How to Wash a Weighted Blanket According To Experts

Weighted blankets are amazing for providing comfort, reducing anxiety, and promoting better sleep. These cozy blankets offer a gentle pressure that mimics the feeling of a warm and comforting embrace.

Unfortunately though, with regular use, they can accumulate dirt, oils, and odors, requiring proper cleaning to maintain their effectiveness and hygiene.

While cleaning a weighted blanket may seem unfamiliar and complex, the process is simple. Depending on the care label instructions of your weighted blanket, you can hand or machine-wash it with the appropriate cleaning solution.

How Often Do You Need to Wash a Weighted Blanket?

How often you wash your blanket depends on how often it’s used.

If you use the blanket every night while sleeping, wash it once every few weeks to prevent the build-up of sweat and body oils. If you only use it occasionally as a lap blanket on the couch or at a desk, cleaning your blanket three to four times per year should suffice.

Frequently washing a weighted blanket can affect its feel and durability. You may be able to prolong the life of your blanket by investing in a cover that can be easily removed and washed. In general, a weighted blanket should be replaced every 5 years. But, with proper care, you may be able to enjoy your blanket for even longer.

How to Machine Wash a Weighted Blanket?

✨ Whenever spills or stains happen, spot-clean the blanket as needed using a toothbrush dipped in a cleaning solution. To make the cleaning solution, mix warm water and mild detergent in a bowl. Immediate spot cleaning will help keep your blanket clean between washings.
✨ If you’ve determined that your blanket is less than 20 pounds and is machine-washable, place it in your washer. Set it on a gentle wash cycle, using cool water and mild detergent.
✨ To dry your weighted blanket, place it in the dryer using the low-heat setting. The process is surprisingly speedy since glass and plastic pellets don’t readily absorb water. Stop the cycle and fluff the blanket periodically to make sure it dries evenly, or air-dry the blanket on a large, clean, flat surface. These specialized blankets take about 24 to 48 hours to air dry completely. To speed up the drying process, turn the blanket every four hours.

How to Hand Wash a Weighted Blanket?

✨ Mix cold water with a mild, bleach-free laundry detergent in a large sink or bathtub. You’ll need ample space to wash your weighted blanket. Shake the water around to evenly distribute the detergent.
✨ Add the blanket to the soapy water mixture, ensuring all parts get wet. Let it soak for 10 to 30 minutes, up to an hour.
✨ Gently scrub any areas on the blanket that are particularly dirty. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush.
✨ Rinse the blanket with cold water until the water is clear, making sure no soap suds are left. Lay the blanket flat on a large, clean surface to air dry. Be sure it’s completely dry before using it again—remember, this can take one or two days. Turn the blanket every few hours to speed up the process.

How to Properly Dry a Weighted Blanket?

You should always hang dry a weighted blanket as opposed to running it through the machine. To air dry, lay the blanket out flat, which can be done either on the floor or on a large drying rack that can support the blanket’s weight.

If you are laying it out flat on the floor, you should place a sheet or a plastic sheet down first, to keep it clean. Keep the blanket in a well-ventilated area and regularly shake it out to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.

Check on the blanket every so often while it is drying and turn it over on the rack to expose both sides equally. Continue this until it is completely dry.

How to Keep Your Weighted Blanket Clean Longer?

Just because it’s safe to machine wash a weighted blanket from the comfort of your laundry room doesn’t mean it’s foolproof. Try these tips to help your blanket stay clean and last longer.
✨ To cut down on the frequency of washes, it’s recommended to use a removable duvet cover. You can wash the cover more frequently and protect the weighted blanket.
✨ You can also dry clean your specialized blanket, just take it to a professional dry cleaner and follow their care instructions for best results.
✨ Put away the blanket after each use. Don’t use your blanket as a bed cover. Fold it up and set it aside after using it.
✨ Avoid eating on the weighted blanket. To prevent spills or stains, don’t eat while sitting on the blanket.
✨ Spot-clean your blanket as soon as you notice any spills or stains. Stain removers will help keep the spots from setting in.
✨ If you have pets that sleep on your bed, use a lint roller at least weekly to clean pet hair and dander. And be sure that pets sleep on top of a weighted blanket, as it may be too heavy otherwise.
✨ Gently fold or roll your blanket and place it on a shelf in your closet or cover it with the storage bag that came with it. Weighted blankets can be stored similarly to quilts, duvets, or comforters.
✨ If you notice that your weighted blanket has any rips or tears, sew them shut to prevent them from getting larger. Repair the cover separately from the blanket.

FAQs

What is inside weighted blankets?

The fill inside of a weighted blanket, what makes a weighted blanket heavy, may include microfiber beads, sand, steel beads, pebbles, or grains. These fillers help provide a sense of comfort and calmness by applying gentle pressure, potentially promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.

Is it OK to use a weighted blanket every night?

It is completely okay to sleep with a weighted blanket every night, as long as you don’t have any underlying health conditions such as sleep apnea or asthma.

Can we wash a blanket in a 7kg washing machine?

Most machines can handle around 7 kg. If your blanket is 7 kg or less, load it in! If your weighted blanket is too heavy for the machine, you’ll need to hand wash it.

How do you wash a weighted blanket with glass beads?

If your weighted blanket is filled with glass or metal beads, it’s most likely machine washable. You should use a mild detergent and machine wash on a gentle cycle. Some care instructions call for cold or warm water (never hot water!) and some suggest cold water only.

For more cleaning tips and tricks for around the house, check out our blog. If you’re looking for some help around the house or even apartment cleaning services in Boston, give us a call or check us out online and book your services today!