Yes, You Have to Wash Your Weighted Blanket—How to Do It Like a Pro

If you’ve discovered the benefits of using a weighted blanket, you may wonder how to wash and care for it properly. It may not be clear if you can use the same methods as you do for your comforters and quilts.

Here’s how you can wash your weighted blanket at home and keep your down time comfy and cozy.

Pre-Washing

Before you even begin the washing process, it’s important to set yourself up for success. Here’s how you can do that.

1. Remove the outer cover. Some blankets may not have one.
2. Read the care label. You need to know the fiber content to choose the best cleaning method. Check the blanket’s care label for the recommendation. This will also help you determine whether the blanket should be hand-washed, machine-washed, or dry-cleaned, and allow plenty of time for it to fully dry.
3. Treat any stains. Pre-treat stains according to the type of stain. Most food and drink stains can be removed by treating them with an enzyme-based stain remover. Apply a small amount to the stained area and work it into the fabric with your fingers. Allow it to work for at least 15 minutes before washing the blanket.

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How to Machine-Wash a Weighted Blanket

1. Load the washer. Check the capacity of your washer to ensure it can handle the weight and size of the blanket before washing; load it alone. If not, you should wash the blanket by hand in the bathtub or head to a laundromat to use a larger machine.
2. Wash the blanket. Follow the water temperature, cycle, and detergent recommendations for the type of fabric. Set the washer accordingly and run the blanket through a full cycle.
3. Remove and lay flat. Remove the blanket from the washer as promptly as possible so the weight does not redistribute and cause it to lose shape. Find a space large enough to lay completely flat and spread evenly.

How to Hand Wash a Weighted Blanket

To hand wash a weighted blanket follow these steps for best results.

Prepare the Bathtub

Give your bathtub a good cleaning before you start to make sure there are no products or grime that can stain the fabric.

Fill the tub with cold or lukewarm water and add the recommended detergent, remembering that less is more. Swish the detergent through the water to make sure it is well-mixed.

Submerge in Soapy Water

Lower the blanket into the water and detergent solution. Make sure that the entire blanket is submerged. Gently squeeze the water through the fabric. Leave the blanket to soak for at least 15 minutes.

Rinse the Blanket

Lift the blanket out of the soapy water and drain the tub. Refill the tub with cool fresh water. Gently squeeze the water through the blanket.

Drain and Repeat

Drain the tub and refill it again. Repeat the rinsing process until there are no suds left. Drain the tub and gently squeeze out the excess water. Do not wring.

How to Dry Your Weighted Blanket

The only type of weighted blanket that can be safely dried on the low heat cycle in an automatic tumble dryer is one filled with microglass beads, as this filling does not melt. All other blankets should be dried flat.

Spread the blanket on a layer of plastic sheeting or a plastic tarp to protect floors. Evenly distribute the inner filling if it has shifted. You can help absorb excess moisture by pressing fresh, dry towels on the surface.

Allow the blanket to dry flat. Turn it every four or five hours to help speed drying. It will take 24 to 48 hours to dry completely.

Once the weighted blanket is completely dry, it can be inserted and attached to the outer cover.

Other Care Methods for Weighted Blankets

How Often to Wash It

How often to wash your weighted blanket depends on how often you use it. For average to rare use, wash the cover monthly to seasonally. Wash the blanket itself seasonally to annually.

With daily use, it’s best to clean your blanket’s cover weekly to bi-weekly and wash the blanket every few months.

Treating Stains

Treating stains early is key: If you’re able to rinse the stain in cold water as soon as it happens, you’ll have the best chance at removing it.

Enzyme-based stain removers can tackle even stubborn stains, including protein stains like red sauce or blood. Less serious stains can often be treated with gentle laundry detergent or dish soap.

Storing Weighted Blankets

Store your weighted blanket by gently folding or rolling it, then placing it in the storage bag it came in or on a shelf in your linen closet. These blankets can be stored similar to comforters, quilts, and duvets.

4 Additional Tips

• Fold up the blanket and put it away after each use; do not use it as a bed cover.
• Don’t eat or sit on the blanket.
• Spot clean any spills or stains as soon as possible.
• If your pet sleeps with you, use a lint roller at least once a week to remove any of their shedded hair. Always make sure they sleep on top of the blanket, as the weight of the blanket might be too heavy for pets.