How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

To wash a weighted blanket, always check the care label first — then spot-clean small stains with dish soap and water, machine wash bamboo, cotton, or flannel blankets on a cold gentle cycle, and hand wash heavier blankets (over 20 lbs) or those filled with organic materials like rice or sand. Skip fabric softener, dry on low heat or air dry flat, and deep wash two to three times a year.

Weighted blankets keep getting more popular, thanks to the comfort and calm they provide — they can help reduce anxiety, insomnia, and stress and make sleep more restful. But because you sleep under them so often, they pick up stains and buildup over time. Here’s how our Pros keep them clean without damaging the fill.

A few things to know about weighted blankets

Before the washing tips, some quick context on these blankets and how they’re used.

• There are more weighted blanket users in North America than anywhere else in the world.
• The commonly recommended weight is around 10% of your body weight — most guidelines put the comfortable range between 5% and 12%.
• Weighted blankets can be filled with several materials, including plastic pellets, glass beads, or even cotton.

Whatever method you choose, always read the manufacturer’s care label first to make sure it won’t damage your blanket.

How do you know which washing method to use?

Weighted blankets vary in weight and material, so they need different washing approaches. Blankets made from linen, wool, rayon, or silk generally should not be machine washed. Consider these three factors before you start.

Weight: Make sure your machine can handle the size and weight of the blanket. If not, hand wash it or take it to a laundromat.

Filler: The fill determines whether you hand wash, machine wash, or spot clean. Blankets filled with organic materials like beans or rice should only be spot cleaned, and sand-filled blankets should be spot treated.

Material: Bamboo, cotton, and flannel blankets can usually be machine washed, while linen, wool, and silk should not.

How do you hand wash a weighted blanket?

If your blanket is filled with smooth pebbles or steel shot beads — or if your machine can’t handle its weight — hand washing is the safest choice. Check the care label for the weight.

Most weighted blankets weigh between 5 and 20 pounds. For anything over 20 pounds, consider a commercial-sized washer at a laundromat if you’d rather not hand wash.

You can either spot clean or wash the whole blanket, depending on how dirty it is. If the blanket is mostly clean with just a few stains, spot cleaning is the way to go.

How do you spot clean a weighted blanket?

What you’ll need

• Dishwashing soap
• Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• Cloth

Step 1: Mix a little dishwashing soap into warm water.

Step 2: Dip the brush or cloth in the mixture and rub the stain.

Step 3: Rinse the cleaned area with cold water.

Step 4: Allow to air dry.

How do you hand wash an entire weighted blanket?

Over time, spot cleaning isn’t enough and the whole blanket needs washing. For blankets over 20 pounds, hand washing works best.

What you’ll need

• Detergent
• Bath or washtub

Step 1: Clean your washtub or bathtub so there’s no dirt in it.

Step 2: Fill the tub halfway with water and add a mild detergent.

Step 3: Mix until the detergent is well dissolved.

Step 4: Place the blanket in and submerge it fully.

Step 5: Soak a few minutes, then agitate well with your hands (use gloves if you have sensitive skin).

Step 6: Drain the tub.

Step 7: Refill with clean water and gently agitate to rinse.

Step 8: Drain and refill once more to be sure all detergent is gone.

Step 9: Flatten the blanket out as best you can.

Step 10: Fold in half and roll to squeeze out water — don’t wring or twist the fabric.

Step 11: Repeat until most of the water is out, then leave to air dry.

Pro Tip: Learn how to clean and disinfect your mattress like a pro.

How do you wash a weighted blanket in a washing machine?

First, check the care label to confirm the blanket is machine washable, and use a gentle approach to avoid damaging it.

What you’ll need

• Detergent
• Washing machine

Step 1: Pretreat any stains with dishwashing soap and warm water.

Step 2: Set the washer to cold — this protects the color and prevents shrinkage.

Step 3: Choose a gentle cycle to extend the blanket’s life.

Step 4: Set the load size to large, extra-large, or super, depending on the blanket.

Step 5: Place the blanket in gently and spread it so the weight is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Add a mild, bleach-free detergent. Skip fabric softener — it shortens the blanket’s lifespan.

Step 7: Run an extra cold rinse if desired.

Pro Tip: While you’re at it, learn how to clean your washing machine too.

How do you wash a 20 lb (or heavier) weighted blanket?

For a blanket weighing 20 pounds or more, use a commercial-sized machine — you’ll find these at a laundromat. They handle the bulk and weight without straining a home washer.

How do you dry a weighted blanket?

Check the care label first — some manufacturers allow machine drying and others don’t.

Machine drying

Dry on low or medium heat, and add dryer balls to help keep the fill evenly distributed.

Air drying

Lay the blanket flat, ideally in the sun, and flip it periodically to redistribute the fillers. Don’t hang it on a line, which can shift the weight, and never iron it — excess heat can damage the fabric or fill.

Final thoughts

Wash a weighted blanket at least two to three times a year, and lean on spot cleaning for minor stains and spills to keep it in good shape between deep washes.