Weighted blankets not only provide added warmth on chillier nights, but are also popular for their soothing anxiety. Learn how to wash a weighted blanket for the best sleep ever!
Does anyone else swear by their weighted blanket? Weighted blankets have grown in popularity for their multiple benefits. Not only do they add warmth on chillier nights, they have been credited with easing insomnia and anxiety. Brands like Gravity, Luxome, and Casper all sell these cult-favorite blankets that are proven to induce relaxation and help achieve better sleep. But how do I wash a weighted blanket? Here's our ultimate guide to how to wash a weighted blanket!
Can You Wash a Weighted Blanket in the Washing Machine?
Yes! As a general rule, you can wash your weighted blanket in the washing machine. We recommend using a front-loading washer if possible. If your blanket is over 20 pounds, we recommend taking a trip to the laundromat to use a commercial washer instead to ensure your blanket will be fully cleaned without causing any wear or tear to your washing machine. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions on the care tag or company website before washing a weighted blanket.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket
Regardless of what fabric your weighted blanket is made out of, always follow these five rules:
- Always wash on the gentle cycle.
- Use cold or warm water.
- Never bleach your weighted blanket.
- Don't use traditional fabric softener on your weighted blanket.
- Tumble dry low after washing.
Looking for more specific tips on washing weighted blankets? We have the how-to for all different materials.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket Made Of Cotton
- Wash in cold water.
- Wash in a load by itself, as too many cotton items can agitate the fabric.
- Skip the fabric softener.
- Use gentle detergent. We recommend Dropps Sensitive Skin Detergent Pods.
- Tumble dry on low heat. Add an XL Wool Dryer Ball to shorten the drying time!
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket Made Of Fleece
- Wash in warm water.
- Use gentle detergent.
- You may use a fabric softener. We recommend Dropps Fabric Softener Pods, which also add a scent boost.
- Air dry to reduce pilling of the fleece.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket Made Of Flannel
- Wash in cold or warm water but never hot water.
- Tumble dry on low heat but don't allow the blanket to stay in the dryer for too long after drying. Add an XL Wool Dryer Ball to shorten the drying time!
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket Made Of Minky
- Use non-chlorine bleach along with a gentle detergent. We recommend Dropps Oxi-Booster pods.
- Avoid hot water temperatures and high heat as Minky fabric doesn't tolerate heat well.
If you want to significantly reduce the number of times you have to launder your weighted blanket, consider using a duvet cover to protect your blanket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to wash a weighted blanket? We’re here to help.
Can you machine wash a 20 lb weighted blanket?
Yes, a 20 lb weighted blanket can be machine washed! At this weight, you should be able to wash it in your washing machine at home, but you may opt to bring it to a laundromat with a larger machine to prevent wear and tear on your home machine.
Can weighted blankets go in the dryer?
Most weighted blankets can go in the dryer. While you should always check the product’s care label or instructions, in general we recommend tumbling dry on low heat. Weighted blankets may take more than one cycle to fully dry, so consider using a Wool Dryer Ball or two to help speed up drying time.
How do you hand wash a 20 pound weighted blanket?
To hand wash a weighted blanket, fill a clean bathtub with enough water to submerge the blanket. Add a gentle detergent suitable for hand washing, like our Ultra Concentrated Detergent. Add the blanket to the bath and use your hands to swirl it around, mimicking the spin cycle of the machine, then rinse with cold water.
Why can't you machine wash a weighted blanket?
While weighted blankets can be machine washed, we do not recommend washing a blanket over 20 lbs in a standard washing machine, as it can cause damage. In those cases, it is best to bring it to a laundromat and use a commercial sized washing machine. Some weighted blankets are dry clean only, however, so be sure to check the care label!
FAQs
Machine Washing Instructions
Can I wash my weighted blanket in the washing machine? ›
Most weighted blankets come with one of the following instructions: Machine Wash and Dry: When machine washing, choose a bleach-free, gentle detergent, and wash your blanket in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle. Avoid fabric softeners.
