How to Care for Photo Blankets: Complete Washing & Maintenance Guide
To care for a photo blanket: (1) machine wash on gentle cycle with cold water, (2) tumble dry on low heat, (3) avoid bleach and fabric softener, (4) store flat or folded. With proper care, custom photo blankets maintain vibrant colors for 5-10+ years.
Photo blankets combine cherished memories with everyday comfort. Whether you received one as a gift or designed your own, proper care ensures your blanket stays soft and vibrant wash after wash.
Key Stats:- Lifespan: 5-10+ years with proper care
- Display Rate: 67% of recipients display photo blankets year-round
- Retention: 89% keep personalized blankets for 5+ years
- Wash Durability: Colors stay vibrant through 50+ washes
- Material: Pill-resistant fleece or plush sherpa
This guide covers everything from routine washing to stain removal and long-term storage.
How Do You Wash a Photo Blanket?
Machine washing works well for most photo blankets. Follow these steps for best results:
Step-by-Step Machine Washing
1. Check the care label - Verify your blanket's specific instructions
2. Turn inside-out - Protects the printed side during washing
3. Use cold water - Hot water can damage sublimation prints
4. Select gentle cycle - Reduces friction and wear
5. Add mild detergent - Skip fabric softener (coats fibers)
6. Wash alone or with like colors - Prevents color transfer
Pro tip: Wash your photo blanket separately the first 1-2 times to ensure no color bleeding.What Settings Should You Use?
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | Cold (60-80F) |
| Cycle type | Gentle/Delicate |
| Spin speed | Low |
| Detergent amount | Half the normal amount |
| Load size | Wash alone or with few items |
How Do You Dry a Photo Blanket?
Proper drying prevents shrinkage and protects print quality.
Tumble Dry Method
1. Remove blanket promptly after wash cycle ends
2. Shake gently to reduce wrinkles
3. Set dryer to low heat (not medium or high)
4. Use dryer balls to improve airflow (optional)
5. Remove while slightly damp to prevent over-drying
6. Lay flat to finish drying if needed
Air Dry Method (Recommended for Sherpa)
For extra plush sherpa blankets, air drying maintains maximum softness:
1. Gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring)
2. Lay flat on a clean, dry surface
3. Flip halfway through drying
4. Allow 12-24 hours for complete drying
5. Fluff gently when dry
Warning: Never hang photo blankets to dry. Hanging causes stretching and distorts the printed image.What Should You Never Do to a Photo Blanket?
Avoid these common mistakes that damage photo blankets:
Products to Avoid
| Product | Why It's Harmful |
|---|---|
| Bleach | Destroys colors and damages fabric fibers |
| Fabric softener | Coats fibers, reduces softness over time |
| Dryer sheets | Leaves residue that dulls colors |
| Dry cleaning chemicals | Can dissolve sublimation ink |
| Stain removers with bleach | Creates permanent discoloration |
Actions to Avoid
- High heat washing or drying - Causes shrinkage and fading
- Wringing or twisting - Stretches fabric and distorts prints
- Ironing directly on print - Melts sublimation ink
- Hanging to dry - Causes stretching and warping
- Overloading washer - Increases friction damage
How Do You Remove Stains from Photo Blankets?
Act quickly for best stain removal results.
General Stain Removal Steps
1. Blot immediately - Don't rub (spreads the stain)
2. Rinse with cold water - From the back of the fabric
3. Apply mild dish soap - Small amount directly on stain
4. Let sit 5-10 minutes - Allows soap to break down stain
5. Rinse thoroughly - Remove all soap residue
6. Machine wash - Follow normal washing instructions
Stain-Specific Solutions
| Stain Type | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Coffee/Tea | Cold water + mild dish soap |
| Wine | Salt to absorb, then cold water rinse |
| Food grease | Dish soap directly on stain, wait 15 minutes |
| Pet accidents | Enzyme cleaner (pet-safe), then wash |
| Makeup | Mild dish soap, gentle scrubbing |
How Do You Prevent Fading on Photo Blankets?
