If you own a weighted blanket, you know how comfortable it can be. Just like any other blanket though, they require regular cleaning. Washing them can require more effort and care with their heavier weight. Here’s how to wash weighted blankets.
Before we jump right into it, check out PennMedicine’s article 4 Ways Weighted Blankets Can Help You if you are curious about the benefits of weighted blankets.
How Do You Wash Weighted Blankets?
Let’s jump right into this. There isn’t a need to drag it out but follow the care instructions that came with your blanket. If you lost these instructions, the next few steps would help you clean your weighted blanket.
Check the Care Label
Before washing your weighted blanket, the first step is to check the care label. The recommended care instructions can vary depending on the fabric and the fill material. Read the care label and follow its instructions accordingly.
Pre-treat Stains
If your blanket has stains, pre-treat them before washing them. Make a solution of cold water and a gentle detergent and apply it directly to the stains. Gently rub the solution into the fabric using a soft brush or cloth as if you are spot-cleaning. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
Use a Gentle Detergent
When washing your weighted blanket, use a mild detergent free from harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric. Use the amount recommended on the detergent package for your blanket’s size load. Be sure to use cold or hot water, based on the care instructions, with your blanket. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Choose the Right Washing Machine
Not all washing machines are created equal. If your blanket is relatively tiny, you can wash it in your washing machine at home. But if it’s too large, you may have to take it to a laundromat. Select a gentle cycle and use cold water if you’re using a home machine.
Avoid Agitation
When washing your weighted blanket, make sure to avoid agitation. Agitation can damage your blanket and even cause its fill to shift. So, select a delicate cycle and avoid using a spin cycle that can cause damage to the fabric.
Pay attention to the washing instructions that should have come with your weighted blanket. Some blankets are not made for machine washing or other commercial machine-type washers.
Dry Safely
After washing, make sure to dry your blanket safely. Putting your weighted blanket in a dryer is not intelligent as it can damage the fabric or the fill. Instead, lay it flat on a clean surface and let it dry naturally. Make sure it’s completely dry before using it again.
Please note that these detergent measurements are approximate and can vary based on the specific detergent brand and your preference. It’s always a good idea to check the detergent packaging for instructions and adjust the amount accordingly.
I have an entire section below on how to dry your weighted blanket. With plastic beads or glass microbeads, your blanket may require extra care.
How Often Should You Wash a Weighted Blanket?
If you ask me, “How often should you wash a weighted blanket?” the answer is: not as often as you might think. As a proud owner of a weighted blanket, I can tell you it’s about quality over quantity here. Before you sigh in relief, let’s dive a bit deeper.
The golden rule of thumb I follow is to wash my weighted blanket every one to two months. Shocking, I know! I can practically hear the gasps through the screen. But hang tight; I promise there’s a method to my apparent madness.
Washing a weighted blanket is different from cleaning your everyday sheets or clothes. These are hefty, sometimes delicate items, and frequent washing can reduce their lifespan. Weighted blankets are sometimes filled with glass beads or plastic poly pellets. These fillings can get damaged or lose their effectiveness with excessive washing.
Now, let’s be clear: if you spill coffee or any other stain-inducing substance on your blanket, by all means, wash it immediately. I’m not advocating for living with stains. For general use, when you’ve merely been sleeping under it with no major spills or mishaps, washing it every one to two months is more than sufficient.
If not washing your blanket weekly makes you uncomfortable, consider using a duvet cover. I swear by them. They’re easy to remove and toss in the wash, meaning your blanket stays cleaner longer. Duvet covers are a total game-changer and help preserve the integrity of the weighted blanket.
When you do wash your blanket, please, oh please, do it right. Always check the care label. Some weighted blankets are machine washable, while others require hand washing. Trust me when I say you don’t want to be the person who shrinks or damages their cover because they didn’t read the instructions. When learning how do you wash weighted blankets, you must follow the care instructions. Most weighted blankets have some care instructions that come with it. You kept that, right?
As for drying, air drying is typically your best bet to keep your blanket in optimal shape. I know it takes longer, but your blanket will thank you. If you have to use a standard dryer, choose a low-heat setting.
Remember, weighted blankets are an investment in your well-being. They’re not just any blanket. They provide a comforting pressure that helps many people sleep better and reduce anxiety. Let’s treat them that way. So, as an avid weighted blanket user and enthusiast, I’m here to tell you washing every one to two months is the sweet spot for most of us.
So, the next time you toss your blanket in the wash, ask yourself, “Does it need it?” If the answer is “no,” maybe give it more time. Your blanket, and your sleep, will thank you for it.
