How to Wash Throw Blankets: Care Guide for Artist-Designed Throws

WASHABLE. Period.

Our throws wash beautifully on cold, tumble dry low. We just don't see the point of making something that doesn't survive life. It's useable art.

Let's be real: these aren't precious textiles you need to baby or dry clean or hand wash in a basin under a full moon. They're designed to be used, lived with, spilled on, curled up under, dragged around by kids, and yes - washed. That's the whole point. 

We wanted to make something beautiful that doesn't require you to change how you actually live.

When we were designing these throws and working with our manufacturer in Queens to figure out materials and construction, washability was right there at the top of the requirements list. Not "can it technically be washed if you're really careful," but "can you throw it in the washing machine with your regular laundry without thinking twice about it."

Because here's what we've learned from years of making products: if something is beautiful but impractical, it just sits there looking pretty and making you feel guilty. That's not what we want for your home or your life. We want you to actually use this thing.

Ready for the complicated multi-step care process? Here it is:

- Toss it in the washing machine

- Set to cold water

- Use your regular detergent

- That's it

- Put it in the dryer

- Set to tumble dry low

- Walk away

Seriously. That's the whole thing.

Cold water is gentler on the fibers and helps maintain the colors over time. It's also better for the environment (less energy to heat the water), so it's a win-win. The high-quality materials we use don't need hot water to get clean - cold water works perfectly.

Low heat is all you need, and it's easier on the fabric over the long run. High heat can be harsh on any textile over time, but low heat gets the job done without unnecessary stress on the fibers. Plus it helps prevent shrinkage (though our throws are pre-shrunk during manufacturing, so you're good either way).

Let's talk about what these throws have actually been through, because we've been testing them for years now - both intentionally and just by living with them.

Blanket forts. Capes. Picnic blankets in the backyard. That thing where kids drag their favorite blanket around the house like a security item. Snack crumbs. Juice spills. All the chaos that comes with small humans. These throws handle it.

Dog hair? Brushes right off or comes out in the wash. Dog naps where they get that cozy blanket directly on your throw? No problem. That slightly damp dog smell after a walk in the rain? Washes right out. We've had dogs sleep on these, shed on these, and generally treat them like their personal property, and the throws are still going strong - as long as they're not chewing on them.

Cats? They're fine too. Your cat can curl up, nap, shed, and claim it as their throne. Just know that if your cat is a serious kneader with claws out, well... no fabric survives that. But gentle cats who just want to loaf on a cozy spot? These throws are perfect for them.

Coffee. Red wine. Chocolate. Mud. Snags from a dog nail. Whatever life throws at your throw (we really need to stop with these puns), here's how to handle it:

1. Blot (don't rub) with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid

2. Rinse with cold water if possible

3. Wash as usual - cold water, tumble dry low4. Most stains will come right out

For stains that have been sitting a while:
1. Pre-treat with a gentle stain remover or a dab of detergent directly on the spot

2. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes

3. Wash as usual

4. Check before drying - if the stain is still there, treat again before putting it in the dryer (heat can set stains)

Here's the truth: these are knitted throws, and knitted fabric can snag. It's not a defect, it's just the nature of knit construction. A dog nail, a rough edge on furniture, or even a zipper can catch a loop and pull it out. But the good news? Most snags are fixable.

For small snags: Gently stretch and manipulate the fabric around the snag, working it from different directions. Often the loop will work itself back into the weave on its own. Think of it like coaxing it back into place rather than forcing it.

For bigger snags: Use a small crochet hook or blunt needle to carefully pull the snagged loop back through to the wrong side of the throw. Work it gently between the knit layers - you're essentially tucking it back into the structure of the fabric where it belongs. Don't pull too hard or you might create more issues. Patience is key here.

What NOT to do: Don't cut the snag. Seriously. Cutting can unravel the knit or create a hole. Just work it back in.

- Harsh bleach (it can damage the fibers and fade the colors)

- Dry cleaning (unnecessary and expensive)

If you're rotating throws seasonally (which, fair), here's how to store them:

Clean First: Always wash before storing. You don't want any oils, dirt, or stains sitting on the fabric for months.

Fold Loosely: No need to vacuum seal or anything dramatic. Just fold it loosely and store in a cool, dry place. A shelf in your closet works great.

Avoid Plastic Bags: Textiles need to breathe. If you want to protect it from dust, use a cotton storage bag or just a pillowcase.

Skip the Mothballs: Our throws don't have wool (unless we specifically make a wool version), so moths aren't interested. Plus mothballs smell terrible and that smell lingers.

Here's something we love about quality textiles: they actually get better with age. Not worse. Better.

Brand new, these throws are already soft. But after a few washes, they get even softer. The fibers relax and settle, and there's this lived-in quality that makes them even cozier. It's like how your favorite jeans feel better after you've worn them a few times.

We have throws that have been washed dozens of times. They're still soft. They're still vibrant. They're still structurally sound. The knit actually gets a little tighter and softer with use - the weave settles and becomes more cohesive. You might see minimal pilling in high-friction areas (totally normal and easily removed with a fabric shaver), but overall they maintain their structure beautifully.

The colors might mellow very slightly over time (that's just what happens with textiles that actually get used), but they don't fade dramatically or look worn out.

That's the difference between fast-fashion home goods and things that are actually built to last.

With proper care (which, again, is just washing them normally), you should expect these throws to last for years of regular use and washing. These are investment pieces designed for the long haul, not disposable home goods you replace every season.

Like any textile, these will eventually show wear if you use them daily for years. You might see:
- Very slight fading of colors (emphasis on "very slight")

- Minor pilling in high-friction areas (can be removed with a fabric shaver)

- General softening and relaxation of the weave

But we're talking about end-of-life issues after years and years of use, not things that happen after a few months. These are investment pieces that are meant to be part of your home for the long haul.

We could have made these cheaper. We could have used lower-quality materials, overseas manufacturing with less oversight, and sold them for half the price. But then they'd last half as long (or less), and you'd end up buying another one, and another one, and another one.

That's not sustainable - financially for you, or environmentally for the planet.

Making durable, washable, liveable things is part of our commitment to creating products that are actually better for people and the planet. One throw that lasts years is better than multiple throws that each last a season.

Cold water. Tumble dry low. Done.

That's literally the whole thing. No special detergents, no hand washing, no dry cleaning bills, no complicated processes. Just regular laundry.

Because we don't see the point of making something beautiful that you can't actually live with. These throws are meant to be used, washed, lived with, and loved. The fact that they're artist-designed and carefully made in small batches in NYC doesn't make them precious - it makes them durable enough to deserve the investment.

Ready to add artist-designed functional art to your home? Shop the throw collection or follow us on Instagram @tuxberryandwhit to see behind-the-scenes of our design process.