What Happens If You Dry a Cooling Blanket?
You’ve invested in a cooling blanket, one of the best innovations for tackling those sweltering Australian summer nights. You’ve enjoyed the blissful, sweat-free sleep it provides. Now, it’s laundry day, and a simple but critical question arises:
You can wash it, but what happens if you dry a cooling blanket?
Can you simply toss it in the dryer with the rest of your bedding?
The answer is crucial, as the wrong move can permanently damage the advanced technology you paid for.
This guide will walk you through exactly what happens when a cooling blanket meets high heat and provide the definitive instructions on caring for your investment, ensuring it keeps you cool for many summers to come.
Understanding the Delicate Technology in Your Blanket
Before we get to the dryer, we must understand why cooling blankets are different. They aren't just thin pieces of fabric but pieces of textile engineering. Many, like the ones designed by Australian brands, use specialized materials such as Japanese Arc-Chill fibers. These fabrics are designed to do two things exceptionally well:
Absorb and Dissipate Heat
The fibers have high thermal conductivity, meaning they actively pull heat away from your skin, creating that signature cool-to-the-touch sensation.
Wick Away Moisture
They are incredibly breathable and designed to draw sweat away from your body, allowing it to evaporate quickly and prevent that clammy, uncomfortable feeling
This technology is delicate. These fibers' unique structure and properties make the blanket effective, and they are highly vulnerable to heat.
What High Heat of Dryer Does to Your Cooling Blanket
Drying a cooling blanket in a conventional dryer on a standard heat setting is the fastest way to ruin it. The high temperatures trigger a series of destructive events within the fabric.
It Destroys the Cooling Fibers
This is the most significant damage. High heat can melt, warp, or break down the specialized cooling fibers. When this happens, their ability to absorb and conduct heat away from your body is permanently diminished or lost entirely. The blanket will no longer feel cool to the touch and will lose its primary function.
It Causes Shrinkage and Distortion
The delicate materials used in cooling blankets are not designed to withstand high temperatures. Heat can cause the fabric to shrink, warp, and lose its shape. Your once perfectly sized blanket can become misshapen and uncomfortable.
It Reduces Breathability and Moisture-Wicking
Heat can also damage the microscopic structure of the weave, reducing the fabric's overall breathability. It can effectively "sear" the fibers, making them less effective at wicking moisture away from your skin. This means you’re more likely to feel clammy and warm, defeating the purpose of the blanket.
It Voids Your Warranty and Wastes Your Money
Improper care, including drying on high heat, will almost certainly void the manufacturer's warranty. You are essentially turning a high-performance bedding into a simple, ineffective sheet.
The Right Way to Dry Your Cooling Blanket: A Step-by-Step Guide
To preserve the cooling technology and extend the life of your blanket, you must follow the correct drying procedures. There is one gold-standard method and one last-resort alternative.
Method 1: Air-Drying (The Best and Safest Method)
This is the universally recommended method for all high-quality cooling blankets
Remove Excess Water:
After washing the cooling blanket on a cold, gentle cycle, gently press or squeeze out any excess water. Do not wring or twist the blanket, as this can stretch and damage the fibers.
Find a Shaded, Ventilated Area:
Hang the blanket on a clothesline or lay it flat on a large, clean surface like a drying rack.
Avoid Direct Sunlight:
It is critical to dry the blanket in the shade. Direct UV rays from the sun can degrade and damage the delicate cooling fibers over time, just as high heat can.
Allow Ample Time:
Because you're not using heat, air-drying will take longer, typically between 4 to 8 hours, depending on humidity and airflow. Be patient; a fully dry blanket is essential to prevent mildew.
Method 2: Using a Dryer (With Extreme Caution)
Only use this method if the care label explicitly allows it and you have no other option.
Use a "No Heat" or "Air-Dry" Setting ONLY:
Select the cycle on your dryer that uses unheated, room-temperature air to tumble the blanket. Never use a low-heat setting, as even this can be too warm for the delicate fibers.
Remove While Slightly Damp:
Do not let the cycle run to completion. Take the blanket out when it is about 80-90% dry and finish the process by air-drying it for an hour or two. This minimizes the risk of heat exposure and over-drying.
Read More - Best Cooling Weighted Blanket to Buy in Australia
Protect Your Investment with Pain Free Aussies
At Pain Free Aussies, we don’t just sell products; we provide solutions for a more comfortable life. We understand the advanced technology that goes into our bedding collection and are committed to helping our customers get the most out of their investment.
Proper care is essential for longevity, and our range is designed with both performance and practicality in mind. Choosing a high-quality blanket and caring for it correctly ensures countless nights of calm, restorative sleep.
Explore our collection to find the perfect solution for your sleep needs.
The Pain Free Aussies Collection: Designed for Comfort
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Aussie Ice Cooling Calming Blanket: This is our premier solution for the hottest Australian nights, engineered with advanced cooling technology to absorb and dissipate excess body heat.
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Waterproof Intimacy Blankets: Combining premium, soft materials with a completely waterproof barrier, this blanket is designed for functionality and comfort.
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Relaxing Weighted Blanket: Provides the gentle, calming pressure known to reduce restlessness, while still being designed with breathable materials.
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Hug Sleep Wearable Blanket: This innovative wearable blanket provides a gentle, calming compression that mimics the feeling of a hug.
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Bedding Fleece Blanket: Crafted from premium, fluffy soft fleece, it offers a luxurious feel and gentle warmth without being overly heavy.
- Chunky Knit Blanket: A beautiful, handwoven statement piece. The oversized knit provides a comforting weight, while the open weave allows for breathability.
Conclusion: The Simple Secret to a Long-Lasting Cooling Blanket
So, what happens if you dry a cooling blanket?
Using high heat is a recipe for disappointment, resulting in a product that no longer works as intended. The secret to preserving its cooling power lies in gentle care: washing in cold water and, most importantly, always air-drying in the shade. By taking these simple steps, you protect the delicate technology woven into the fabric and ensure your investment continues to pay off with cool, comfortable, and restorative sleep for many Australian summers to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ever use a dryer for my cooling blanket?
It is strongly advised against using any heat. However, if you must, use only the "no heat" or "air-dry" setting on your machine. Never use low, medium, or high heat, as this can permanently damage the cooling fibers.
Why can't I dry my cooling blanket in the sun?
While it seems logical, direct UV rays from the sun can be just as damaging as high heat from a dryer. They can break down the delicate cooling fibers and cause them to lose their effectiveness. Always dry it in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
How long does a cooling blanket take to air-dry?
The time can vary depending on the humidity and airflow in your home, but it typically takes between 4 and 8 hours. To speed it up, ensure the blanket is spread out as much as possible so air can circulate around it.
What's the best way to wash a cooling blanket before drying it?
Always wash it in cold water (below 30°C) on a gentle cycle. It's highly recommended to place it in a laundry net bag to prevent it from getting tangled or snagged. Use a mild detergent and never use bleach or fabric softeners.
Why is fabric softener bad for cooling blankets?
Fabric softeners work by coating the fibers of a fabric with a waxy, lubricating film. On a cooling blanket, this film can clog the pores of the breathable fabric and coat the moisture-wicking fibers, drastically reducing their effectiveness.