Why Weighted Blankets Require Special Care
As someone who’s spent countless nights nestled beneath the comforting embrace of a weighted blanket, I’ve got a couple of things to say about their care and maintenance. Your cozy night-time companion is no ordinary blanket and needs more TLC than fabric softeners and warm water.
First, let’s discuss why weighted blankets are such a hot commodity. These bundles of joy come packed with glass beads or plastic pellets, giving them their signature weight. They help us reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and promote a good night’s sleep – like getting a warm, reassuring hug. I mean, who doesn’t want that?
Now, it’s this very unique structure that calls for special care. Weighted blankets are heavier than your regular throw-over, making them a challenge to wash and dry. We’re talking 15 to 30 pounds of weight here. You can’t just toss these bad boys in the washer and call it a day. That’ll strain your washing machine faster than you can say “spin cycle.”
Time to get me started on the filling. Those tiny glass beads or plastic pellets? I am not a big fan of the aggressive tumbling and spinning in the washer or dryer. The last thing we want is for our precious blanket to lose its even weight distribution. That’d be like trying to sleep with a sack of potatoes. All lumpy in the wrong places.
MLet’s remember the fabric. Many weighted blankets are made of materials that need a gentle touch. We’ve got Minky, cotton, flannel – you name it. Toss these in the washer on a high setting, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster, a faded, worn-out blanket that’s lost its soft, plush appeal.
So, folks, your weighted blanket isn’t just another piece of bedding. It’s a self-care investment, a cozy ally that works hard to make your nights restful and your days more energetic. It deserves special care and extra effort to keep it in tip-top shape. After all, the better you treat your blanket, the longer it’ll be around to give you those comforting, sleep-inducing hugs.
So before you treat your weighted blanket like any old comforter, remember: this is no ordinary blanket. It’s a trusty companion that has your back (and your front) every night, and it deserves a bit of extra TLC. It’s a small price for countless nights of peaceful, rejuvenating sleep. I certainly do.
How to Dry a Weighted Blanket
You know, there’s nothing quite like a weighted blanket. That gentle pressure, the soothing feeling of being hugged – it’s a little slice of heaven. Like all good things, your beloved weighted blanket also needs some TLC. Let me tell you, it’s more complicated than just throwing it in the dryer. If only it were, my friend. I will shed light on the intricate, not-scary world of drying a weighted blanket.
First, I need to be brutally honest. A weighted blanket is heavy (duh, right?) and can be tricky to dry. Here’s where it gets interesting though. The type of weight used inside the blanket impacts how you can dry it. These blankets are often filled with plastic poly pellets or tiny glass beads.
Plastic pellets can stand up to some heat, but glass beads they’re heat sensitive. Crank up the heat, and you risk damaging your precious blanket. So, I always recommend going with a low-heat setting if you’re using a dryer.
Now, I get it; not all of us have the luxury of time to wait for a blanket to tumble dry in a low-heat setting. It takes ages! If you’re in a hurry, consider hand-drying your blanket.
This process is like a mini-workout, and it gets the job done. Lay your blanket flat and press it with a towel to remove the water. Be gentle, though. We’re trying to dry it, not knead the dough for bread.
The other technique that I swear by is air drying. You’re probably rolling your eyes and thinking, “How is air drying practical?” But hear me out.
Yes, it takes longer. Yes, it means having a large blanket draped over your furniture or a clothesline for a while. The benefit is that it’s the safest way to dry your blanket without damaging it. Plus, you get a certain freshness from air drying that machines can’t replicate.
For those of you who have a weighted blanket with a removable cover, good for you! Your drying process just got a whole lot easier. You can wash and dry the cover just as you would any other piece of bedding. As for the weighted insert, air dry is your best bet. The last thing you want is for the beads to clump together because of heat exposure.
A final piece of advice from yours: always refer to the care label on your blanket. Manufacturers know their products best. We tend to ignore those tiny, irritating tags, but they can be lifesavers in this case.
There you have it, folks. Drying a weighted blanket might be an art, but it’s not rocket science. You can keep your blanket in top-notch condition with patience and care. Trust me, your blanket, and more importantly, your sleep, will thank you for it.
If you need a FANTASTIC weighted blanket, check out our sponsor GravityBlankets. The Gravity Blanket, made with high-quality glass beads, relaxes your nervous system with the power of weight.
If you enjoyed our guide on how do you wash weighted blankets, check out our other post on the Benefits of Weighted Blankets!
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Happy Sleeping!
