How to Wash a Weighted Blanket
Updated: May 19, 2023
Before you heft your weighted blanket into the washing machine, check the label! Here's how to wash a weighted blanket and how often you should do it.
The comfort of a weighted blanket can help reduce stress and improve sleep, but how exactly should you wash one? Because of their weight (some versions can weigh up to 35 pounds!) it’s a little more complicated than simply throwing it in the washer.
How to wash a weighted blanket depends a lot on what type of blanket you own. They come in a variety of fabrics and filler materials with different care requirements. We’ll break it down with step-by-step instructions so your blanket is always clean and ready to lull you to sleep.
Can You Wash a Weighted Blanket?
Most weighted blankets are washable, or at least the removable outer cover is washable. However, checking the care label is essential because the weight, fabric and filler material of the blanket will affect the washing instructions. If your blanket is cotton with plastic bead filler, for example, it’s usually safe to wash. However, a blanket filled with rice or grains will most likely be dry-clean or hand-wash only.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket
Directions
Step 1: Determine if the blanket is machine-safe
Check the care label of your weighted blanket before you do anything else. The care label will tell you if the blanket is machine washable, hand wash, or dry-clean only. Often the outer cover is washable, but the inner blanket is spot clean only.
Step 2: Spot treat stains
Mix two cups of cold water with one teaspoon of laundry detergent. Apply the mixture to the stain and scrub gently with a toothbrush or cloth. Alternatively you can also use a mixture of two cups water to a drop of dish soap. Dish soap will be more effective for grease and oil stains. Do not use any bleach products.
Step 3: Wash the weighted blanket
For a machine-washable blanket, wash it alone using cold water and a mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener or bleach. If your blanket weighs 20 pounds or less it’s probably okay to wash in your washer at home. Anything over 25 pounds could damage your washer (or might not even fit); in that case, take it to a laundromat and use a commercial washer.
For a hand wash-only blanket, see further instructions below.
Step 4: Air dry the weighted blanket
Some weighted blankets can tolerate low heat in the dryer, but to extend the life of your blanket, we recommend air drying. Place the weighted blanket on a clean, even surface and allow it to air dry overnight. Don’t hang dry because this will cause the filler beads to bunch up in the bottom of the blanket.
Weighted Blanket FAQs
How often should you wash a weighted blanket?
How often you use your weighted blanket will determine how often it should be washed. If you use it every day, it’s a good idea to wash it once a week, like the rest of your bedding. (And don’t forget to clean your washing machine, too.)Â You can wash it less if you don’t use it often. But it’s a good idea to spot clean as needed.
If your blanket has a removable cover, wash the cover once a week and the inner blanket about once a month.
Should you wash a weighted blanket by itself?
Yes, washing a weighted blanket alone will avoid damaging the blanket or other items in your laundry. And because of the thickness of a weighted blanket, mostly likely it will fill your washer to capacity by itself.
How do you hand-wash a weighted blanket?
Fill your bathtub with cold or warm water and pour in a cap of gentle detergent. Swirl the water to mix in the detergent. Insert the blanket into the water and knead it with your hands for a few minutes. You can allow it to soak for about 30 minutes if needed. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water to rinse. Repeat until all the soap suds are gone. Squeeze as much water as you can out of the blanket, then lay flat to dry.
Up Next: Learn how to wash pillows the right way.
Originally Published: May 19, 2023