How do you hand wash and dry a weighted blanket? ›
Hand wash your blanket by mixing warm water with a mild liquid detergent in a washtub or bathtub. Place the weighted blanket in the tub and submerge it in the mixture. Let soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse in warm or cold water until water runs clear, and no suds are visible. Lay flat to air dry.
Can you use fabric softener on a weighted blanket? ›
Always wash on the gentle cycle. Use cold or warm water. Never bleach your weighted blanket. Don't use traditional fabric softener on your weighted blanket.
How to wash a weighted blanket with ceramic beads? ›
To clean a machine-washable weighted blanket, place it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle with cold water. Don't add any other laundry to the cycle, and don't use bleach or fabric softener. Tumble dry on low. Remove it as soon as the dry cycle ends, and hang dry until fully dry.
How much weight can a washing machine hold? ›
A regular-capacity washer between 3.1 and 4.0 cubic feet will let you load in 12 to 16 pounds of laundry, while a larger-capacity model between 4.2 and 4.5 cubic feet can hold up to 20 pounds or more.
How much is it to dry clean a weighted blanket? ›
On average, you can expect to pay between $30 to $60 for dry cleaning a weighted blanket.
Why can't you put a weighted blanket in the dryer? ›
To prevent your weighted blanket from shrinking, consider air-drying it instead of placing it in a dryer. If you have to use a dryer, always use a low heat setting since high heat can cause shrinkage. To wash, use a gentle cycle with cold water.
How to get smell out of a weighted blanket? ›
To eliminate any lingering odors from a weighted blanket, try spot cleaning with a mild detergent and water. Ensure the affected area is thoroughly dried and aired out in a well-ventilated space to help dissipate any remaining smells.
How do you clean urine from a weighted blanket? ›
How to Get Urine Stains Out
- Mix a solution of two parts cold water, one part white vinegar, and a small amount of laundry detergent.
- Dab the stain liberally and let the solution soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Blot with a new cloth or rag to soak up the excess.
- Throw in the wash in a regular washing cycle and let air dry.
Weighted blankets can be constructed with a variety of materials, including cotton, flannel, bamboo, linen, and rayon. The fill inside of a weighted blanket—what makes a weighted blanket heavy—may include microfiber beads, sand, steel beads, pebbles, or grains.
How to get rid of a weighted blanket? ›
Contact local shelters, hospitals, or veterans' organizations to see if they accept weighted blanket donations. Animal Shelters: Many animal shelters welcome donations of old blankets that they use for pet bedding. The weight and durability of these blankets can make them ideal for use in kennels or adoption centers.
Can you wash a 20 lb weighted blanket in the washer? ›
Typically, you can clean a weighted blanket weighing 20 lbs or less by washing it in a commercial washing machine using cold water and avoiding bleach or fabric softener.
How to wash heavy blankets in a washing machine? ›
If you do decide to wash this kind of bedding at home, use a front or top-load washer (without a center agitator) to accommodate the bulk of the fabric. Wash items in any temperature but on a delicate or gentle cycle; it's a misconception that bulky items can take a beating in the washer and dryer.
How to fix a weighted blanket? ›
Manual Adjustment: Open the seam slightly in areas where adjustment is needed. Use your hands to move the beads or pellets around within the compartments to ensure even distribution across the blanket. Adding or Removing Filling: If some areas feel too heavy or too light, adjust the amount of filling.
Can we wash heavy blankets in the washing machine? ›
You can wash blankets in a washing machine as long as its fabric care label indicates that it is safe to do. Some materials should not be washed in a machine and should be dry-cleaned instead. If you are unsure how to care for your blanket, consult the manufacturer's instructions before washing it.
Can you wash a weighted blanket filled with sand? ›
Smooth pebbles: Hand wash, air dry. Sand: Spot clean, air dry.
How to wash a silent night weighted blanket? ›
Your blanket can be machine washed and it is hypoallergenic. Measures a generous 150cm x 200cm and weighs 6.8kg, which should be approximately 10% of the user's body weight.
