Weighted-Living-Logo for website

How Long Do Weighted Blankets Last? Do They Last Long?

how long do weighted blankets last

If you’ve ever spent a night staring at the ceiling, attempting to fall asleep despite anxiety or tension, you’d probably appreciate any help getting a decent night’s sleep. The idea of wearing a weighted blanket may seem strange, but it’s all the rage for allegedly soothing anxiety and boosting sleep. Experts agree that weighted blankets are safe when used appropriately, and the weight is not excessive.

So, how long do weighted blankets last? By investing in a cover that is easily removable and washable, you may be able to extend the life of your weighted blanket. A weighted blanket should be replaced every five years as a general rule. However, with careful maintenance, you may be able to prolong the life of your weighted blanket.

This blog post will discuss some exciting ways to help your weighted blanket last a long time and some other tips related to weighted blanks. If that excites you, keep reading!

How Long Do Weighted Blankets Last? - Summary

How Long Do Weighted Blankets Last Until They Wear Down?

If your weighted blanket is nearing the end of its useful life, it may cause health problems if you do not replace it promptly. But how can you know whether your weighted blanket needs to be replaced?

There is no precise expiration date because so much depends on the materials and fillers and how well you care for them. Even the most basic weighted blanket can last up to ten years. Some of them could endure up to 15 years.

Here are a few indicators that it’s time to get a new quilt:

  • Your weighted blanket’s contents bunch up in particular regions and don’t re-distribute evenly.
  • It has an unpleasant odour that you can’t seem to get rid of.
  • It has tears and holes in it.
  • It’s not as heavy as it once was.

After at least five years, you’re more likely to detect these indicators. However, if you wash it incorrectly, it will soon expire.

Weighted Blankets: Care Guidelines

A weighted blanket’s care requirements will differ based on its material and whether the fill comprises glass beads, plastic pellets, or organic components. Cleansing instructions for your weighted blanket should be available on the manufacturer’s website, in the owner’s manual, or on the tag attached to your blanket. However, if you don’t find any guides from the manufacturer, here are a few care guides that will help your weighted blanket’s long life.

Use Mild Detergent

When washing your blanket in the machine, use a mild detergent and wash it in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle. Avoid using fabric softeners. Use a light or medium dryer setting and fluff the blanket as it dries.

Machine Washable

The blanket can be washed in a machine using a mild, bleach-free detergent and then air-dried. Use lukewarm or cool water and a gentle cycle for washing. To air-dry the blanket, lay it out flat and shake it a few times to ensure evenly spread the filling.

Air-Dry The Cover

The cover of certain weighted blankets can be removed and machine cleaned separately. Using a machine equipped with a wash cycle, remove and wash the blanket’s cover according to instructions on the label. Coldwater and a typical wash cycle are usually sufficient for washing duvet coverings. If the instructions permit, air-dry the cover by laying it flat or using a low-heat dryer.

Dry Clean Only

If you have a little stain, you need only use a mild stain remover or soap and cold water to clean it. Wash well after using your fingers or a soft-bristled brush or sponge to massage in the stain. A professional dry cleaner or an at-home dry cleaning kit should be used for blankets labelled “dry clean only.”

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket?

washing a heavy weighted blanket in the washer

How frequently you clean your weighted blanket is determined by how frequently it is used. If you’re using the blanket every night while sleeping, wash it every few weeks to avoid sweat and skin oils from accumulating. Cleaning your weighted blanket three to four times a year should be plenty if you only use it as a lap blanket on the couch or at your desk.

Hand Wash

  • Depending on how much weight and size you have, you may need to add 1/4 or 1/2 cups of mild detergent to the water in your tub. Avoid a mess by not filling your tub to the brim.
  • Knead a small section of the blanket with very light strokes. Wash a new section and smooth it up. Repeat this process until the blanket has been thoroughly cleaned.
  • Turn off the faucet. Apply a lot of pressure on your blanket by folding it in half and squeezing it. Your quilt should not be twisted or compressed.
  • Until the water in the tub is clear, repeatedly rinse the blanket with lukewarm water. Your blanket can be dried either inside or outside using this procedure.

