How to Wash A Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets have gained immense popularity for providing comfort, reducing anxiety, and promoting better sleep. These cozy blankets offer a gentle pressure that mimics the feeling of a warm embrace. However, with regular use, they accumulate dirt, oils, and odors, requiring proper cleaning to maintain their effectiveness and hygiene.

While cleaning a weighted blanket may seem unfamiliar and complex, the process is simple. Depending on the care instructions of  your weighted blanket, you can hand or machine-wash them with the appropriate cleaning solution.

This guide will walk you through pre-cleaning preparations, cleaning methods, and common concerns regarding cleaning a weighted blanket.

Steps To Washing A Weighted Blanket

1. Check the care instructions tag
2. Treat stains
3. Wash your weighted blanket
4. Dry your weighted blanket

If you’re washing a weighted blanket for the first time, follow these steps to ensure you do so correctly.

Check The Manufacturer's Care Instructions

Manufacturer care instructions provide essential guidance on adequately caring for a weighted blanket during the washing process. These instructions are designed to help maintain the blanket's quality, durability, and functionality, ensuring that it continues to provide the desired benefits.

Weighted blankets require specific care, and no two products are the same. As such, referring to the manufacturer’s care instructions will provide particular washing methods and cover water temperature, machine settings, and detergent recommendations.

Some weighted blankets come with removable inserts that care instructions will tell you how to detach, wash, and reattach safely.

Check your washing machine and dryer for weight limits. Remember the weighted blanket will get heavier with water.

Pre-Treat Stains Before Washing

When pre-treating stains on a weighted blanket, it’s imperative to act quickly to prevent them from settling. Below is a quick instructional for pre-treating stains:

1. Identify the stain. Is it a food spill, grease, sweat stain, or beverage?
2. Blot or scrape off the excess using a clean microfiber cloth or utensil. Avoid rubbing the stain, as doing so can spread or push it deeper into the fabric.
3. Review your blanket’s care instructions. Some product manuals may specify how to remove stains.
4. Use the following stain removal methods:
   1. Water and mild detergent: Create a soapy solution of warm water and mild detergent. Work the solution into the stain with a clean cloth or soft brush. 
   2. Stain remover: More stubborn stains, like oil, grease, and blood, may require a heavy-duty stain remover. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging your blanket.
   3. Vinegar solution: White vinegar does an excellent job of eliminating beverage stains. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
5. Rinse the area with warm water. Blot the area with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.
6. Check for residual stains. If you cannot eliminate the stain in one round, repeat the process a second time.

Wash Your Weighted Blanket

There are two ways to wash a weighted blanket – in the washing machine or through hand-washing.

Machine Washing

Some weighted blankets are explicitly labeled machine-washable by the manufacturer. These blankets typically comprise more durable materials that withstand intense water pressure and agitation. Follow these steps when machine-washing a weighted blanket.

1. Review the care instructions. Pay attention to specific guidelines and restrictions. Ensure your washing machine can handle the weight and size of your blanket.
2. Remove covers and clean these separately according to the product manual.
3. Inspect the blanket for damage. If you spot loose stitching and tears, repair them before throwing your weighted blanket into the washing machine.
4. Pre-treat stains if necessary. 
5. Secure the blanket when placing it into the machine. Instead of bunching it up, loosely fold the blanket to distribute weight evenly.
6. Set the machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or lukewarm water. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach or fabric softener.
7. Start the wash cycle, then rinse the blanket thoroughly to remove the detergent residue.
8. Dry and reassemble the blanket (if reassembly is necessary). 

Hand Washing

Hand-washing a weighted blanket can be an effective and gentle way to clean it, especially if it isn’t suitable for machine washing or if you prefer a more hands-on approach. Follow these steps when hand-washing a weighted blanket.

1. As with any weighted blanket, review the care instructions.
2. Prepare a cleaning solution of lukewarm water and mild detergent inside a large tub. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
3. Submerge the weighted blanket into the water, squeezing and pressing it to dislodge dirt and stains.
4. Spot-clean any stains with a soft brush. Work the solution into the affected section without being too rough.
5. Allow the weighted blanket to sit in the soapy water for between 15 and 20 minutes to loosen dirt.
6. Gently squeeze the weighted blanket to rinse out the detergent and run under lukewarm water. Repeat this step multiple times until the water runs clear.
7. Dry the weighted blanket. 

Dry Your Weighted Blanket

How you dry a weighted blanket depends on the fabric and filler material. Here are general guidelines when drying your weighted blanket:

1. Check the tag for drying instructions to determine whether you can machine-dry your blanket on a low-heat setting or air-dry it. 
2. If drying your weighted blanket in a machine, use a large-capacity appliance. Use dryer balls to fluff the blanket and prevent clumping. Set your dryer to a low heat or a delicate cycle to avoid damage.
3. If air drying your weighted blanket, lay it flat on a dry, clean surface like a table. Keep it in a well-ventilated area with good circulation. Avoid placing your blanket under direct sunlight to prevent fading. 
4. Periodically check back on your air-dried blanket to flip and rotate it. Ensure both sides dry evenly to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

See below for Purple Bearabay weighted blanket drying instructions

Purple Weighted Blankets For Unmatched Comfort

Cleaning a weighted blanket ensures longevity, hygiene, and comfort. Whether your weighted blanket is machine washable or requires hand washing, following the manufacturer's care instructions is crucial. 

By understanding the different types of weighted blanket fillers and their cleaning requirements, you can make informed decisions about the best cleaning methods. Pre-treating stains and selecting appropriate stain removers can help tackle stubborn marks effectively.

Are you looking for a natural way to sleep well? Purple’s Bearaby Weighted Blanket is an evenly weighted, machine-washable blanket made with soft, breathable fabric. Hand-knit, soft, and sustainable, the Bearaby Weighted Blanket could be your ticket to a restful night.

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Purple Bearabay weighted blanket drying instructions:

• Never hang your blanket up to dry – it’ll stretch! 
• We don’t recommend laying the blanket flat to dry either: the chunky-knit fabric can take a while to air dry, which is why a dryer is the best choice to keep it clean and cozy. 
• Tumble drying on low heat should keep your blanket fresh and feeling great.

Washing a Weighted Blanket FAQs

How often should you clean your weighted blanket?

You should clean your weighted blanket roughly once every one to three months or as often as the manufacturer recommends. You may need to wash your weighted blanket more frequently if it accumulates stains, spills, and dirt.

Can you wash a weighted blanket in the washer?

Yes, you can wash a weighted blanket in the washer if the manufacturer's care instructions deem it safe. Always follow recommendations and instructions carefully to avoid damage.

Can you dry a weighted blanket in the dryer?

Yes, you can dry some weighted blankets in the dryer. Read your manufacturer’s care instructions carefully, as these will provide specific guidance for handling your product without ruining it.