If you have a weighted blanket, you know how comfortable it can be. But what happens when it gets dirty? Can you wash it in the washing machine? Can you dry clean it? How often should you wash it? In this article, we will answer all of these questions and more, so you can keep your weighted blanket clean and fresh.
First things first, can you wash a weighted blanket in the washing machine? The answer is yes, but it depends on the type of weighted blanket you have. If your blanket is filled with glass beads, you can wash it in the washing machine. However, if it is filled with plastic pellets or other materials, you may need to hand wash it instead.
So, how often should you wash your weighted blanket? It’s recommended to wash it once every few months, or as needed if it gets dirty or stained. However, be careful not to wash it too often, as this can damage the weighted filling and affect the blanket’s effectiveness. With that said, let’s dive into the different ways you can wash your weighted blanket, depending on the type of filling it has.
Preparation job
Before you start washing your weighted blanket, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. This will help ensure that you have everything you need and that the washing process goes smoothly.
Gather Supplies
Here are the supplies you’ll need to wash your weighted blanket:
- Mild detergent: Choose a gentle detergent that is free of bleach and fabric softeners. This will help protect the fabric and keep it looking new.
- A weighted blanket cover: Friction is the enemy you want to avoid.
- Large washing machine: Make sure you have access to a large washing machine that can accommodate your weighted blanket. If your blanket is over 15 pounds, you may need to take it to a laundromat to wash it in an industrial machine.
- Dryer or drying rack: Depending on the care instructions for your blanket, you may be able to tumble dry it on low or you may need to air dry it on a drying rack.
- Stain remover: If your blanket has any stains, you may want to pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing.
- Fabric softener (optional): Some people like to use fabric softener to make their blankets feel softer and more comfortable. However, if your blanket has a cover, it may not be necessary to use fabric softener.
Once you have all of these supplies, you’re ready to start washing your weighted blanket. Just be sure to follow the care instructions carefully to avoid damaging the fabric or filling.
Washing Your Weighted Blanket
When it comes to washing your weighted blanket, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the blanket. Most weighted blankets come with one of the following instructions: machine wash and dry, hand wash, or spot clean.
Use a cover
The first step in ensuring a long life for your weighted blanket is protecting it from unnecessary wear.
Keeping it put away until you are ready to use it helps a lot. But just as a tablecloth protects your dining room table, a pillowcase protects your pillows, or a slipcover protects your sofa, a protective fabric barrier on your weighted blanket will protect it from damage, dirt, and wear.
Many retailers offer an optional cover, and some are actually sold as a two-part system, with the weighted blanket slipping inside a pillowcase-like cover.
The weighted blanket itself is typically made of 100% cotton fabric with stitched pockets of weighted beads, either polyester or glass. Most are washable but require special care. The outer covers that protect them are designed to be easily washed and dried and are usually a minky polyester or cotton print.
Why a cover is recommended
Fabric items become ruined when they are stained, torn, dirty beyond redemption, or worn out. By keeping a cover on the weighted inner blanket, which is the expensive part of the system, you protect it from getting stained or torn.
As for deteriorating, the fabric becomes threadbare from handling or decays due to age. You can’t do anything about age, and let’s be honest, if your weighted blanket deteriorates from age, that’s a good thing. It means it lasted long enough to get old.
Friction is the enemy you want to avoid. Washing is hard on fabric because getting it clean requires rubbing it back and forth against itself or something else.
Machine drying weakens fabric by taking off tiny bits of material, which you recognize as lint in the filter, and it becomes easier to tear as less and less material remains. This is true of any tumble drying, even without heat, but heated air is much harder on the fabric.
Machine Washing Your Weighted Blanket
If your weighted blanket is machine washable, follow these steps:
- Check the care tag to make sure it is machine-washable. If it’s not, you risk damaging the blanket.
- If it’s under 15 pounds, you can wash it at home on a gentle cycle, using cool water and mild detergent. For blankets over 15 pounds, bring it to a laundromat to wash it in an industrial machine.
- Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the blanket’s fabric and reduce its effectiveness.
- Choose a light or medium dryer setting and periodically fluff the blanket while it’s drying. Avoid high heat, as this can damage the blanket’s filling.
- Once the blanket is dry, check it for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice any damage, repair it before using the blanket again.
Remember that machine washing your weighted blanket can cause wear and tear, so it’s essential to wash it only when necessary.
Inner blanket
The most common recommendation for cleaning the inner blanket is to machine wash on a gentle cycle or hand wash and air dry. But what is the best way to do that?
