How to Wash a Weighted Blanket: Methods for Washing and Drying

Weighted blankets are known for reducing stress and anxiety, but figuring out how to clean them may do just the opposite. In most cases, a weighted blanket 20 lbs or less can be washed in a commercial washing machine with cold water and without bleach or fabric softener, then air or tumble dried on low heat.

Double check the care tag on your weighted blanket before machine washing to be sure that it’s safe, then keep reading to learn more about cleaning your weighted blanket.

How to Clean a Weighted Blanket with Two Methods

Whether the build-up on your blanket comes from sweat and natural oils or last night’s mint chocolate chip ice cream, weighted blankets require regular washes. While a duvet cover may save you some time between washes, it doesn’t eliminate the need to thoroughly remove dirt, oils, spills and stains. Take a look at the two methods below for keeping your weighted blanket clean.

Method One: Spot Clean a Weighted Blanket for Stains

Drips and spills are inevitable, and spot cleaning is a great way to keep grime from setting in between washes. Follow the steps below for a gentle and effective spot clean.

Step 1: Pre-treat stains

Wet the 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.

If your weighted blanket is stuffed with organic fillers like rice, corn or beans, it’s best to avoid saturation and machine washing all together. Instead, stick to spot cleaning to prevent natural fillers from turning soggy or decomposing. Learn how to wash other types of blankets, including how to wash electric blankets in the washer.

Method Two: Wash a Weighted Blanket in a commercial Washing Machine

If you’re feeling a bit anxious about washing your weighted blanket for the first time, you’re not alone. It’s best to take your blanket to a commercial facility, then follow the steps outlined below using a machine built to handle heavier loads.

Weighted blankets should be washed a couple of times per year, just like a comforter. Most modern weighted blankets are filled with glass, steel shot or plastic poly beads, which all fare well in the washing machine 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.

Steps to Wash your Weighted Blanket in a commercial Washer

Step 1: Pre-treat stains

Pre-treat any spots or stains with soap or a gentle detergent.

Step 2: Choose the right detergent

Place the blanket in the washer by itself, and add a gentle, dye-free detergent with no fabric softener or bleach additives.

Step 3: Select cycle options

Select a gentle cycle, like the "delicate cycle" on Maytag^® washers, then 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.

Remove Powerful Odors

To get rid of uniquely potent odors, try adding ¼ cup of vinegar to the washer.

How to Dry a Weighted Blanket

Unlike traditional comforter filling, the beads in a weighted blanket don’t absorb much water. An extra spin cycle from your washing machine should do the trick to prepare your blanket for either air or machine drying.

To air dry your blanket, lay it flat on a clean, level surface or fold it evenly over your shower curtain rod or drying rack. Be sure your drying rack of choice is sturdy enough to bear the weight, and steer clear of hanging the blanket from a single corner or edge to avoid stretching it out.

Drying a Weighted Blanket in a commercial Dryer

Weighted blankets don’t absorb much water, but machine drying may still be the most efficient way to get the job done. Make sure the blanket is alone in the dryer for plenty of tumbling room, and use a low heat setting to keep blanket contents from overheating. Follow the steps below to machine dry your blanket.