How to Clean a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are great to have not only during the winter months when you need to hunker down for the night, but also helps in calming anxiety and tension. Weighted blankets have been gaining more and more popularity lately, so this article is here to help you weighted blanket newbies figure out how to clean a weighted blanket.

When should I wash my weighted blanket?

Washing a weighted blanket requires a bit of extra care compared to a regular blanket or comforter. But even if washing may be extra work, cleanliness is important! Depending on how frequently your weighted blanket is used, you may need to wash more frequently. For example, if you use your blanket every night, you should wash every three weeks. If you are using your blanket as an occasional lap blanket, you only need to wash every couple of months or less depending on frequency of use. And lastly, blanket-loving pet owners should wash even more frequently!

How to Clean a Weighted Blanket

How to clean a weighted blanket

The answer is yes: you can indeed wash a weighted blanket! A weighted blanket may be heavy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wash it. The real question is not ‘can’, but ‘how’ do you clean a weighted blanket? We’re here to help with a list of four methods for washing your heaviest of blankets.

Spot Cleaning

If you do not use your blanket frequently but it has a few spots either from spilled drink or accumulated dust, you can spot clean. Use your favorite detergent or stain remover and gently pat the affected area with warm water and a rag. If your blanket is white, you can use bleach. Be sure that whatever cleaner you use is compatible with the type of fabric you are cleaning. 

Washing Machine

If you are hesitant to place your weighted blanket in a washing machine, have no fear. It is safe to place a weighted blanket in a washer as long as it is a large front-loading machine. If you don’t have access to this type of washing machine, you can take a trip to your local laundromat. It is recommended that you choose cold water for washing, and choose “bulk” if the washer gives you the option. It’s important to wash your blanket alone. Do not load clothes and other laundry items along with your weighted blanket, as the weight may be too much.

Handwashing

If you are determined to wash your weighted blanket manually, it is indeed possible if you’re willing to put in the work. You will need either a clean and sanitized bathtub, or a basin if you are washing outside. The biggest thing to remember in this case is to let the soap and water soak completely into the fabric. The benefit of using  a washing machine is the lathering and soaking that happens during the cycle, so you will have to do this manually to achieve the same result. You may need to wear gloves to protect your hands while you massage the fabric that is submerged in the soapy water.

Waterproof Cover

This last option is less of a cleaning method and more of a preventative measure. If you want less hassle with cleaning in the future, then a waterproof weighted blanket cover is the way to go. This way, the weighted blanket will always have a protective layer to keep it untouched by moisture or dust. Simply throw the lightweight cover into the wash when the time comes.

How to dry a weighted blanket

Air Dry

If you do not have access to a large machine dryer, then it is possible to air dry. This is not the option most would go for due to risk of mildew. But if you follow these tips, you are more likely to come out successful. For best results, you will need to find a dry, non-absorbent surface for your blanket to spread out on. A cleared table is best for this. Do not place your blanket on carpet or fabric of any kind. If it is winter, simply leave your heater on and allow the heat and dry air to do its magic. 

If you use a humidifier, turn it off. The wet blanket will dry even slower if mist is present in the air. A dry environment is the best bet to getting a mildew-free blanket. If it is summer, your A/C unit will help keep humidity at bay. If you have a portable fan, point it at the blanket to speed up the drying process. 

Machine Dry

Your weighted blanket will do best on a low-heat setting in a dryer, but you may need to run a couple of cycles to completely dry it due to the size and weight of the blanket. Most laundromat dryers can accommodate this. Remember to clear the lint tray before and after use so that stray fabrics or lint do not get embedded and caught onto your newly-clean weighted blanket.

The best weighted blankets you can find on the internet

Now that you know the answer to the question: “How do I wash a weighted blanket?”, you’re ready to dig deeper to find the absolute best weighted blankets the internet has to offer. Whether you are buying a weighted blanket for yourself or for a child, there are options for everyone. For the best weighted blanket options for adults, check out our comprehensive list. As for kids’ weighted blankets, we’ve got you covered there as well. We know that kids’ blankets need to be uniquely made due to weight and health and safety reasons. This list gives all of our recommendations based on the needs of a younger person.

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