How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are great if you’re looking for something that’ll help you sleep.

How do they work? They contain glass beads and pellets that will place pressure on your entire body, simulating the feeling of being hugged and swaddled.

There’s just one thing – they require a bit of extra care when it comes to washing.

How do you wash a weighted blanket properly? Can you machine wash them or do you have to wash them by hand?

For the answers, be sure to keep reading. We’ll be going over the answers below!

Why Weighted Blankets Require Special Care

Weighted blankets are often filled with materials like glass beads or plastic poly pellets and can weigh anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds.

The way you clean your weighted blanket depends largely on the weighted blanket fillers and overall weight. This is because different fillers react differently when exposed to water and heat. For instance, exposure of certain types of glass beads or plastic poly-pellets to warm water may cause damage over time.

Preparing Your Weighted Blanket for Washing

If you’ve invested in a weighted blanket, you know the soothing comfort it can bring. But with that relaxation comes responsibility – namely, keeping your blanket clean and fresh.

Choosing the Right Detergent for Your Weighted Blanket

The type of detergent that you use can greatly impact how well your blanket holds up over time. When picking out a laundry detergent, opt for something mild (e.g. a bleach free laundry detergent) rather than harsh cleaning solutions or fabric softeners, which could damage the materials.

You might wonder if using stain remover on stubborn spots before washing is a good idea – and the answer is yes. Pre-treating stains based on their makeup will help break them down before they go through a wash cycle.

Just remember not to use bleach or other strong chemicals as they may harm the fabric and fillers.

We recommend using ACTIVE laundry detergent specifically designed for delicate items such as weighted blankets filled with plastic poly pellets or glass bead fillers. Not only is it made from plant-based ingredients but it will also help maintain the blanket tip-top shape while providing excellent cleanliness.

Always Check the Care Instructions

To keep things simple and avoid any potential mishaps during washing, always check care instructions first thing before tossing it in.

Your care tag usually indicates whether dry cleaning only applies and whether you should use cold or lukewarm water – so make sure to read carefully. Not only that but it’ll also indicate whether or not the item can be tumble-dried or if it you should let it air dry.

Tip: If there’s an attached duvet cover on your blanket- remove it prior to starting this process; duvets are typically easier washed separately.

Different Ways on How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets require special attention in that you have to be careful of the fillers. Having said that, you do have two different methods to choose from: machine washing or hand washing.

Washing Weighted Blankets in the Washer

Most weighted blankets nowadays are machine washable, including the blanket’s cover.

Start by placing the hefty blanket in the washer. To prevent damage and ensure even distribution of weight throughout the wash cycle, use cold water and run a gentle or delicate cycle – that will help keep both your bed cover and its delicate fillers in tip-top shape.

You’ll also want to pay attention to detergents – mild ones, such as the one by ACTIVE, are usually best. And avoid using fabric softener – it will coat your blanket with a waxy residue that will make it attract more dirt.

Once the cycle is finished, allow it to air dry. Or if the blanket’s care instructions says it can be tumble dried, you can place it in the dryer on low.

How to Hand Wash a Weighted Blanket

In cases where machine washing isn’t suitable (for instance when dealing with extremely heavy blankets over 20 pounds), hand-washing is the better option.

Fill up a large sink or bathtub with cold or warm water and add some ACTIVE detergent powder to create a soapy solution. Carefully place the blanket in the tub and make sure it’s saturated in the mixture.

For hard-to-reach spots or stubborn areas like pet sleeps spots – consider scrubbing gently with a soft brush soaked in mixture of warm water and gentle detergent.

After the blanket has been washed, make certain it’s completely rinsed. Drain soapy water and refill with cool, clear water for a final rinse. This process might need to be repeated several times until all soap residue is completely removed.

Spot-Cleaning Stains on a Weighted Blanket

Stains can be pesky invaders, but don’t let them ruin your comfy weighted blanket. Here’s how to get rid of those unwelcome spots.

Best Practices for Spot Cleaning Stains

Using a stain remover and a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the stained area.

The trick is to pre-treat stains before they get cozy in the fabric of your blanket. Dissolve some ACTIVE Detergent powder in some cold water and apply it onto the offending spot.

Take care not to scrub too hard; too much enthusiasm might harm the material underneath, especially if it’s filled with glass beads or poly pellets.

Rinse out any suds left behind by dabbing cool water onto the cleaned area. And remember: always check your care tag first because each weighted blanket has its own personality and needs when being cared for.

Ideally, you want to let the blanket air dry in a well-ventilated space as high heat can cause shrinkage (think of how jeans feel right out of the dryer). If you’re in a hurry though, use the low-heat setting on the dryer.

Air Dry and Store Your Weighted Blanket Properly

The best way to get your entire blanket completely dry without damaging its fillers is by air drying. Simply lay the blanket flat on a clean surface in an area where it won’t be disturbed.

Make sure you evenly distribute the weight so that no part of the blanket stays damp for too long.

If you don’t have much time, try using a dryer on the low setting to prevent melting plastic pellets and disrupting the evenness of your blanket. Too much heat could also potentially melt the plastic pellets and distort even distribution within pockets of your blanket.

Storing Your Weighted Blanket

If you’re not using the weighted blanket immediately after cleaning, consider rolling or folding it neatly before storing away. You can also use a storage bag, which will keep dust off while letting air flow around the fabric preventing any potential odors from building.

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket – FAQs

Can you wash a weighted blanket with weight in it?

Yes, you can. Just make sure to follow the care instructions closely because of its weight and special filling materials.

Can you wash a weighted blanket that weighs 20 pounds in the washer?

Yes, but only if your washing machine can handle the load. If not, take the weighted blanket to a laundromat or use hand-washing methods.

Can you wash a 30 lb weighted blanket in a washer?

A home washer might struggle with a 30 lb weighted blanket. A better option would be to use a commercial-grade machine at your local laundromat.

Are weighted blankets with glass beads washable?

Absolutely. Glass beads are generally safe for washing machines as long as they are securely sewn into the fabric pockets.

How often should I wash my weighted blanket?

Assuming that you use the blanket every night, it’s best to wash the blanket regularly once every few weeks – that will prevent oils and sweat from accumulating on the fabric.

Why does my weighted blanket feel scratchy?

Using fabric softeners can cause your weighted blanket to become scratchy and rigid. Given that, it’s best to avoid using them.

There you have it – you’ve learned how to wash a weighted blanket. If anything, it all depends on the blanket’s weight and what it’s filled with.

In most cases, however, it’s perfectly fine to put your weighted blanket in the washing machine.