How to Wash a Weighted Blanket? If you, like us, love weighted blankets, then giving them proper care becomes necessary. Weighted blankets have many benefits. However, you can treat them like regular blankets, which may scare some people. However, once you learn how to wash a weighted blanket properly, you realize not rocket science.
Weighted blankets are sought after for their potential benefits for sleep health. Some users find that using a weighted blanket helps with insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. While weighted blankets have grown in popularity, they will inevitably need cleaning if you feel ready to invest in one.
Blankets generally absorb body oils and sweat and can become exposed to spills and dirt; to clean your weighted blanket the right way, there are some special considerations to be aware of. Learn how to wash a weighted blanket so you can enjoy its many benefits.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket
There are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning a weighted blanket.
It would help if you determined how much cleaning the blanket actually needs.
The tag on your blanket, the owner’s manual, or the manufacturer’s website should provide you with the necessary information on how to clean your weighted blanket.
Method 1: Spot Clean
- Spot clean small stains using a gentle stain remover or soap and cold water.
- Massage the stain with your fingers or with a soft-bristled brush or sponge, and then rinse thoroughly.
- For blankets labeled dry clean only, take them to a professional dry cleaner or consider purchasing an at-home dry cleaning kit to keep your blanket clean.
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Method 2: Machine Wash, cover only
Some weighted blankets have a removable cover that can be washed separately.
- Remove the cover from the blanket.
- Wash it according to the care instructions listed on the label
- Generally, duvet covers can be washed in cold water and on a normal wash setting
- Either air dries the cover by laying it flat or place it in a dryer on a low setting if the instructions allow.
Method 3: Machine Wash, air dry
- Put the blanket in the washing machine with a mild bleach-free detergent.
- Choose a gentle wash cycle and use cold or warm water.
- To air-dry the blanket, spread it out flat, and occasionally shake it out to ensure the inner fill evenly distributes.
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Method 4: Machine Wash and dry
- When machine washing, choose a bleach-free, gentle detergent
- Wash your blanket in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle
- Avoid fabric softeners
- Choose a light or medium dryer setting and periodically fluff the blanket while it’s drying.
Common Questions Regarding How to Wash a Weighted Blanket
Is it difficult to wash a weighted blanket?
Because of the heavier construction of weighted blankets cannot be washed as easily as a regular blanket. Care instructions vary depending on the type of fill and the fabric material, so be sure to learn how to care for your particular blanket before cleaning.
Can you wash a 20 lb weighted blanket?
Blankets over 20 pounds may be a bit too much to clean at home. These should be taken to a laundromat and washed in a commercial-size machine to spare your home machine from wear and tear. If your blanket clocks in at under 20 pounds, you are good to go and can wash it at home on a gentle cycle using cold water and a mild detergent.
What happens if you wash a weighted blanket?
It is always advised that weighted blankets be washed in a load alone. Having too many cotton items in the washing machine can agitate the fabric, causing it to wear out faster.
How do you wash a 7-pound weighted blanket?
If your blanket is 7 pounds or less, load it into a washing machine on a gentle program. Use the preset that says ‘Gentle’ or ‘Delicates,’ set the temperature to 30 C, and you are good to go.
Don’t use fabric softener, as it can gel the soft fibers.
Can I wash a 9kg weighted blanket?
The size that you choose will determine if machine washing is possible. That’s because they usually have a 7 kg load limit. If that’s true about your machine, and you’ve purchased a 9 kg blanket, a quick hand wash is your safest bet. Alternatively, you can take your blanket to a laundromat or the dry cleaners; make sure to bring our washing instructions to their attention.
Is it ok to use fabric softeners and bleach to wash a weighted blanket?
Those products should be avoided at all costs if you want to keep your weighted blanket in optimum shape. Experts say fabric softeners can build up and cause your blanket to become scratchy, while bleach can break down fibers over time.
How should a weighted blanket be dried?
When it comes time to dry your weighted blanket, the process is surprisingly speedy since glass, and plastic pellets don’t readily absorb water. Utilize your dryer’s low-heat cycle for optimum care, or spread your freshly laundered blanket on a large clean surface to air dry.
How often should a weighted blanket be washed?
It depends on how much you use your weighted blanket; for example, 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 weighted blanket three to four times per year should suffice.
How can you extend the life of your weighted blanket?
Frequently washing a weighted blanket can affect its feel and durability. A good idea to prolong the life of your weighted blanket is to invest in a cover that can be easily removed and washed.
How can you reduce the frequency of washes on your weighted blanket?
It is highly recommendable to use a removable duvet cover; this way, you’ll most likely have to incur spot cleaning. Use a toothbrush dipped in a solution of warm water and laundry detergent, and voila.
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How to Wash a Weighted Blanket Additional Tips
- Before washing your weighted blanket, you should consult the manufacturer’s care instructions on the tag or the company’s website.
- In general, a weighted blanket should be replaced every five years. But, with proper care, you may be able to enjoy your weighted blanket for even longer.
- Different care guidelines may apply depending on whether your weighted blanket is made with cotton, polyester, rayon, wool, or another material and whether the fill contains glass beads, plastic pellets, or organic materials.
- It is not recommended to hang a weighted blanket by one end, as it can strain its seams.
- Use gentle, chlorine-free detergent with ½ cup of vinegar to preserve the color of the blanket.
