Always check the care label first. Wool throws should be washed on a wool programme or by hand in cold water with wool detergent, and mustn't go in the tumble dryer. Cotton throws can take more and can often be machine washed at a low to medium temperature. Air the throw rather than washing it too often, dry it flat, and store it clean.
Contents
A good throw is one of those things that makes a sofa or bed extra cosy. With a bit of care, it'll keep its colour, shape and softness for years. How you look after it depends first and foremost on the material – wool and cotton need to be treated differently.
Start with the care label
Before you do anything at all, find the care label. It tells you what temperature and programme the throw can take, and whether it can even be machine washed at all. The care label always takes precedence over general advice, since blends and special treatments may require something different.
Caring for wool throws
Wool is a natural material that's sensitive to heat and vigorous mechanical movement. If you wash it wrong, the wool can felt and shrink.
- Choose a wool programme or hand wash in cold water.
- Use a mild wool detergent without enzymes.
- Don't rub or wring the throw hard.
- Keep it out of the tumble dryer – the heat felts the wool.
Tip: Often a wool throw doesn't need washing at all, just airing. Hang it out in fresh, humid air for a few hours, and most odours will disappear by themselves, since wool is naturally self-cleaning.
Caring for cotton throws
Cotton is sturdier and can handle rougher treatment than wool. Most cotton throws can be machine washed at a low to medium temperature according to the care label. Use an ordinary, mild detergent, and avoid overfilling the machine so the throw has room to be properly rinsed. Cotton can shrink a little at high heat, so keep the temperature down if you want to be on the safe side.
Air rather than wash
Regardless of material, frequent washing wears on a throw more than the use itself does. Give the throw a good shake and air it outdoors instead of washing it every time it's used a little. That way it lasts longer and keeps its texture. Small stains can often be spot-cleaned rather than washing the whole throw.
Drying and storage
Dry wool throws flat in particular, so they don't stretch out of shape under their own weight while wet. Lay the throw out on a dry towel, shape it, and let it air dry. Once it's completely dry, it can be folded up and stored somewhere dry. Never put a throw away while it's damp or dirty – that can cause both odour and mould.
Wool versus cotton
| Condition | Wool throw | Cotton throw |
|---|---|---|
| Wash | Wool programme or hand wash, cold | Machine wash, low-medium temperature |
| Detergent | Mild wool detergent | Ordinary mild detergent |
| Tumble dryer | No | Often not recommended – check the label |
| Drying | Flat | Flat or hanging |
| Sturdiness | Delicate | More robust |
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash my throw?
As rarely as possible. Frequent washing wears it out more than use does. Shake and air the throw instead, and only wash it once it's visibly dirty or smells.
Can a wool throw go in the tumble dryer?
No. Heat in the tumble dryer causes wool to felt and shrink. Always dry a wool plaid flat on a towel.
Can I machine wash a cotton plaid?
Usually, yes, at a low to medium temperature and according to the wash label. Avoid overfilling the machine, and keep the temperature down to avoid shrinkage.
What detergent should I use for wool?
Use a mild wool detergent without enzymes. Ordinary detergent can be too harsh and damage the wool fibres.
What's the best way to store a plaid?
Folded up in a dry place, and only when it's clean and completely dry. A damp or dirty plaid can develop odours and mould during storage.
Summary
Caring for a plaid starts with the wash label. Wool needs a wool programme or hand washing in cold water with wool detergent and never a tumble dryer, while cotton can withstand more and can often be machine washed at a low temperature. Air the plaid rather than washing it too often, dry it flat, and only put it away once it's clean and completely dry, so it will last for many years.
Read also
- How do you wash wool?
- How do you care for your hand-tufted rug?
- The difference between a bedspread, a plaid and a rug
Find soft plaids at Dims Studio: explore our selection of plaids.
