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Are Weighted Blankets Washable? Can You Wash a Weighted Blanket?

are weighted blankets washable

Stress and anxiety are becoming more prevalent in today’s world, resulting in insomnia and anxiety disorders. Weighed blankets have a calming and therapeutic effect, making them a popular choice among people. There are dozens of reasons everyone can benefit from them, and they’re incredibly versatile. Moreover, they are available in various sizes, weights, and materials to suit the needs of individuals of all ages.

As with a regular blanket, they’ll need to be washed occasionally regardless of the purpose they serve. With the way people use weighted blankets, it’s a no-brainer that they’ll require washing and cleaning. So, you may be wondering: “Are weighted blankets washable?” The simple answer to this question is YES!

Are Weighted Blankets Washable?

Are Weighted Blankets Washable?

washing a heavy weighted blanket in the washer

Weighted blankets usually come with removable covers that can be removed and washed. When washing the blanket, review the instructions carefully before doing so. Be sure to follow the washing instructions to keep it looking and feeling good for a long time. In addition, this will prevent damage to your blanket.

When washing your blanket, use a gentle cycle and cold water. You should also use a front-load washer instead of a top-loader, as it reduces wrinkles. Do not use bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the fibers. After washing, let them air dry or tumble dry on low heat. Do not put them in the dryer.

Washing instructions may vary depending on the blanket fill, so check the individual product details for specific instructions. You should invest in a separate, washable duvet cover to protect your weighted blanket from general wear and tear.

Taking Care of Your Weighted Blankets

The instructions for most weighted blankets include one of the following:

Machine Wash and Dry. Make sure to use a gentle, bleach-free detergent when washing your blanket. You should avoid using fabric softeners. The blanket should be dried on a light or medium setting and periodically fluffed as it dries.

Machine Wash, Air Dry. The blanket can be washed in the washer with a mild detergent that does not contain bleach. Using cold or warm water and gentle wash cycles are recommended. Lay the blanket flat to air dry and shake it occasionally to ensure the inner fill is distributed evenly.

Machine Wash, Cover Only. A weighted blanket may have a washable cover that can be removed and laundered separately. The blanket’s cover should be removed and washed according to the label’s instructions. A regular wash cycle and cold water are recommended for the duvet cover. Depending on the instructions, you can either lay the cover flat to air dry or place it in a dryer on a low setting.

Spot Clean or Dry Clean Only. Minor stains can be cleaned with a gentle remover or cold water and soap. The stain should be massaged or scrubbed with a soft-bristled brush or sponge and then rinsed thoroughly. Consider buying at-home dry cleaning kits for blankets marked dry clean only or taking them to a professional dry cleaner.

Which Weighted Blanket Fillings are Machine Washable?

Micro Glass Beads. Weighted blankets filled with micro glass beads won’t get damaged during washing sessions since they hold up well. Their appearance is similar to sand, and they make no noise. Furthermore, they do not melt at higher temperatures. You can also keep your weighted blanket for drying without it clumping. These fillings work well for weighted blankets. Whenever possible, wash with warm water instead of hot.

Plastic Poly Pellets. Plastic fillings may expose you to chemicals or toxins because they are composed of plastic. Be careful not to wash weighted blankets filled with these pellets at high temperatures, or the pellets will melt and clump. The best way to wash blankets with fillers is to use cold water.

Beads are made of steel. Weighted blankets filled with steel shot beads are heavier than those filled with other weighted blanket fillers. Consider using a washing machine that can handle heavy blankets if you want to know how to clean a heavy blanket. These beads also do not melt under high water temperatures, similar to micro glass beads.

Organic Stuff. Don’t choose weighted blankets stuffed with organic materials if you want machine washable weighted blankets. Although inexpensive, they contain organic ingredients such as rice, beans, and corn. Their use is limited, however. The reason for this is that when washed, they tend to become soggy. In addition, they are prone to bacteria, yeast, and insect infestation when wet. When they become wet, they begin to decompose.

