If you have a weighted blanket, then you understand how valuable they can be. You likely use it every night in bed and also when napping. When you use your blanket so much, it is going to need to be washed.
If you use your weighted blanket as a top sheet or blanket, you can get away with washing it a few times a year, but using it directly on top of you is going to require more frequent washing.
As weighted blankets are different from regular blankets, they need to be washed differently. The surface of the blanket feels like a regular blanket, but, underneath, there are pockets filled with pellets, beads, rice, or other materials.
The type of filler used to create the weight in the blanket is going to determine how you should clean it. The outer material will also affect the cleaning procedures to a certain extent.
Take your time when you are cleaning your blanket and follow our guidelines, along with any cleaning instructions that come with your weighted blanket.
In This Article
- Can I Wash My Weighted Blanket?
- How to Machine Wash a Weighted Blanket by Fabric Type
- How to Hand Wash Your Weighted Blanket
- How to Dry a Weighted Blanket by Hand
- Can You Iron a Weighted Blanket?
- How to Clean Your Weighted Blanket For Specific Stains
- Conclusion
Can I Wash My Weighted Blanket?
The short answer is, yes, you can. Most weighted blankets can even be washed in a washing machine, though always check the instructions that come with your blanket. Two things to check are the capacity of your washer and the filling of your blanket.
The size might accommodate it, but it could be too heavy for your machine. If your washer can usually accommodate a queen-size comforter, then your weighted blanket will be fine.
If you are not sure, or if your weighted blanket weighs more than 25 pounds, then you might be better off taking it to a laundromat or having it professionally cleaned.
When deciding on detergent to use, always use a gentle detergent and pair that with a gentle wash cycle. All-natural is best if you can find it.
Different blankets will need slightly different washing instructions, but we have you covered. Let’s take a look at what you need to do for each type of weighted blanket.
How to Machine Wash a Weighted Blanket by Fabric Type
The washing instructions for each type of blanket are not so different, but there are some subtle differences to be aware of. Follow our simple tips, and you will have no problems.
Cotton Blankets
Cotton weighted blankets are the most common type of blanket, and they are also the easiest to wash. They will also hold up well to washes and won’t show wear and tear easily.
When using your washing machine, stick to cold or warm cycles, staying away from the hot or heavy-load cycles. Wash the blanket by itself, and throw in a cup of salt or vinegar if you are worried about the colors running or fading.
Minky Fur Blankets
So soft and luxurious, and you will be happy to know that washing a minky fur weighted blanket is relatively easy.
Use a cold or warm gentle wash cycle, and use a natural detergent. If you have stains, use non-chlorine bleach, and scrub the stain gently. Wash the blanket by itself for the best results.
Fleece Blankets
Fleece blankets add an extra layer of warmth to the weight, and they are extremely easy to wash too.
Use a warm-water wash cycle, and dry them on a low heat in the dryer. Use some natural fabric softener to keep the fleece blanket soft and fluffy.
Linen Blend Blankets
If you have rayon in the blend, you should take the blanket to a professional to be cleaned. For other linen blends, use a cold-cycle wash, natural or gentle detergent, and diluted bleach for any stain removal.
Wool Blankets
Wool can shrink in the wash, so clean it by hand if you can. If you do need to machine wash your wool weighted blanket, use the gentlest setting and the coldest water. When you are drying the blanket, lay it flat to dry, and avoid using the dryer.
Always check the washing instructions on your blanket before committing.
How to Machine Wash a Weighted Blanket by Filler Type
The outer material of your weighted blanket is the easy part. The filler that is used to add weight to the blanket can be tricky, so always combine the above tips with those below to get your blanket clean without damaging it.
Plastic Poly Pellets
These round beads are made from ABS plastic, and they create filler that is durable and also easy to clean. Use any of the above cleaning methods with plastic pellets, but stay away from heat. If you dry the blanket on high or medium heat, the plastic can melt slightly and clump.
Micro Glass Beads
A high-quality filing that adds a nice weight to the blanket that is also flexible enough to conform to your shape. The small beads look like sand and can be washed and dried at higher temperatures without damage. They also dry well, so you can hang the blanket to dry or use a dryer and see similar results.