Sublimation printing on quality blankets resists fading, but these tips maximize longevity:
Washing Habits
- Wash only when needed (not after every use)
- Always use cold water
- Turn inside-out before washing
- Use mild, color-safe detergent
- Avoid direct sunlight while drying
Storage Tips
- Keep away from direct sunlight when displayed
- Rotate display position periodically
- Store in cool, dry location
- Use breathable storage bags (not plastic)
What Causes Fading?
| Cause | Prevention |
|---|---|
| UV exposure | Display away from windows, rotate position |
| Hot water | Always wash in cold water |
| Harsh chemicals | Use mild detergent only |
| Over-washing | Wash only when needed |
| High heat drying | Use low heat or air dry |
How Do You Store Photo Blankets?
Proper storage prevents damage during off-seasons or when not in use.
Best Storage Practices
1. Wash before storing - Prevents odors and stains from setting
2. Ensure completely dry - Moisture causes mildew
3. Fold loosely - Tight folds create creases
4. Use breathable container - Cotton bags or acid-free tissue
5. Store flat if possible - Prevents permanent creases
6. Keep in climate-controlled area - Avoid attics and basements
What to Avoid in Storage
- Plastic bags or airtight containers (trap moisture)
- Direct contact with cedar or moth balls (can stain)
- Stacking heavy items on top (compresses fibers)
- Humid or damp environments (causes mildew)
How Often Should You Wash a Photo Blanket?
Frequency depends on usage:
| Usage Pattern | Recommended Washing |
|---|---|
| Daily use (couch throw) | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Occasional use (guest room) | Every 1-2 months |
| Display only | Every 3-6 months (dust removal) |
| Pet blanket | Weekly or as needed |
| Outdoor use | After each outdoor use |
- Visible stains or spots
- Noticeable odor
- Feels less soft than usual
- Allergen concerns (dust, pet dander)
Do Photo Blankets Pill? How Do You Fix Pilling?
Quality photo blankets use pill-resistant fabric, but some pilling can occur with heavy use.
Preventing Pilling
- Wash inside-out on gentle cycle
- Avoid washing with items that have hooks or zippers
- Use low heat drying
- Don't over-dry
Removing Pills
If pilling occurs:
1. Use a fabric shaver (battery-operated works well)
2. Gently glide over pilled areas
3. Don't press too hard (can damage fabric)
4. Work in one direction
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a photo blanket in the washing machine?
Yes. Machine wash on gentle cycle with cold water. Turn the blanket inside-out to protect the printed side. Use mild detergent and avoid bleach or fabric softener.
Do photo blankets fade after washing?
Quality photo blankets use fade-resistant sublimation printing that maintains colors through 50+ washes. Always use cold water and low heat drying to maximize color longevity.
Can you use fabric softener on photo blankets?
No. Fabric softener coats the fibers and reduces softness over time. It can also leave residue that dulls the printed colors. Skip fabric softener entirely.
How do you make a photo blanket soft again?
Wash on gentle cycle with cold water and half the normal detergent amount. Tumble dry on low with dryer balls to restore fluffiness. Air drying sherpa blankets maintains maximum softness.
Can you iron a photo blanket?
Avoid ironing directly on the printed side. If needed, iron on the reverse side using low heat. Better alternatives: tumble dry on low for a few minutes or use a steamer from a distance.
Will bleach ruin a photo blanket?
Yes. Bleach permanently destroys sublimation printing and damages fabric fibers. Never use bleach on photo blankets, even diluted. Use only mild, color-safe detergent.
How long do photo blankets last?
With proper care, photo blankets last 5-10+ years. Quality materials like pill-resistant fleece and fade-resistant printing ensure long-term durability. 89% of recipients keep personalized blankets for 5+ years.
Can you dry clean a photo blanket?
Not recommended. Dry cleaning chemicals can damage sublimation ink and alter fabric texture. Home machine washing on gentle cycle is the safest cleaning method.
Why Custom Envy Photo Blankets Are Easy to Care For
Custom Envy uses premium materials designed for easy maintenance:
- Pill-resistant fabric - Stays smooth wash after wash
- Fade-resistant printing - 300+ DPI sublimation that lasts
- Machine washable - No special cleaning required
- Durable construction - Hemmed edges prevent fraying
- Lifetime warranty - Quality guaranteed
1. Browse custom photo blankets to see size options
2. Start designing now with the online tool
Upload your favorite photos and receive a blanket that stays beautiful for years with simple care.