Can You Dry a Cooling Blanket in the Dryer? The Ultimate Guide
You’ve just washed your favorite cooling blanket, and now it’s time to dry it. You stare at the fluffy, damp bundle and then at your dryer. The question pops into your head: Is it safe to put this cooling blanket in the dryer?
The short answer is: It depends entirely on the blanket’s specific materials and care instructions. While many modern cooling blankets are dryer-safe, using the wrong settings can permanently damage their temperature-regulating fibers and special weaves.
In this definitive guide, we’ll walk you through how to determine if your blanket is dryer-safe, the best practices for drying, and what to do if it’s not.
Why Proper Drying Matters for Cooling Blankets
Cooling blankets aren’t your average fleece or cotton throws. They are engineered from advanced materials like polyester microfiber, bamboo-derived viscose, or specialized phase-change material (PCM) fabrics. Their cooling magic lies in their ability to wick moisture and allow maximum airflow.
“The primary function of a cooling blanket is breathability. High heat can melt or crush these delicate fibers, clogging the tiny gaps that allow for air circulation and moisture-wicking. Once that structure is damaged, the blanket loses its cooling effect,” explains Sarah Johnson, a textile care specialist.
Improper drying can lead to:
- Loss of Cooling Properties: The fibers become matted and less effective.
- Shrinkage: Natural fibers like bamboo or cotton blends are prone to shrinking.
- Pilling: High heat and tumbling can cause annoying fabric pills.
- Weakening of Fibers: Leading to a shorter lifespan for your blanket.
Step 1: The Golden Rule – Read the Care Label
Before you do anything, locate the sewn-in care label on your blanket. This is your most reliable source of information. Look for a square symbol with a circle inside it—this indicates dryer instructions.
- A filled circle inside the square means “No Heat.”
- One dot means Low Heat.
- Two dots mean Medium Heat.
- Three dots mean High Heat.
- An “X” over the symbol means “Do Not Tumble Dry.”
If the label is missing or faded, proceed with caution and follow the general guidelines below.
Dryer-Safe vs. Non-Dryer-Safe Cooling Blankets: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Dryer-Safe Blankets (Typically) | Non-Dryer-Safe Blankets (Typically) |
|---|---|---|
| Common Materials | Polyester Microfiber, Some Bamboo Blends | 100% Bamboo Viscose, Cotton, Wool, Blankets with PCM beads |
| Best Dryer Setting | Low Heat or Air Fluff (No Heat) | Do Not Tumble Dry |
| Risk of Improper Drying | Moderate (Pilling, Reduced Softness) | High (Shrinkage, Fiber Damage, Ruined PCM) |
| Alternative Drying Method | Line Drying is still recommended for longevity. | Air Drying Flat is the only safe option. |
How to Dry a Cooling Blanket in the Dryer (The Right Way)
If your care label gives you the green light for the dryer, follow these steps for the best results:
- Shake it Out: Before placing it in the dryer, give the blanket a good shake. This helps fluff the fibers and prevents them from clumping together.
- Don’t Overload the Dryer: An overcrowded dryer won’t allow the blanket to tumble properly, leading to uneven drying and more wrinkles. For a queen or king-size blanket, it should be the only item in the drum.
- Select the Correct Setting: Always choose the lowest heat setting possible. Low Heat or Permanent Press are excellent choices. The ideal setting is often Air Fluff or No Heat, which uses only room-temperature air to dry the blanket.
- Use Dryer Balls (Optional): Adding a couple of wool dryer balls can help fluff the blanket, separate the fibers, and reduce drying time by improving airflow.
- Check Periodically: Don’t just set it and forget it. Check the blanket every 20-30 minutes. You want it to be completely dry to prevent mildew, but you also want to avoid over-drying it with excessive heat.
- Remove Immediately: Once the cycle is finished, take the blanket out promptly. Shake it out and fold it to prevent new wrinkles from setting in.
The Safe Bet: Alternatives to Machine Drying
When in doubt, air dry. It is the gentlest method and guarantees your cooling blanket will maintain its integrity and functionality for years to come.
- Line Drying: Hang the blanket over a clothesline or a drying rack. This is highly effective for bamboo and cotton blankets, which dry relatively quickly.
- Lay Flat to Dry: Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface (like a bed or a clean towel on the floor). Flip it over halfway through to ensure both sides dry evenly. This is the best method for heavy or delicate blankets.
Final Verdict
So, can you dry a cooling blanket in the dryer?
Yes, but only if the care label explicitly states it is safe to do so, and even then, you must use low or no heat. The convenience of a machine dryer often comes at the cost of your blanket’s long-term performance. Air drying is almost always the recommended and safest method to preserve the cooling technology, softness, and lifespan of your investment.
By treating your cooling blanket with care during the drying process, you ensure many more nights of comfortable, restful sleep.
