, or damage its structure. Therefore, the question "How to dry a blanket?" is frequently searched by users.

In this article, we delve into blanket drying methods, which programs should be preferred in a dryer, drying tips according to fabric type, and common mistakes.

Can Blankets Be Put in a Dryer?

Whether blankets can be put in a dryer is one of the most frequently asked questions. It's important to remember that not every blanket is suitable for a dryer. The most important criterion in determining this is the type of fabric the blanket is made from.

Dryer Suitability by Fabric Type

• Cotton Blankets:
  Due to their natural structure, they are generally suitable for machine drying. However, drying at medium heat instead of high temperatures helps preserve the fiber structure.

• Wool Blankets:
  Wool is a material that can be easily damaged by high heat. It can shrink, stiffen, or felt in a dryer. Therefore, air drying outdoors is preferred.

• Fleece Blankets:
  Due to their synthetic structure, they can be dried in a machine at low heat. However, care should be taken to prevent static electricity build-up.

• Acrylic and Microfiber Blankets:
  Can be machine dried at low temperatures and on delicate cycles. High heat can damage the fabric.

Note: Always read the blanket's care label. If it has a "Tumble Dry" symbol, it can be used in a dryer.

Which Dryer Program Should Be Used for Blankets?

The drying program for blankets should be determined according to the fabric type and the thickness of the product. If an unsuitable program is selected, the blanket may over-dry, stiffen, or get damaged.

Recommended Drying Programs

• Delicate / Gentle / Low Heat Drying Program:
  Ideal for delicate fabrics such as fleece, acrylic, microfiber, and wool. It preserves the fabric's structure as low heat is used.

• Cotton / Normal Dry Program:
  Suitable for cotton and thick blankets. The drying time is longer than other programs.

• Time Dry:
  Especially suitable for those who want to set the duration according to the thickness of the blanket. Low heat should be preferred.

• Air Fluff / No Heat:
  Freshens the blanket without using heat. No drying occurs, but light moisture can be removed.

Tip: Adding a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls when drying your blanket helps it dry evenly and stay soft.

How to Air Dry a Blanket Naturally?

When a dryer cannot or is not desired to be used, natural drying of blankets is the safest method.

Outdoor Blanket Drying

Drying blankets naturally not only saves energy but also helps preserve the fabric's structure. Especially for delicate blankets that are not suitable for a dryer, outdoor drying is an ideal option.

Choosing the Right Drying Area

The most important factor when drying a blanket outdoors is choosing the right drying area. A windy, well-ventilated, and if possible, shaded area that does not receive direct sunlight should be preferred. This way, the blanket dries quickly and without damage.

How to Hang a Blanket?

The blanket should be hung evenly on a wide clothesline or spread out on a large surface to dry. Hanging it from a single point on a hanger can cause the fabric to stretch or lose its shape.
Spreading it out widely ensures more even drying and prevents the blanket from becoming heavy and losing its shape.

Protection from Sunlight

Blankets, especially dark-colored ones, that are exposed to direct sunlight for a long time can fade. Drying in a shaded area or during softer light periods like morning/evening sun reduces this risk.

Drying Inside Out

To ensure both sides of the blanket dry evenly, it is important to turn it inside out at regular intervals. This also prevents moisture from getting trapped inside and the formation of bad odors.

Indoor Blanket Drying

When weather conditions are unsuitable or when outdoor drying is not possible in apartment living, indoor blanket drying comes into play. However, this method requires more careful application because thick blankets dry slowly indoors and can lead to problems like moisture accumulation.

Spreading Method and Hanger Use

When drying a blanket indoors, it's important to spread it out flat on a large surface without folding. A clothes drying rack, table, or chairs with backs can be used. The blanket should be spread out as much as possible on the hanger or drying rack; this increases air circulation and shortens drying time.

Ventilating the Room

The drying area must be well-ventilated. Opening a window helps disperse moisture by providing air circulation. If possible, this process can be supported by using a fan or air purifier.

Extra Precautions for Thick Blankets

If the blanket is very thick, the drying process may take several days. Therefore, to prevent bad odors and bacterial growth, the blanket should be turned at intervals and fold lines should be checked.
Also, laying a dry towel underneath to absorb moisture can be effective.

Supporting with a Dehumidifier

If you frequently dry blankets indoors, using a dehumidifier offers a great advantage. These devices reduce ambient humidity, allowing for faster and healthier drying.

Things to Consider When Drying a Blanket

The blanket drying process is not just about putting it in and taking it out of the machine. Incorrect practices can lead to damage to the blanket's structure, shortening its lifespan, and hygiene issues. Therefore, the following points must be observed:

1. Always Follow Label Instructions

Different fabrics and filling materials are used in the production of each blanket. Therefore, before proceeding with washing and drying, the care instructions on the product label must be read.
The label will have symbols and explanations such as "Tumble Dry", "Low Heat", "Do Not Dry Clean". If these instructions are not followed, the blanket may shrink, get damaged, or lose its structure.

Tip: If the label has worn off over time, you can find detailed care information by searching for the product code on the manufacturer's website.

2. Avoid Excessive Wringing and High Spin Speeds

Wringing the blanket at a high spin speed in the washing machine can cause fibers to break, damage the fabric, and lead to deformation. This particularly causes permanent damage to wool and delicate-textured blankets.
If wringing is necessary, a low-speed setting should be preferred, or gently squeezing out excess water by hand is a safer method.

3. Ensure Complete Drying

A damp blanket can lead to undesirable results. Problems such as bad odor, mold growth, bacterial accumulation, and unhealthy use become inevitable.
After the drying process is complete, the middle, folds, and edges of the blanket must be checked. The risk of inner layers remaining damp is higher in thick blankets. Therefore, it is recommended to air the blanket for a while after drying.

4. Don't Fold Immediately After Drying, Air It Out

Folding the blanket immediately after it's completely dry can trap moisture inside and leave the blanket unaired. This reduces its freshness and softness.
After drying, letting the blanket air out in a well-ventilated area for a few hours helps both to completely remove any remaining moisture and to give it a pleasant scent.

5. Keep Away from Excessive Heat

Drying at high heat in a dryer is risky, especially for synthetic and wool blankets. These fabrics can shrink, stiffen, or melt at high temperatures. Always choose low or medium heat, and pay attention to "high heat" warnings on the machine when drying blankets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blanket Drying (FAQ)

Do blankets shrink when put in a dryer?

If an inappropriate program is used or high heat is chosen, especially wool blankets can shrink. Cotton and synthetic blankets generally do not shrink when dried with the correct program.

How long does it take for a blanket to dry in a dryer?

This duration depends on the blanket's thickness and the drying program. Thin fleece blankets can dry in 30–40 minutes, while thick cotton blankets may take 60–90 minutes.

Can duvets and blankets be dried together?

No. If duvets and blankets are dried together, the machine's balance can be disrupted, and neither may dry completely. Drying them separately is a healthier method.

My blanket became stiff after drying, what can I do?

Briefly re-wetting stiffened blankets and then drying them on a low-heat air fluff cycle can help soften them. Natural softeners (e.g., vinegar) can also be used during washing.

What should be done before putting a blanket in the dryer?

First, gently squeeze out excess water, then check the label and place it in the machine on an appropriate program. Using dryer balls or clean tennis balls is recommended.