Machine Wash

  • Check the care tag on your weighted blanket before washing it in the washing machine.
  • Machine wash blankets under 15 pounds at home using cool water and mild detergent on the gentle cycle. Laundry facilities are the best place to wash blankets that weigh more than 15 pounds. Leave the softener and bleach at home. If you do have a weighted blanket more that weights at least 20 pounds, read this guide here.
  • Spot cleaning the blanket with a toothbrush dipped in warm water, and a mild detergent solution is also an option in case of spills or stains.
  • To dry, lay the blanket in a low-heat dryer and run it for a few minutes. The weighted blanket should be fluffed up to break the cycle.

Understand the Fabric Material Type You Have on Your Weighted Blanket

How many DIY fillers are in your blanket? The contents impact washability. Some fillers take a long time to dry after washing, so pay attention. The outer layer is easy to wash by hand or machine. But don’t forget to think about the cloth.

Fleece

If your heavy fleece blanket is stained, soak it in warm water for 30-50 minutes before washing. Avoid using bleach, especially chlorine-based bleaches.

You may need to rinse the fabric again to remove any remaining detergent or fabric softener. To avoid allergic reactions and keep your blanket fluffy and supple.

Flannel

Use a cold or warm wash on this cloth; never hot. Dry on low heat or air dry to avoid over-drying. Use a fabric softener on a fresh blanket. An extra rinse is required for older flannel blankets. This will eliminate any residue that makes the flannel stiff.

Minky

Plush Minky textiles are trendy currently. First, they’re simple to wash, even partially. Second, they’re exceedingly tough. Dry your Minky quilt on low heat or air fluff. It can be hung outside. Avoid fabric softeners!

A heavier blanket can be spot cleaned. Scrub the stain with an old toothbrush and some water. To remove stubborn stains, use oxygen bleach or non-chlorine bleach.

L/R (Linen-Rayon) Blend

These quilts are cleaned the same way but use oxygen bleach to remove stains. Bleach can weaken cellulosic fibres.

Cotton

Most weighted blankets are made of cotton. Depending on its condition, wash your blanket in cold or warm water—non-dry clean or dry at low heat. To keep the color of your blanket bright, add 12 of cup vinegar or salt to the wash. Finish with a rinse.

Waterproof

This one may be washed warm or hot. Never use bleach, fabric softeners, or vinegar for these weighted blankets. Ironing blankets will kill bacteria. But don’t iron thick blankets.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Longevity of Weighted Blankets:

How long should I use a weighted blanket?

It is entirely up to you how long you use your weighted blanket. Certain sleep therapists suggest using it for little more than 20 to 30 minutes, while many others encourage sleeping with it overnight.

How long should you stay under a weighted blanket?

At first, sleeping with a heavy load may feel awkward. As with any change in your sleeping environment, your mind and body may need time to acclimate. Initially, it would be best to stay 20-30 minutes under the weighted blanket, then increase the time for the whole night.

Why weighted blankets go bad?

Due to the carelessness of using a weighted blanket, they can go bad. When you overuse them, they get dirty and accumulate oil and dust from the environment. If not cleaned within a time, the weighted blankets go bad. However, if you use them gently and care about washing them, they will certainly stay longer for 5-10 years.

Conclusion

Weighted blankets have been increasingly popular in recent years because of their potential to improve sleep quality. Weighted blankets may benefit those who suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or restlessness when trying to sleep.

It is a given that you will have to clean your weighted blanket at some point. As blankets absorb body oils and sweat, they may also contact stains and grime. When it comes to washing your weighted blanket, you should keep a few things in mind to increase the life of your weighted blanket. I hope now you know how long weighted blankets last and how you can take care of them.

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.

Check Out Related Weighted Products