How to Wash A Weighted Blanket? Machine Wash & Hand Wash

Last Updated on November 25, 2022

Reports have shown that almost 40% of adults in America find it difficult to sleep due to insomnia. Many suffer from anxiety, stress, and discomfort, which do not allow them to sleep well. Similar reports have also revealed that some people got rid of sleeplessness by using weighted blankets.

These blankets usually weigh 10-20 pounds to provide maximum relaxation during sleep. But just like other blankets, dirt and dust can collect over them. So, you struggle hard to wash them or start worrying about how you can wash a weighted blanket? 

Washing a weighted blanket isn’t difficult if you follow the right instructions and take care of it using some tips and tricks. You can turn your old blanket into a new and fresh one by just performing some washing at home.

How to Wash A Weighted Blanket: Machine Wash & Hand Wash

It might be a glass of wine or piles of accumulated dirt you didn’t clean for a long period, forcing you to wash a weighted blanket. You can wash it by hand or in a washer, but it is necessary to consider some precautionary measures to get accurate cleaning results.

Needed Supplies

You should collect the following tools before heading toward washing a weighted blanket:

• Bathtub
• Washing Machine
• Tarp
• Cleaning Solution/Detergent
• Drying Rack
• Brush
• Stain Remover

Follow Instructions Labelled on Blanket

It is important first to check the tag or label attached to your blanket that will show the careful treatment needed while washing. The manufacturers have mentioned the material quality and precautions to consider for washing weighted blankets.

For blankets weighted more than 12 pounds, you should prefer washing machines to handle the job properly. You can also hand wash heavy weighted blankets in a large bathtub. Blankets weighing more than 20 pounds should only be washed at a laundromat or in a standard washing machine.

Pretreat Stains

We’d highly recommend pretreating stains before washing your weighted blankets. There could be spills or other stains present that require special treatment.

First, you must separate the stained areas and use Tide or other detergents to rub and clean the stain.

You can apply cleaner by rubbing a damp cloth over the stained surface. Then rinse those parts and throw your blanket for machine or hand washing.

Cleaning Weighted Blanket in Washer

Washing the entire blanket once in a while is very important. When you plan to wash your weighted blanket in a washing machine, prefer to wash it alone without adding even a small load of other clothes.

After putting your weighted blanket in the washer, add a cleaning solution or detergent and turn on the washer cycle. To maintain the durability of your blanket, make sure to turn on the gentle wash cycle.

Also, use a mild detergent to avoid the harmful effects of strong chemicals such as bleach, softeners, and chlorine. These chemicals can disrupt the fabric of your blanket, and after washing, it will look older instead of fresh and new.

Cleaning Weighted Blanket By Hand

If the instructions on the tag show that a weighted blanket isn’t safe to be washed in the washing machine, you should try hand washing it. It is one of the most used and reliable methods to maintain the durability of blankets.

To wash a weighted blanket by hand, you need to follow these steps:

• Fill a large-sized bathtub with warm water.
• Add detergent or cleaning solution to water and mix it thoroughly.
• Put your blanket in the bathtub containing water and detergent.
• Use your hands to knead a weighted blanket.
• Keep kneading till the clean water turns dirty.
• Change water after one pass and add clean water to repeat the process.
• When you wash your weighted blanket take it out of the tub and rinse and wring it to remove detergent and water.

How to Dry A Weighted Blanket

As a matter of fact, your weighted blanket will get even heavier after washing. You can dry it with the help of a spinner or dryer, but you must check its compatibility. Check the label to know if you can put it in the dryer.

Other drying methods can also be used, such as spreading it in a well-ventilated place to air-dry. Try to hang it horizontally and turn the sides after every hour to ensure each corner is fully dried.

Your weighted blanket will take almost 24 to 48 hours to dry.

How Often Should You Wash A Weighted Blanket

It depends on the use of a blanket to determine how often you should wash it. Some people prefer using weighted blankets on extremely cold days that occur once or twice a week, while some use them for comfort on a regular basis.

Though the figure can vary, as a general rule of thumb, you should wash a weighted blanket once in two or three weeks. The more spills and dirt will force you to wash it more often. So, it solely depends on the way you use it.

Dos & Don’ts of Washing A Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are best to relieve pains and cramps but you need to follow the right instructions for using them. Some Do’s recommended by professionals to wash weighted blankets are:

• Always wash the blanket in lukewarm or cool water instead of too cold or hot. The optimum temperatures are suitable for the fabric.
• For drying, always keep the mild heat. With high heat, the fabric will start losing quality.
• Whatever the case is, make sure to wash them at least once a month. Washing more often is also good for its longevity.
• Use only mild detergent. Never use harsh chemicals or hard water for washing.

Experts have also suggested some Don’ts to washing a weighted blanket, such as,

• Do not put an extra load in the washing machine along with a weighted blanket. 
• Do not hand your weighted blanket dry as the blanket will stretch out due to being heavyweight.
• Avoid using softeners as they are not necessary to use. Rather softeners will leave stains all around the blanket.
• Never let the stains or spills on your blanket dry by delaying their cleaning. Treat the stains as soon as possible.