Steel Shot Beads
These create a heavier blanket, and the beads are almost indestructible. The main thing to think about is the weight of the blanket, and you might not want to wash this type of blanket in a small washer. If you do not use a gentle cycle, the blanket can move a lot and damage the inside of the drum. These beads do not melt, so feel free to use higher heat wash and dry cycles.
Sand
This filler gives amazing flexibility and comfort and is cheaper than other types of filler. The downside is that sand is harder to wash than the previous fillers on the list. Sand will expand when wet and can take a long time to dry, so try not to wash them often, and make sure that they are completely dry before you use them again.
Beans, rice, and other organic fillers
These fillers are cheap and give you an organic and natural fill, but washing them can destroy the blanket. The fill can turn soggy when exposed to water, and bacteria can grow if left wet, so always dry for a long time if you do wash them.
How to Hand Wash Your Weighted Blanket
Hand washing is gentler on the outer fabric and inner fill and does not take all that long.
The best way to hand wash your weighted blanket is to fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and add the same dose of detergent that you would add to your washer. Ensure that you use mild, natural, or eco-friendly detergent.
Spot-clean any stains first by soaking the stains in a little cold water and detergent and then rubbing them slightly with a cloth or sponge.
Place the entire blanket in the bathtub of water and submerge it. You can rub sections together or use a cloth/sponge until you work your way across the entire blanket. When done, allow the blanket to soak for a further ten minutes.
Drain the water, and rinse your blanket to get rid of all the excess soap. Squeeze any water from the blanket, but avoid wringing the blanket forcefully.
How to Dry a Weighted Blanket by Hand
Some weighted blankets can be put in the dryer, but it is always safer to dry them by hand. Too high of a heat could melt or damage the filler, and the blanket is going to lose its purpose.
Here are some tips for hand drying your weighted blanket:
- Lay the blanket flat so it is well-ventilated and can dry quicker.
- Flip the blanket every 2 hours for even drying.
- If you need to hang it, drape it over a drying rack or clothesline to prevent stretching.
- Keep the weight evenly distributed.
- Drying the blanket for too long is better than not long enough.
Can You Iron a Weighted Blanket?
The short answer is no.
Let’s start by saying that there is no real reason to iron your weighted blanket. If it has some small wrinkles, it is still going to function as a weighted blanket.
The heat from the iron could also damage the filler inside and melt it (depending on the type of filler). Ironing also risks damage to the outer material.
How to Clean Your Weighted Blanket For Specific Stains
You use your weighted blanket in bed, when napping, and curled up on the couch for a movie. Over time, stains are probably going to appear on your blanket. So, what can you do to remove common stains?
Red Wine
Act as quickly as you can with this one, and use 1-2 ounces of white vinegar, applying it to the area and leaving it there for 5-10 minutes.
Use a wet towel to blot the area, rubbing gently, and dry the area by dabbing it with a dry towel. If the stain remains, then you will have to use an enzyme stain remover instead and leave that on for 30 minutes before removing it.
After removing the stain, wash the blanket as you would normally.
Coffee
Mix 1 ounce of white vinegar with 1 ounce of detergent and 10 ounces of water. Apply the cleaning solution to the stain, gently working it in with a cloth or soft brush. Let the solution sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes, removing it with a clean cloth after.
If the stain remains, simply repeat the process until the stain is removed.
Urine
If you have children or pets, then you might get urine on your blanket.
Again, act as quickly as you can with this strain as it is easier to remove when the urine is still wet. Apply soap and water to the stain to remove both the stain and the odor. If the stain has already dried, you will be better off using an enzyme stain remover.
After working on the stain, wash the blanket as you normally would to get rid of any remaining odor.
Conclusion
Weighted blankets can help us to sleep easier, but they can be tricky when it comes to cleaning them. The key is to know what outer material is used and what filler is inside.
If the blanket weighs more than 25 pounds, then we recommend taking the blanket to be professionally cleaned or using a larger machine in a laundromat. Otherwise, you can easily wash your weighted blanket at home in your washing machine or by hand.
If you are ever in doubt, check the manufacturer guidelines and always err on the side of caution.
Follow our tips above, and you will have no problem washing your weighted blanket.
