How To Wash A Weighted Blanket – Get It Clean and Cozy!

Who wants to come home after all day’s hard work and wrap himself with a dirty blanket? That would be a disaster, isn’t it? Not only that, bad stench will come from your body if you regularly use a dirty blanket. So don’t compromise with keeping your weighted blanket clean for both coziness and hygiene. In this article, we’re gonna explore how to wash a weighted blanket and how to take proper care of it. 

Key Takeaways

1. Follow the care label meticulously and wash your weighted blanket as per instructions.
2. Depending on beading materials, washing methods vary for weighted blankets.
3. Use mild detergent and strictly avoid using bleaching in weighted blankets.
4. While using the washing machine, be sure to use lower spin and gentle cycle.
5. Shake and fluff periodically while drying to get an even distribution of fillers.

How To Wash A Weighted Blanket – Step By Step Guide

A weighted blanket is a very delicate type of comforter which needs special care while cleaning. There are some specific cautions before and during washing such types of blankets. These instructions are usually mentioned in the care tag of the blanket. You need to be very careful while drying the blanket as well.

Check Blankets Washability  Before Wash

Here is a step-by-step guide of how to wash a weighted blanket –

Collect Pre-washing Information From Care Label

Here are the things you need to know before washing a weighted blanket. You will get all these information from the care label provided with the blanket –

• What type of filler is used in your weighted blanket?
• What is the composition and material of the blanket cover?
• Is your weighted blanket machine washable? If it weighs below 15lbs, then you can wash it on a washing machine by yourself.
• Does it need commercial washing? If it weighs more than 15lbs, go for commercial washing.
• What should be the water temperature?
• What should be the type and amount of detergent?
• Does it need fabric softener?
• What should be the drying process – line drying, tumble drying, or air drying?
• Does it need ironing?
• How to store a weighted blanket?

Washing / Cleaning Procedure

Washing of a weighted blanket can be done mainly in 4 different methods.

Commercial Cleaning

If your blanket weighs more than 14-16 lbs, you won’t be able to handle it in your washing machine. In this case, you need to take it to the laundromat. The reason behind is – this heavyweight blanket will get heavier during washing due to soaking water. Usually, our cleaning home appliances, washing machines don’t have the capacity. 

“If your washing machine’s maximum capacity is 18-20 lbs, you should not wash blankets more than  14-16 lbs”

Machine Washing

While washing the blanket cover you can use the usual washing process, just like a duvet cover and there’s no problem. But, before washing the blanket, you need to be a little more careful about the types of beading used there.

"Note: If your weighted blanket's inside filler is composed of steel beads, rice beads or millet beads, you must not wash it on a washing machine. Washing machine is only applicable for blankets composed with micro glass beads and plastic poly pellets."

A blanket below 15 lbs can be easily washed in the washing machine. Here, some important things to remember. Such as –

• Remove the blanket cover and take the blanket out
• Water you’re gonna use should be lukewarm
• Use such gentle detergent that is bleach free
• Use gentle cycle and lowest spin for washing
• Try not to use fabric softener
• Dry in low or medium setting
• Fluff and shake periodically while drying

Washing Weighted Blanket In Washing Machine

Hand Washing (Sink or Tub Washing)

If you don’t have a washing machine, you can also wash the blanket in a big sink or bathtub.

• First, clean the tub
• Lock the water discharge hole (drain).
• Use tepid water (18°C – 38°C)
• Use mild detergent (1-2 ounces per liter)
• Wash for 30 mins
• Rinse thoroughly 

Spot Cleaning (Stain Removal)

If there’s a specific spot or stain in your blanket, you need to use the spot cleaning method. 

“Spot cleaning is the finest method for those blankets that have organic materials as filler.” 

In this case, you will need to do the following things –

• Use your hand/ a toothbrush or a sponge to clean the blanket
• Use warm water
• Use mild detergent / mild dishwashing soap
• To get better result you may add white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide on the spot
• Rub the spot gently with the toothbrush or sponge

How To Spot Clean A Weighted Blanket

Drying

There are mainly 2 methods of drying for weighted blankets. Firstly, machine drying or tumble drying. If you’re gonna dry it in a dryer use a lower or medium heat setting. Or, else it will shrunken the dimension of the blanket. This will happen due the uneven distribution of filler material across the blanket. After drying, do not wait longer and promptly take it out from the dryer.

Secondly, you can manually dry it in the air drying process. Try not to hang it up or line drying, rather lay your weighted blanket on a clean surface and let it dry in the air. Here, you need to fluff the blanket at a  regular interval and shake it up occasionally. This will ensure the even distribution of filler across the whole blanket.

Drying Of Weighted Blanket 

Ironing

Most weighted blankets do not require ironing. This may damage the texture and dimension of the blanket. You can iron the blanket cover but not the blanket.

Storing

After drying completely, put on the cover to your blanket and store it in a clean safe place. Voila, your weighted blanket is ready for use again.

Warnings & Cautions While Washing & Drying Weighted Blanket

Doesn’t matter what type of bedding used in your blanket or what washing process you are using, you need to follow the following cautions –

• Must not clean your blanket with other clothes in the washing machine
• Do not use hot water to clean your blanket at any cost
• Must not use detergent that have bleaching chemicals
• Do not use fabric softener for your blanket
• Must not use line hung drying
• Don’t rub too hard while washing or else, blanket’s internal filling will be damaged

Watch this for more – 

Special Tips To Keep Your Weighted Blanket Clean

Here are some additional tips or safety measures on how to keep your blanket clean for a long time –

• Avoid having your any type of meals on the bed, specially when you’re wrapped with the blanket
• Strictly avoid drinking any sort of beverages – such as a beer from your beer fridge or tea / coffee on the bed except water
• Don’t let your pets and birds access your bed or couch when the blanket is around
• Make sure the fillers are evenly distributed across the blanket, shake it up occasionally if needed.

Schedule Washing Intervals of a Weighted Blanket

So, now comes a big question – “how often should I clean my weighted blanket? One thing I must warn you is that – don’t clean it way too frequently like – once in a week, or else it’s lifespan will get lower.

Basically, there is no certain routine or schedule of cleaning your weighted blanket. Wash it up, whenever it seems dirty. But, if you ask me how many times you should clean it annually – I would say, 3 to 4 times in a year would do the job. If you wash and keep it clean, your weighted blanket will be durable as much as 5-7 years at least. 

"Washing your blanket once in every 3 months should be enough. To get the maximum output from your blanket use a blanket cover and this will enhance the lifespan of the blanket."

FAQ

Would It Be Safe To Dry A Weighted Blanket Using A Dryer?

Yes, of course. As long as you’re using a low to medium setting in the dryer, it is completely safe. But, make sure to fluff the blanket at a regular interval.

Why Is It Necessary To Take Extra Care of A Weighted Blanket?

Due to the different sorts of beading such as glass beads, plastic pellets and other types are used in a weighted blanket, extra care needs to be taken while washing the blanket. Strong detergent or bleach may damage the construction of the blanket, that’s why you need to be extra careful both while washing and drying the blanket.

Final Words

So, weighted blanket lovers, we’ve reached the end of the article. Hope this guide helps you master the craft of washing a weighted blanket. Keep it clean and keep it cozy!

Read Other Blogs:

What Is Weighted Blanket?! Unraveling the Comfortable Mystery

How Many Watts Does A Mini Fridge Use?

How To Weigh Baby On Kitchen Scale with Care