Weighted blankets are getting popular these days. More people find it comfortable to sleep in them because of the amazing benefits they provide. They help reduce anxiety, insomnia, and stress and make sleeping super comfortable and enjoyable.
If you are one of those people, you might have been wondering how to get rid of the stains and dirt buildup on your weighted blanket after a long time. Well, this article is for you. Our pros have provided this guide to help you do it right.
Interesting Facts About Weighted Blankets
Before we reveal our pros’ tips for washing weighted blankets, here are some interesting facts about these blankets and how many people use them.
Weighted blankets may be filled with any one ofseveral materials, including pellets, glass beads or even cotton.
We’ll give you the necessary steps to wash your weighted blanket, but you should always read the manufacturer’s instructions first to make sure the method you choose won’t damage your blanket.
Washing Instructions
Weighted blankets have different weights and are made of different materials. As a result, they require different washing instructions and techniques.
For example, blankets made from linen, wool, rayon, or silk should not be washed in a machine. So, you need to consider certain factors before you start washing your blanket.
Here are a few:
Weight of the blanket: Before you put your blanket in a washer, ensure that the machine can handle the size and weight of the blanket. If not, you should probably wash with your hands or take to a laundromat.
Blanket Fillers: Depending on the filling of your blanket, you should either hand wash, machine wash, or spot clean the fabric.
For example, blankets filled with organic materials like beans, rice, etc., should only be spot washed. Also, blankets that have sand as their fillers should be spot treated.
Material of the blanket: The material of a weighted blanket also determines the washing instructions. Blankets made from bamboo, cotton, or flannel can be washed in a machine, while those made from linen, wool, or silk are not machine washable.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket by Hand
If your weighted blanket is filled with materials like smooth pebbles or steel shot beads, handwashing is the best option to consider while cleaning it.
Also, if your machine cannot handle the weight of the blanket, handwashing is advised. You can find the weight in the care label of the blanket.
Most weighted blankets weigh between 5 to 20 pounds. If you have one that weighs over 20 pounds, you might want to take it to a laundromat to have it washed in a commercial-sized washer if you don’t want to wash it by hand.
There are two options to consider while washing your blankets by hand. You can either spot clean or wash the entire clothing.
However, this depends on the extent of the stain on the material or how dirty it is. If your blanket is clean but has a few stains, spot washing is highly recommended.
How To Spot Treat Your Weighted Blanket
Items Required
Dishwashing soap
Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
Cloth
Step 1: Mix a bit of dishwashing soap in warm water.
Step 2: Dip the brush or cloth in the mixture and rub the stain.
Step 3: Rinse the cleaned portion in cold water.
Step 4: Allow to air dry.
How to Handwash an Entire Weighted Blanket
Your blanket gets really dirty with time, and spot cleaning alone won’t cut it. Then, it would be best if you washed the entire blanket either by hand or using a machine. For blankets over 20 pounds, handwashing works best for them.
Here’s how to get started:
Items Required
Detergent
Bath or Washtub
Step 1: Clean your washtub or bathtub and ensure you get rid of any dirt.
Step 2: Next, fill the tub halfway with water and add a mild detergent to it.
Step 3: Mix the detergent in water till it is well dissolved.
Step 4: Place the blanket in the tub and submerge it in the mixture.
Step 5: Soak for a few minutes, then agitate well with your hands. You can use a glove if you have sensitive hands.
Step 6: Next, drain the tub.
Step 7: Fill the tub again with clean water and gently agitate the blanket to rinse.
Step 8: Drain the tub again and fill it with clean water. This is to ensure that the detergent is removed.
Step 9: Flatten out the blanket in the best way you can.
Step 10: Next, fold in half and roll to get rid of water. However, do not wriggle the material.
Step 11: Repeat until you have removed most water and leave to air dry.
If you have a large-sized weighted blanket that weighs 20lb or more, you should consider washing using a commercial machine. You can find a commercial machine in a laundromat.
How to Dry a Weighted Blanket
You should check your blanket’s care label first before you start drying. Some manufacturers recommend machine drying for their weighted blankets, while others don’t. So, you need to pay attention to the care instructions to ensure that you don’t damage your blanket.
Machine drying
Dry your blanket using a low or medium heat setting. Also, it is advised that you add dryer balls to the machine while drying to ensure an even weight distribution.
Air drying
To air-dry your blanket, lay it under the sun, on a flat surface. Flip it periodically to redistribute the fillers and ensure the weight is well distributed. It is not advised to spread a weighted blanket on a line as it can shift the weight. Also, do not iron your weighted blanket as excess heat can damage the fabric or fillings.
Final thoughts
A weighted blanket should be washed a minimum of two to three times a year. Also, you should opt more for spot cleaning in cases of mild stains or spills to preserve your blanket.
FAQ
Should I shake out my blanket mid-cycle if I put it in the dryer?
Yes, experts recommend periodically stopping the dryer to shake out your weighted blanket. The reason? The filling may shift, or the blanket may twist while drying, resulting in wet patches. Keeping an eye on it will eliminate the need for additional air drying.
Can weighted blankets be dry cleaned?
Yes, they can. We recommend this option if you know you’ll have difficulty lifting or manipulating your weighted blanket or if the manufacturer recommends it.
What’s the best way to keep my weighted blanket clean?
Putting your weighted blanket inside a duvet cover will keep it clean for longer and minimize the need for spot cleaning. In most cases, you’ll be able to wash the duvet cover and leave the blanket alone, although you still may want to give it a thorough washing 1-2 times per year.
