HOW TO WASH A WEIGHTED BLANKET BY HAND OR MACHINE
Weighted blankets are known for reducing stress and anxiety, but figuring out how to clean them may do just the opposite. Weighted blankets vary in weight, filling and recommended washing methods, so the instructions may vary depending on the type you have.
Use this guide to learn more about washing different types of weighted blankets and discover tips along the way.
CAN YOU WASH A WEIGHTED BLANKET IN A WASHING MACHINE?
Typically, you can clean a weighted blanket weighing 20 lbs or less by washing it in a commercial washing machine using cold water and avoiding bleach or fabric softener. To dry, either air dry or tumble dry on low heat in a commercial-grade dryer. Be sure to keep the load balanced for optimal cleaning and to help prevent tangling.
Double-check the care tag on your weighted blanket to be sure that it’s machine washable as well as dryer-safe. Always follow the instructions on your care tag.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH A WEIGHTED BLANKET?
The laundry routine for your weighted blanket depends on a few factors: how often you use it, how soiled it is and if you have a duvet cover over the blanket. If you use the blanket nightly without a duvet cover, it may benefit from a bi-weekly washing schedule.
A duvet cover may save you some time between washes, however, it doesn’t eliminate the need to thoroughly remove dirt, oils, spills and stains. If you notice a small stain on the blanket, you can spot-treat between washes to help prevent damage to the blanket’s durability from washing too frequently.
Take a look at the methods below for keeping your weighted blanket clean.
HOW TO SPOT CLEAN A WEIGHTED BLANKET FOR STAINS
Spot cleaning is a great way to keep stains from setting in between washes. If your weighted blanket is stuffed with organic fillers like rice, corn or beans, it’s best to avoid saturation and machine washing altogether. Instead, stick to spot cleaning to prevent natural fillers from turning soggy or decomposing.
Follow the steps below for a gentle and effective spot clean.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Gentle detergent
Toothbrush or soft rag
Step 1: Pre-treat stains
Before you begin, check your blanket’s care tag for guidance. Wet the stained area with water at a temperature best suited to tackle the stain, then place a drop of soap or gentle detergent on the stain. Avoid using detergents with fabric softener or bleach additives, and check out these tips for pretreating unique types of stains.
Step 2: Scrub stains
Using a toothbrush or soft rag, rub the stain in a circular motion for one to two minutes.
Step 3: Rinse stains
Rinse the area to wash away soap or detergent.
HOW TO HAND WASH A WEIGHTED BLANKET
If your weighted blanket needs more than a quick spot clean, you can wash it by hand to keep it looking and smelling fresh. Always check your blanket’s care tag to make sure this option is viable.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Bathtub or large sink
Mild detergent
STEP 1: FILL BATHTUB OR SINK
Fill your bathtub or large sink with cold to lukewarm water. Once full, add a small portion of gentle detergent to the water.
STEP 2: PLACE BLANKET IN WATER
Gently submerge the weighted blanket in water and massage the fabric for several minutes. As the water gets dirty, drain and refill, then add another small amount of detergent. Repeat the washing steps until the water runs clear.
STEP 3: REMOVE FROM WATER AND DRY
Wring the blanket thoroughly to remove excess water, then hang or lay the blanket flat to air dry.
HOW TO WASH A WEIGHTED BLANKET IN A WASHING MACHINE
Most modern weighted blankets are filled with glass, steel shot or plastic poly beads, which generally fare well in commercial washing machines and come covered in a variety of fabrics. Common weighted blanket fabrics like cotton, fleece, linen and polyester should be able to hold up well during a machine wash cycle, but don’t forget to check your blanket’s care tag before washing.
If you want to machine wash your weighted blanket, it is generally recommended that you use commercial laundry appliances built to handle heavier loads.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Gentle detergent
Washing machine
Dryer
Vinegar (optional)
STEP 1: PRE-TREAT STAINS
Pre-treat any spots or stains with soap or a gentle detergent.
STEP 2: CHOOSE A GENTLE DETERGENT
Place the weighted blanket in the washer by itself, and add a gentle, dye-free detergent with no fabric softener or bleach additives.
REMOVE POWERFUL ODORS
To get rid of uniquely potent odors, try adding ¼ cup of vinegar to the washer, just before the last rinse cycle if possible. You can also add the vinegar after the wash cycle ends and select an extra rinse cycle on your machine.
STEP 3: SELECT A DELICATE WASH CYCLE
Select a Gentle or Delicate cycle, and choose cold water for the wash temperature.
Step 4: Add a spin cycle
After the wash cycle, you may want to send your blanket through a spin cycle to wring out as much water as possible.
STEP 5: LOAD THE BLANKET INTO THE DRYER
Weighted blankets don’t absorb much water, so air drying is highly recommended. However, you can machine dry your blanket on low or no heat, if the care tag allows. Empty the dryer’s lint trap so your blanket dries efficiently. Make sure the blanket is alone in the dryer for plenty of tumbling room.
Always balance your load of laundry for optimal cleaning.
STEP 6: SELECT A LOW HEAT DRY SETTING
Set the cycle to a low heat or air dry setting to help keep the weighted blanket from overheating.
TIPS FOR CLEANING WEIGHTED BLANKETS
You can help keep your weighted blankets looking and smelling fresh with a few tips and tricks. Explore these laundry tips below:
Cover your blanket with a duvet to help reduce the frequency of its washing schedule.
Use a gentle detergent when washing your blanket. Test the detergent on a discreet location to avoid any damage to the fabric.
Always check the care label on the blanket for cleaning instructions and details about the type of filling before laundering.
- Avoid fabric softeners and bleach-based cleaners when washing weighted blankets.
- Always check your washer and dryer user manuals to be sure your appliances can handle the weight of your weighted blanket. A commercial washer and dryer are the best options for cleaning weighted blankets.
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If you’re ready to wash and dry bulky items and large loads with ease, check out Maytag® commercial-grade washers and dryers built for big jobs.
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