Can You Wash A Photo Blanket?

By CanvasChamp TeamJanuary, 31 2020June, 02 2025Comment

You open the box and smile. The photo blanket is soft, colorful, and exactly how you imagined. The image feels alive, like the memory was stitched right in. It’s cozy, warm, and already a favorite.

Now the real world calls. The dog curls up on it. Your toddler spills juice. Life happens, and soon, it’s laundry day. You stop and wonder—can you wash a photo blanket without ruining the picture?

Yes, You Can Wash a Photo Blanket—Here’s How

Good news. You can safely wash your photo blanket without ruining the design or fading the image. You just need to follow a few simple care steps to keep it looking new.

The exact method depends on the material—fleece, sherpa, or woven cotton—but the basics are the same.

General Do’s To Wash A Photo Blanket

Use cold water and a gentle cycle
Wash with similar colors
Use mild, bleach-free detergent
Dry on low heat or air fluff
Store in a clean, dry place

General Don’ts To Wash A Photo Blanket

Don’t use bleach or fabric softener
Don’t iron, steam, or dry-clean
Don’t use high heat in the dryer
Don’t wash with rough or bulky fabrics

Want more details based on your blanket type? Keep reading!

Washing Instructions by Blanket Type

Different materials need slightly different care. Here’s how to wash each type of photo blanket to protect the image and keep the fabric feeling fresh.

Fleece Photo Blankets

Fleece is soft, lightweight, and holds printed images really well. To wash a fleece photo blanket:

Machine wash in cold water
Use a gentle or delicate cycle
Avoid bleach and fabric softeners
Tumble dry on low or air fluff
Never iron or steam

Fleece blankets dry quickly and keep their color when washed properly.

Sherpa Photo Blankets

Sherpa blankets have a cozy, plush lining that adds extra warmth. They need similar care to fleece but are more sensitive to heat.

Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle
Use mild detergent without bleach
Dry on the lowest heat setting or air dry
Skip the fabric softener to preserve softness
Do not iron, steam, or dry-clean

Sherpa’s fluffy texture stays intact with gentle care.

Woven Cotton Photo Blankets

Woven blankets have a textured, traditional feel and a more rustic photo finish. These are made of 100% cotton and should be handled gently.

Machine wash in cold water
Use a mild detergent and gentle cycle
Tumble dry low or hang to dry
Avoid bleach, ironing, or stretching the fabric

Woven blankets are durable but do best with minimal heat and agitation.

What Not to Do When Washing a Photo Blanket

To keep your custom blanket looking new and your photo sharp, there are a few things you should always avoid. These mistakes can cause fading, damage the fabric, or ruin the image.

Avoid the Following:

No bleach. It can fade colors and break down fabric fibers.
No fabric softener. It leaves a residue that can dull the image.
No high heat. Hot water or high dryer settings can cause shrinking or image distortion.
No ironing or steaming. Heat may melt synthetic fibers and damage the print.
No dry cleaning. The chemicals used can harm the photo layer.
No rough loads. Don’t wash with heavy or abrasive fabrics like jeans or towels.

A little extra care goes a long way in preserving your personalized blanket. Treat it gently, and it will stay bright and cozy for years to come.

How Often Should You Wash Your Custom Blanket?

There’s no strict rule, but how often you wash your photo blanket depends on how you use it.
If you use it daily—on the couch, in bed, or as pet blanket—it’s a good idea to wash it every two to three weeks. For occasional use or decorative display, washing it once every four to six weeks is enough.

Always wash it if it gets visibly dirty, picks up odors, or is used by someone who’s sick.

The key is to clean it just enough to keep it fresh, without over-washing and wearing down the fibers or image.

How to Prevent Fading, Pilling, and Shrinking?

Worried about your photo collage blanket losing its charm after a few washes? With a few smart habits, you can keep it looking and feeling like new.

To Prevent Fading:

Wash in cold water to preserve the vibrancy of the image
Turn the blanket inside out before washing, if possible
Use a mild, color-safe detergent with no bleach or brighteners
Air dry or use the lowest heat setting to reduce wear on the print

To Avoid Pilling:

Wash with soft, similar fabrics—not with jeans, towels, or items with zippers
Use a laundry bag for extra protection during the wash cycle
Skip fabric softener which can cause buildup and roughen the surface

To Prevent Shrinking:

Avoid hot water and high dryer heat
Use the delicate or air-dry setting
Hang dry when possible to keep the blanket’s shape

These simple steps help extend the life of your blanket and keep the photo as crisp as the day you got it.

Choosing the Right Fabric: Fleece vs Sherpa vs Woven

Feature	Fleece	Sherpa	Woven Cotton
Feel	Soft, smooth, lightweight	Plush, fluffy, cozy	Textured, thick, classic
Warmth	Moderate	High	Light to moderate
Image Quality	Sharp, vibrant colors	Slightly muted due to texture	Artistic, vintage-style
Care Level	Easy to wash and dry	Gentle drying required	Gentle wash, hang or low tumble dry
Best For	Everyday use, kids, gifts	Cold weather, extra coziness	Keepsakes, rustic or decorative displays

Questions For Picture Blankets:

Can I machine wash a photo blanket?

Yes, you can. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a mild detergent. Make sure to skip bleach and fabric softener to keep the image looking sharp.

Will my photo fade after washing?

If you follow the care instructions, your photo blanket should not fade. Always wash in cold water and dry on low heat or air fluff to protect the image.

What detergent should I use for a custom blanket?

Use a mild, bleach-free detergent. Look for options that are labeled “gentle” or “free & clear” to avoid harsh chemicals that can affect fabric or print quality.

Can I put my photo blanket in the dryer?

Yes, but use the lowest heat setting or an air-dry cycle. High heat may cause shrinking or weaken the image over time.

Should I hand wash or machine wash?

Machine washing is safe as long as you use the right settings. Hand washing is optional but not necessary for most blanket types.

Design Your Own Custom Photo Blanket Today

Your memories deserve more than a spot on your phone. Turn them into something cozy, personal, and unforgettable. With CanvasChamp, creating your own photo blanket is quick and easy.

Upload your favorite photo, choose your fabric, and customize the layout to match your style. Your blanket will be made with care. It can be a gift, a keepsake, or your favorite snuggle buddy.

Ready to get started? Create Your Photo Blanket!