How to Wash a Weighted Blanket
Let’s face it: We’ve all been spending a lot of time nesting in our homes this year and making our beds as cozy as possible. In fact, many of us have invested in a weighted blanket, which small studies say may help relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality. Like any bed covering, your weighted blanket will need cleaned occasionally. “Most contain glass or polypropylene pellets that are made from a plastic resin, so they are sturdy and can withstand washing,” says Donna Chambers, CEO/Founder of SensaCalm, which custom-makes weighted blankets in Tennessee. “But not all material is washable. In fact, some blankets have duvet covers, which may be washable, while the inserts themselves are not.” Also, blankets that aren’t sectioned into pockets or channels for the beads tend to bunch up when wet and usually don’t fare well in the wash.
It’s best to check the blanket manufacturer’s website for specific care instructions, but in general, here’s what you should know about how to wash a weighted blanket:
Check your fabric.
If it’s made of cotton, a cotton-polyester blend, or fleece (which typically is 100 percent polyester), it’s probably washable. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer. If it’s a go, consider the weight of your blanket. Generally, you can wash a blanket that’s no more than 20 pounds at home in your front loader or if you have a high-efficiency top loader that has no agitator sticking up in the center. “For blankets more than 20 pounds, it’s better to go to the laundromat to use the big commercial washers, which can accommodate the extra weight,” says Chambers. Like other bulky items such as pillows, the blanket needs to tumble freely to get clean.
How do I wash my weighted blanket?
Wash your blanket by itself to prevent lint, pilling or damage from items that have zippers, for example. Use any mild detergent. If it’s a cotton blanket, wash on warm or cold, never hot. If it’s cotton-polyester, wash on cold. Fleece can be washed on warm or cold, but don’t use fabric softener, which will leave a slick coating and ruin the softness. Avoid using bleach unless the blanket is solid white and 100 percent cotton. If it has stains, treat it as you would any piece of laundry: Pretreat with a stain remover product, and wash as usual. Wash on the normal, not delicate, cycle. “It needs to spin fast to wring out as much water as possible,” says Chambers.
How do I dry my weighted blanket?
It’s perfectly fine to dry most washable blankets in the dryer on low to medium heat. They can be quite heavy when wet, so line drying isn’t recommended because the line will sag and droop (plus, it could take forever to dry thoroughly!). A commercial dryer is recommended for blankets that weigh more than 20 pounds. Dryer sheets, which are a type of fabric softener, are fine to use for cotton blankets, but aren’t suggested for other fabric types. Use an extended tumble cycle to make sure your blanket is completely dry, then enjoy your nice, fresh cuddly blanket!
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