Matelasse Throw Care: Washing and Storage Tips
By Luxury American-Made Bedding & Towels - Red Land Cotton | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to wash and store a matelasse throw to keep its texture and shape. Practical steps for cotton matelasse blankets, plus common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
Wash your matelasse throw in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air-dry flat to preserve the woven texture. Store it folded in a breathable cotton bag away from direct sunlight.
Why matelasse needs special care
Matelasse throws have a raised, woven pattern that gives them their quilted look. That texture comes from the weave, not a separate filling, so it can flatten or distort if handled too roughly. Washing and drying with heat can shrink or crush the pattern, which is why gentle methods matter.
Cotton matelasse is durable, but the woven texture can snag or lose its puffiness if you use harsh cycles or high heat. Knowing the difference between normal wear and damage helps you adjust your routine before a small issue becomes permanent.
Step-by-Step Matelasse Throw Care
- Check the care label: Before anything, read the care tag on your matelasse throw. It gives the manufacturer's specific instructions for water temperature, drying, and ironing. Following it prevents accidental shrinkage or damage. If the label is missing, default to cold water and low heat.
- Wash with cold water on a gentle cycle: Use cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle in your washing machine. Add a mild detergent without bleach or fabric softener. Wash the throw alone or with similar light-colored cotton items to avoid color transfer. Skip fabric softener; it can coat the cotton fibers and reduce absorbency.
- Dry flat or on low heat: Remove the throw promptly after the cycle. Lay it flat on a clean, dry surface or tumble dry on the lowest heat setting. Avoid high heat, which can shrink cotton and distort the matelasse texture. Check the throw while drying and take it out slightly damp to avoid over-drying.
- Store folded in a breathable cotton bag: Fold the throw neatly and place it in a breathable cotton storage bag or on a shelf away from direct sunlight. Avoid plastic bins that trap moisture and can cause mildew. Add a cedar block or lavender sachet to deter moths without chemical smell.
Product Spotlight
- Powder Blue Matelasse Throw - Last Chance + Final Sale!: This Powder Blue Matelasse Throw is woven with 100% cotton from our family farm in North Alabama and crafted in Maine by artisans who have been making this style since 1850. Because it is 100% cotton and made with traditional techniques, it responds well to gentle washing and air drying, which helps preserve its signature textured weave.
Powder Blue Matelasse Throw - Last Chance + Final Sale!
