Weighted blankets are one of the most effective ways to improve the quality of your sleep. They come in various fabrics, colors, and weight options so that you can choose the right fit for your body size and comfort level. Heavy blankets offer tremendous comfort for people who experience anxiety, stress, restlessness, and insomnia. Learn how to properly wash your weighted blanket in this guide.
They are highly durable and require cleaning to keep them in excellent condition, as they can easily absorb moisture, sweat, and oils from your body or the atmosphere in your room.
There are several ways to clean your weighted blanket to maintain good condition. Read on to find out how to properly wash and care for your blanket and when special treatments are needed for long-lasting quality.
Manufacturer’s Care Instructions
Before you clean your weighted blanket, you must familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions, typically printed on the tag or information included with the purchase. Since a washable weighted blanket is significantly heavier and larger than regular-sized bedding, it’s not added to your regular load of laundry.
Some weighted blankets may need to be cleaned separately in a washing machine. The type of fabric, blanket filling, and materials also determine how to care for your blanket and whether you’ll need to hand wash, use gentle detergent, clean the removable cover separately, or if dry cleaning is needed.
Different Ways to Wash a Weighted Blanket
Do you remove the duvet cover for the laundry machine, or does your weighted blanket need spot washing or deep cleaning to remove stains?
Spot Cleaning
If your heavy blanket is stained in one area, spot cleaning with a gentle laundry detergent or soap and warm or cold water is adequate. A mild stain remover is also effective in lifting a stain or dirt on a blanket.
Point the bottle’s nozzle directly toward the stain, and spray thoroughly, covering the area. Following the stain removal product’s instructions, let the solution set, then rinse gently with cold water. Mild detergent is also effective for spot cleaning.
Ideally, you’ll want to clean the affected area when a spill occurs to prevent or minimize staining. Cold or warm water with mild laundry or dish soap is often the best solution and works with most fabrics. You can also use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to help remove stubborn stains or dirt.
Machine and Hand Washing
You may choose to hand wash or machine wash your blanket, which can effectively remove dirt build-up and small stains that may not be noticeable over time. Whether you use a washing machine or deep clean your blanket in a large sink or bathtub, avoid using bleach and use only warm or cool water with mild detergent.
Due to the weighted blanket filling type, typically plastic poly pellets, or glass beads, it’s best to avoid hot water or harsh cleaning agents. If washing by hand or machine, you’ll need to find a place to hang the fabric dry, as a dryer is not recommended for weighted blankets. If your blanket is heavier and larger, you can clean it in a commercial washer, making it easier to air dry or lie flat.
While machine washing is safe and easiest for weighted blankets, it’s crucial to review the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you use appropriate mild detergent while avoiding fabric softener and other cleaning options that may cause damage to the blanket.
Dry Cleaning and Duvet Washing
If you’re looking for a simpler solution to taking care of your weighted blanket, professional dry cleaning is an excellent option if you have limited time and prefer this service.
Some weighted blankets can only be cleaned this way, which is vital to consider before you purchase a new blanket. In some cases, a dry-clean-only weighted blanket may be washed on a gentle cycle in a machine, though it’s best to consult with the manufacturer beforehand.
When you remove the duvet cover, you’ll often find it fits well with your regular laundry, and you won’t necessarily need to wash the rest of the blanket as often. It’s one of the easiest ways to care for your weighted blanket, especially if you’re careful about keeping it in an area that’s not prone to dust, debris, or spills.
Helpful Tips to Care for Your Weighted Blanket
Purchasing a weighted blanket is an excellent investment for a good night’s rest. It provides a calming experience and many other benefits, including stress and anxiety reduction and a night of better quality sleep.
Caring and using your weighted blanket is rewarding, and the following tips can help you enjoy its advantages:
- Choose a weight or fabric that’s easy to care for, such as a fleece blanket or a machine-washable material.
- Store your blanket in a space free of debris and dust when it’s not in use, or keep it covered, to prevent unwanted spills or dirt build-up.
- A comfortable mattress and mattress cover can add significant support, which is ideal for pairing with a weighted blanket.
- Treat stains quickly, as soon as they occur, to prevent discoloration or damage to the blanket.
- Weighted blanket fillers are typically poly fillers or plastic, which are easy to care for, and an excellent option to consider.
Final Thoughts
Weighted blankets vary considerably in size, weight, fabric, and texture, which are important to review when you make a purchase. Generally, they are easy to clean and maintain if you carefully review the manufacturer’s instructions and details about the fabric materials, filling, and recommendations.
By taking proper care of your blanket, you’ll get the most of a good night’s rest and the many benefits that improve your ability to relax and enjoy a stress-free sleep.
