Weighted blankets have become increasingly popular because they provide comfort and promote relaxation. However, many people are unsure how to wash a weighted blanket properly.

This blog post discusses hand-washing a weighted blanket and some valuable tips and precautions to ensure a clean and fresh result. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Your Weighted Blanket

Before learning how to wash a weighted blanket, it’s essential to understand the materials and construction of your specific blanket. Most weighted blankets contain either glass beads or plastic pellets for the desired weight.

Additionally, these blankets come with a removable cover, which can be washed separately. The washing instructions for your weighted blanket depend on these factors, so always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Preparing for Hand Washing

When it comes to washing a weighted blanket, hand washing is an ideal method for many weighted blankets. To begin hand washing, gather the following supplies:

• A large tub or basin
• Cold or warm water
• Gentle laundry detergent
• A soft cloth or sponge

Avoid fabric softeners, which can leave residue on your blanket and reduce effectiveness.

Washing Your Weighted Blanket

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash a weighted blanket by hand:

1. Fill your tub or basin with cold or warm water, depending on the washing instructions provided for your blanket. Generally, cold water is recommended for weighted blankets with plastic pellets, while warm water suits those with glass beads. Remember to read the cleaning instructions to ensure when to use cold water correctly.
2. Mix well with a small amount of gentle laundry or a mild detergent in the water. Choose one that does not contain harmful chemicals, like bleach, chlorine, and fabric softener, that can damage your blanket’s fabric.
3. Submerge your weighted blanket in the water, ensuring the entire blanket is wet. Gently agitate the blanket using your hands or a soft cloth to help loosen any dirt or debris. You want to try to imitate the spin cycle of a washing machine.
4. Drain the soapy water, and then fill the tub with fresh, cold, or warm water to rinse the blanket. Repeat this process until you remove all soap residue.
5. Gently squeeze out any excess water from your weighted blanket. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can damage the blanket’s materials.

Drying Your Weighted Blanket

Air drying is the best method for most weighted blankets, as it helps preserve the integrity of the materials. Here are some tips for drying your freshly laundered blanket:

• Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface or hang it over a sturdy railing.
• Ensure the blanket is fully supported to prevent stretching or damage.
• Allow the blanket to air dry completely before using or storing it.

Avoid using hot water, as it can cause shrinkage or damage to the materials. If you must use a dryer, opt for a low or medium setting and thoroughly dry the blanket before use.

Caring for Removable Covers and Duvet Covers

If your weighted blanket has a removable cover or comes with a duvet cover, you can wash them separately according to their specific care instructions. You can machine wash these covers gently with cold or warm water and a gentle detergent.

Things to Avoid When Washing Your Weighted Blankets

Hand washing a weighted blanket can be an effective way to keep it clean and well-maintained, but there are certain things to avoid to ensure you don’t inadvertently damage the blanket.

• Avoid hot water: Hot water can cause shrinkage and damage the blanket’s materials. In hand washed, wash your weighted blanket carefully and use cold or warm water, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Don’t use fabric softeners: These softeners can leave residue on your weighted blanket, affecting its effectiveness. Stick to gentle laundry detergent or mild detergent for the best results.
• Never wring or twisting the blanket: Wringing or twisting the blanket can damage its materials and compromise its structure. Gently squeeze out excess water instead.
• Don’t use harsh detergents: Harsh detergents can damage the fibers of your weighted blanket and reduce its lifespan.
• Avoid drying in direct sunlight: While air drying is recommended for most weighted blankets, direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade and materials to degrade. Dry your blanket in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.

When to Consider Machine Wash

Although hand washing is a preferred method for many weighted blankets, there are times when machine washing might be a more practical option. Choosing a washing machine for your weighted blanket depends on several factors, including materials, construction, and size.

Regarding materials, if it contains glass, plastic, or steel beads—or is chunky knit—it is machine washable. However, if the fillers in the blanket are rice, beans, or grains, then dry cleaning is the best option.

Blankets with both glass microbeads and plastic poly pellets should be safe in a machine, but it’s a good idea to consult the care tag on your blanket just to be sure,”

Before washing, check the care label instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some blankets are machine washable, while others may require a light wash setting.

1. Heavy blankets: Washing large or heavy blankets by hand can be challenging. In such cases, using a washing machine can save time and effort while still providing a thorough cleaning.
2. Stains: If your weighted blanket has stubborn stains, a wash cycle in a washing machine, along with a stain remover, can be more effective at removing them. Be sure to apply the stain remover per the product instructions and choose a gentle cycle to avoid damaging the blanket.
3. Scratchy feel: A machine wash may help redistribute the filling and restore its original softness if your blanket feels scratchy or uncomfortable after hand washing.

Following precautions to protect your blanket is essential when using a washing machine. For instance, opt for a front-loading commercial machine in a laundry room instead of a top-loading one, as it provides more space and is gentler on the blanket. Choose a delicate or gentle wash cycle with appropriate water temperature and use a mild detergent.

After washing, avoid hanging the blanket to dry, which can cause the filling to clump. Instead, use a tumble dry setting on a low heat setting to dry the blanket evenly. If you don’t have access to a tumble dryer, lay the blanket flat to dry, ensuring it’s fully supported to prevent stretching or damage.

Conclusion

Hand washing your weighted blanket is a great way to ensure it stays clean and fresh without causing damage to its materials. Following the steps outlined in this guide and using the appropriate detergents and techniques, you can successfully maintain your weighted blanket for years.

While hand washing is recommended for weighted blankets, there are cases where using washing machines is a more practical option. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure the longevity of your weighted blanket.

Proper care and maintenance of your weighted blanket will help prolong its lifespan and ensure that it continues to provide the comfort and relaxation you desire.

So, the next time you need to wash a weighted blanket, follow these simple steps to achieve a clean, fresh, and well-preserved blanket that will continue to support your well-being and relaxation. Happy washing.