How Do I Keep My Weighted Blanket Clean?

Cleanliness is very important when it comes to calming blankets. If you intend to keep them looking good and feeling good for years, you will need to take care of them. The following tips will help you keep your weighted blanket clean.

  • Generally, weighted blankets must be washed 3-4 times yearly. Frequently washing your weighted blankets can damage them, shrink the fibers, affect the softness of the fabric, or cause irregular weight distribution due to the ruffled fillings. If you use some cheap weighted blankets, you cannot rule out the possibility of them tearing. If they become stained, dusty, or stinky, you may need to wash them more frequently.
  • When not in use, fold and store your weighted blanket. In this way, you keep them clean and prevent them from getting damaged.
  • Letting your dogs or cats near your calming blanket is not a good idea. It causes your bedding to smell if pets walk over it. To keep your pet safe while sleeping, clean their paws first. Alternatively, keep a clean sheet nearby for them to sleep on.
  • Avoid eating or drinking on your weighted blanket to avoid stains. This will save you from having to regularly clean your weighted blanket.
  • Weighted blankets should only be used on your bed. Choose a smaller size if you want to use a weighted blanket at your workplace or on the couch. Weighted blankets in small sizes are easy to wash. Additionally, they are easier to transport than their larger counterparts. Moreover, the small weighted blankets are machine washable, so you won’t have to worry about spilling food or coffee.
  • Keep your weighted blanket clean and dust-free by using a removable cover. Your inner blanket then does not need to be washed frequently. Regularly washing inner blankets can damage them. However, removable weighted blanket covers can be washed comfortably and are not expensive.
  • If possible, use a spot treatment to clean the stains on heavy blankets with spots. Consequently, they don’t need to be washed frequently. It is also best to remove stains as soon as possible because they cannot be removed easily once they have been set. You should avoid using bleach when cleaning weighted blankets with stains.

Washing Weighted Blankets: Frequently Asked Questions

When should you wash your weighted blanket?

Is it a good idea to wash your weighted blanket every so often? There is usually no right or wrong answer here. Nonetheless, a blanket’s use and soiled state should be taken into account when making a decision. I recommend maintaining hygiene with sleep or comfort products to keep your home fresh.

Would a weighted blanket be safe to wash in a washing machine?

I would say yes to this question. Depending on weight, you can undoubtedly wash your weighted blanket in a standard washing machine. You should avoid washing your weighted blanket in the washing machine if its weight exceeds a certain amount. Since it weighs a great deal, it can seriously damage your washing machine, so it’s important to double-check its weight ahead of time.

What is the best way to wash a weighted blanket?

As with a standard blanket, you’d clean it with the same products you normally would. You should use a laundry detergent that doesn’t contain bleach or conventional fabric softeners. Ensure that the fabric softener or detergent is suitable for your laundry. In general, they should work quite well together.

When cleaning my weighted blanket, what products should I avoid?

The best way to clean weighted blankets is to use a chlorine-free laundry detergent or fabric softener. There are a few products that you should avoid. In general, avoid bleach and detergents with robust labels. The obvious reason to avoid bleach is that it’s quite harsh on the skin, but another reason might be a thicker, heavier cleanser. In general, thicker detergents may cause a blanket to lose its overall feel and longevity.

Conclusion

Sleeping with a weighted blanket can help you relax and reduce stress. However, before you buy one, you should know how to care for it. If you want to wash your weighted blanket, read the care label before you do so. After reading this article, you now know how to wash a weighted blanket. Some weighted blankets may require only spot or dry cleaning, while others can be machine washed and dried. An alternative would be to cover the weighted blanket in a regular duvet cover to make cleaning easier.

Mike Horton (head of Weighted Living)

by Mike Horton

Mike is one of the lead editors at Weighted Living and the author of this article. He's become fascinated with weighted products (a bit too much we think) and loves to see all the different ways they can improve our loves. He's written quite a few weighted product guides as well.

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