If you have a good washer with a gentle or hand wash cycle that you trust, go ahead and machine wash the inner blanket, provided that is one of the choices listed by the manufacturer.
Use the spin cycle to get out as much moisture as you can, because you will probably want to air or line dry and the less wet it is to start, the shorter the drying time.
Another option, especially if you have a small or top-loading washer and you have a relatively large blanket, is to take it to the laundromat and use a machine provided for oversized items.
Hand Washing Your Weighted Blanket
If your weighted blanket is not machine washable, you can hand wash it using these steps:
- Fill your bathtub with cool water and add a mild detergent.
- Submerge the entire blanket in the tub, squeeze the water through it, and let it sit for up to an hour.
- Drain the tub and refill it with clean water to rinse the blanket.
- Squeeze out the excess water and hang the blanket to dry. Avoid using high heat or direct sunlight, as this can damage the blanket’s fabric and filling.
- Once the blanket is dry, check it for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice any damage, repair it before using the blanket again.
Spot Cleaning Your Weighted Blanket
If your weighted blanket only needs spot cleaning, follow these steps:
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water to create a cleaning solution.
- Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently dab the stained area.
- Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air dry.
- Once the area is dry, check it for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice any damage, repair it before using the blanket again.
Remember that spot-cleaning your weighted blanket is only suitable for small stains. If your blanket is heavily soiled, it’s best to machine wash or hand wash it.
In conclusion, washing your weighted blanket is essential to keep it clean and hygienic. By following the manufacturer’s instructions and using the right washing method, you can ensure that your blanket lasts for years to come.
Drying Your Weighted Blanket
After washing your weighted blanket, it’s important to dry it properly to maintain its shape and weight distribution. Here are some tips on how to dry your weighted blanket:
Machine Drying Your Weighted Blanket
If your weighted blanket is filled with micro glass beads, it can be machine-dried in a low-heat setting. However, if your blanket is filled with other materials like plastic pellets or sand, it’s best to air dry it to prevent the filling from melting or clumping together.
When machine-drying your weighted blanket, it’s important to use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the fabric or the filling. To prevent the blanket from bunching up, add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer. This will help distribute the weight of the blanket evenly and keep it fluffy.
If you’re unsure whether your weighted blanket can be machine-dried, check the care instructions on the label or contact the manufacturer for advice.
Air Drying Your Weighted Blanket
If your weighted blanket can’t be machine-dried, air drying is the best option. To air dry your blanket, lay it flat on a clean surface, such as a drying rack or a clean towel. Avoid hanging your weighted blanket to dry, as this can cause the filling to shift and create uneven weight distribution.
Make sure to flip your blanket over every few hours to ensure that both sides dry evenly. Depending on the size and weight of your blanket, it may take several hours or even a full day to dry completely.
Can You Dry Clean a Weighted Blanket?
While some weighted blankets may be labeled as dry clean only, it’s generally not recommended to dry clean them. The harsh chemicals used in dry cleaning can damage the fabric and the filling of the blanket, and may even alter its weight distribution.
Instead, it’s best to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and wash your weighted blanket at home using a gentle detergent and a delicate cycle. If you’re unsure about how to wash your blanket, contact the manufacturer for advice.
Caring Your Weighted Blanket
Taking care of your weighted blanket is essential to ensure it lasts a long time and continues to provide you with the benefits you need. Here are some tips on how to maintain your weighted blanket.
How Often to Wash Your Weighted Blanket?
It’s important to keep your weighted blanket clean, but you don’t want to wash it too often. Overwashing can cause the filling to break down, leading to a less effective blanket. So, how often should you wash your weighted blanket? It depends on how often you use it and your personal preference.
If you use your weighted blanket every day, it’s a good idea to wash it once a month. If you use it less often, you can wash it every two to three months. Of course, if you spill something on it or notice it’s dirty, you should wash it right away.
When washing your weighted blanket, make sure to follow the care instructions on the tag. Most weighted blankets can be machine washed, but some may require hand washing or dry cleaning. Be sure to use a gentle detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can damage the filling.
If your blanket is too heavy to wash in your home machine, take it to a laundromat or professional cleaner. They will have the equipment needed to handle the weight and size of your blanket.
Overall, taking care of your weighted blanket is easy and will help ensure it lasts for years to come. By following these simple tips, you can keep your blanket clean and in good condition, so you can continue to enjoy its benefits.
