Weighted blankets have gained popularity during the past few years. They are cosy, comfortable and reduce stress and anxiety. There is a variety of weighted blankets which are filled with different materials which add the nice weight we love them for. Being as comfortable as they are, this type of blanket can be used quite often. If you are one of the people that love sleeping with a weighted blanket, you probably notice that it needs a good cleaning once in a while. However, cleaning weighted blankets can be a complicated task. This is mainly because of their weight and the wide range of materials they are made of.
Keep reading to see the best advice we have to give you, as well as how often you have to wash such blankets and how to do it properly.
Before you attempt to wash your weighted blanket, there are a few things you should consider. Those would be important information about the materials that your blanket is made of, as well as any recommendations from the manufacturer about the methods of cleaning suitable for the fabric on hand. While some weighted blankets can be washed in a machine, others need to be hand-washed only. If your blanket has a removable cover, it is likely that the cover can be cleaned in the washing machine, while the blanket itself is not. In such cases, it is best to spot-clean them only.
For machine-washable weighted blankets
Check the fabric care label on your weighted blanket and if it says the blanket can be machine-washed, follow the instructions. Always consider the size and weight of your blanket, as well as the capacity of your laundry machine. If your blanket is on the heavier side, do not put it in the washing machine. The large mass may cause damage to your appliance. When cleaning a weighted blanket in the washing machine, always go for the lowest spin because of the extra weight of the blanket when it is wet. For top-loading machines, make sure the weight of the blanket is evenly distributed. That way you will ensure that the machine is balanced and you will have no issues with the cycle. If your blanket is too big and cannot move freely, it is best to not wash it. Because of the lack of space, it will not get thoroughly washed. In such cases, consider bringing the blanket to a commercial laundry place where there are larger washing machines.
For machine-washable blanket covers
For weighted blankets that have an outer cover that is removable, that cover can usually be washed in a washing machine with a regular cycle. Just in case, check the care label for the particular fabric and pay attention to the materials the cover is made of. Cotton covers require a different approach than synthetic ones, for example. Make sure you use a suitable temperature and spin cycle as well.
For weighted blankets that can be spot-treated only
If the blanket can be spot-cleaned only, we advise you to use a solution of mild dish soap and water. Use a soft cloth dipped in the cleaning mixture and blot away the stains. Then use a clean cloth dipped in plain water to ‘’rinse’’ the blanket. Repeat the process if needed, then let the blanket completely air-dry before putting it away. Dish soap has grease-dissolving properties that will break down the body oils or other grease causing the stains.
Is it safe to put your weighted blanket in the dryer?
Always check the fabric care label and manufacturer’s instructions for information about dryer suitability. Some blankets can be tumble dried on low, while some can only be air-dried. Make sure that your dryer is big enough and that your blanket has space to move around freely. When air-drying a blanket, make sure you spread it out as much as possible in order to improve the airflow. Keep in mind that weighted blankets can take a long time to dry.
How often should you wash your weighted blanket?
Experts say that it is enough that you wash your blankets once mid-season and once before storing them away. However, that depends on how often you use it and how dirty it gets over time. If your blanket gets stained, you should spot-treat it immediately to prevent the stains from becoming permanent.
Storing weighted blankets
Your weighted blankets can be stored just like any other blanket around the house. Make sure it is freshly laundered before putting it away. Keep them on a strong shelf that can support their weight. To keep them protected and fresh for longer, put them in a sealable plastic bag. You can also vacuum your weighted blanket if you don’t have enough space to store it.