How to Wash and Dry a Weighted Blanket Without Damaging It

Weighted blankets have become a popular choice for improving sleep quality and providing comfort, especially for those who experience anxiety or stress. Their heavy, calming nature helps you feel cozy, secure, and relaxed. However, like any blanket, they need cleaning from time to time. If you’ve ever wondered how to wash and dry a weighted blanket without compromising its softness, weight, or structure, you’re in the right place!

This guide will walk you through the entire process, with expert tips on washing, drying, and maintaining your weighted blanket. Let’s dive in and make sure your cozy companion stays as fresh and comforting as the day you bought it!

Understanding Your Weighted Blanket

Before we jump into the washing instructions, it’s important to understand what makes weighted blankets unique and why cleaning them requires a different approach than regular blankets.

What’s inside a weighted blanket?

Most weighted blankets are filled with glass beads or plastic pellets that provide the “weight” in the blanket. These fillings are evenly distributed to create pressure, promoting relaxation. The outer fabric, usually made from cotton, linen, or minky, can be soft and delicate, which is why extra care is needed when washing and drying.

Why proper care is important

If not properly cleaned, the filling inside the weighted blanket can shift, causing lumps and an uneven distribution of weight. Over time, improper washing and drying can also affect the softness of the fabric or damage the beads inside, which could make the blanket less effective.

Checking the Care Label

The first step to cleaning your weighted blanket is always to check the care label for specific instructions. Not all weighted blankets are the same, and some materials or fillings may require different care than others.

The importance of the care label

Each weighted blanket comes with a care label that provides important information about the fabric and recommended cleaning methods. Some weighted blankets can be machine washed and dried, while others may require a gentler touch, like hand washing or air drying.

What to look for on the care label

Machine wash settings: Some blankets recommend cold or warm water and a gentle cycle.
Drying instructions: Check if your blanket can go in the dryer or if it requires air drying.
Fabric type: If your blanket is made from delicate materials like minky or cashmere, it may require a different approach to washing and drying.

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

Once you’ve checked the care label, it’s time to get started with washing your weighted blanket. While many weighted blankets are machine washable, the process still requires a little extra care due to their weight and filling.

Washing machine method

Use cold or warm water: Hot water can damage the fabric or cause the beads inside to shift. Stick with cold or lukewarm water to preserve both the fabric and filling.
Gentle cycle: Choose a gentle cycle to minimize agitation and prevent damage to the blanket’s fabric. The delicate cycle is perfect for weighted blankets as it provides a less aggressive wash.
Mild detergent: Use a gentle detergent that won’t strip the fabric of its softness or cause irritation. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can weaken the fibers.

Hand washing (for delicate fabrics)

If the care label suggests hand washing, follow these steps:

Fill a large tub with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
Submerge the blanket and gently agitate it by hand to clean it.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent.

Hand washing is especially useful for blankets made from minky or other delicate fabrics that might get damaged in the machine.

How to Dry a Weighted Blanket

Proper drying is just as important as washing when it comes to maintaining the integrity of your weighted blanket. Improper drying can cause the filling to shift, the fabric to shrink, or the blanket to lose its softness.

Can you put a weighted blanket in the dryer?

Yes, most weighted blankets can be dried in a dryer, but you need to use the right settings. Here’s how:

Low heat setting: Dry on a low-heat or no-heat setting. High heat can damage the fabric or melt the beads inside the blanket.
Add dryer balls: Throw in a few dryer balls to help fluff the blanket and keep the filling evenly distributed.
Check frequently: Make sure to check the blanket periodically to prevent overheating. It can take a bit longer to dry due to the weight, so patience is key.

Air drying for extra care

If you prefer not to use the dryer or if your blanket’s fabric requires extra care, air drying is a great alternative:

Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface or drying rack to allow air to circulate.
Avoid hanging the blanket, as this can cause it to stretch or lose its shape.
Flip it occasionally to ensure it dries evenly.

Preventing Lumps and Shifting Filling

One of the most common concerns when washing weighted blankets is the potential for the filling to shift, creating lumps or uneven weight distribution. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening.

Use a gentle wash and dry cycle

As mentioned earlier, using a gentle cycle on your washing machine and dryer helps minimize movement and shifting of the filling. Always opt for a low heat setting to avoid melting the beads inside.

Add tennis balls or dryer balls

Placing a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer can help redistribute the filling evenly. This is particularly helpful if you’re drying your weighted blanket in the machine.

Washing Special Weighted Blankets (e.g., Minky or Cashmere)

Weighted blankets come in many materials, each with its own specific care needs. For example, minky and cashmere are more delicate fabrics, which require extra attention.

Minky fabric weighted blankets

Wash on cold: Always wash minky blankets on cold water to preserve their softness.
Gentle cycle: Use the delicate cycle to prevent damage to the minky fabric.
Dry on low or air dry: High heat can ruin the plush texture of minky fabric, so it’s best to air dry or use a low-heat setting in the dryer.

Cashmere and other luxury blankets

Cashmere and other luxury weighted blankets often require hand washing. Follow the care label, and make sure to dry them gently by laying them flat to avoid stretching or damage.

How Often Should You Wash Your Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets don’t need to be washed frequently, but they do need cleaning every so often. The general rule of thumb is to wash your blanket every 1–3 months, depending on usage.

Frequency based on usage

Heavy use: If you use your weighted blanket nightly or frequently, wash it every 1–2 months.
Light use: For occasional use, washing every 2–3 months is sufficient.

Spot cleaning between washes

To avoid frequent washes, you can spot clean your blanket using a mild detergent and a damp cloth to remove stains or dirt. This will help extend the time between washes.

Dealing with Odors and Freshening Up Your Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets, especially those made from fabrics like cotton, can sometimes develop an odor over time. Here’s how to keep your blanket smelling fresh.

Baking soda for odor removal

Before washing, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the blanket to absorb odors. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then shake it out.

Use fabric freshener

After drying, use a fabric-safe freshener spray to keep the blanket smelling fresh and clean without using harsh chemicals.

Storing Your Weighted Blanket

When you’re not using your weighted blanket, it’s important to store it properly to avoid damage.

Keep it in a cool, dry place

Store your blanket in a breathable storage bag or pillowcase to prevent dust buildup. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to avoid fading or fabric damage.

Avoid heavy stacking

Don’t store your blanket under heavy items, as this can affect its shape and cause the filling to shift.

Bonus Tips for Maintaining Your Weighted Blanket

To keep your weighted blanket in the best possible condition, here are some additional tips:

Wash it with similar items: Wash your blanket with other soft items like sheets or towels to protect it.
Use a duvet cover: Consider using a duvet cover to protect your blanket from dirt and spills, making washing less frequent.
Dry in intervals: If you’re using the dryer, check the blanket every 30 minutes to ensure it’s drying evenly and not overheating.

Conclusion

Now you know how to properly wash and dry a weighted blanket without compromising its softness, weight distribution, or fabric. By following these tips, your weighted blanket will stay cozy, clean, and comforting for years to come.

Have any additional tips or experiences with washing weighted blankets? Share them in the comments below!