Weighted blankets have made the lives of millions of people much easier. They help reduce anxiety, improve the quality of sleep, and provide the extra warmth necessary for a cozy night in. However, in order to enjoy all of these benefits, you must also know how to wash a weighted blanket. After all, that is what will ensure it lasts and brings you comfort for a long time.
Since washing a weighted blanket is not such an easy task, this article will break the entire process down for you. Read on.
Can You Wash a Weighted Blanket In a Washing Machine?
If you own a weighted blanket, you are probably tempted to just throw it in your washing machine and get the cleaning part over with quickly. However, you should always consult the washing instructions on the blanket’s tags first. This step is important because not all weighted blankets can go in the washer.
If the instructions say it is safe to use the washing machine, you can. You should use a mild detergent and a delicate cycle. Moreover, you need to opt for cold water. All of that will ensure the blanket comes out of the dryer looking fresh and as good as new once it’s out. It will also protect the weighted beads in the blanket from melting.
It is often easier to machine wash your blanket in a front-loading washing machine. These are usually bigger and have an opening your blanket can fit through easily. Otherwise, you should go to a laundromat to ensure your blanket is washed safely. In fact, you should do so for any blanket that is over 12 pounds.
But what if your blanket can’t go in the washer at all? If you read on, you’ll find out in the sections that follow.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket By Hand: A Step By Step Guide
1. Pretreatment
Before washing your blanket, it is vital that you check it for stains. If you find any, you can use a mild stain remover to get them out. The best thing you can do is make the stain remover yourself.
All you need to do is mix a few drops of mild dish soap and water. Dab the stain with this mixture and gently scrub until the appearance improves and you remove at least some of it. In most cases, that will be enough, and the rest of the washing process will remove anything that was left.
Once you treat all the stains in this manner, it is time to proceed to the next step.
2. Washing the Blanket
The first thing you need to do is to fill a container with cold water. It can be your bathtub if you have one. If not, it can be anything big enough to hold the blanket and enough water so the blanket can be completely submerged in it.
Next, you need to pour some laundry detergent into the water. Make sure the detergent is mild and that you distribute it evenly in the water. That way, the entire blanket will be covered once you put it into the water.
Your next move should be placing the blanket into the water. Make sure every bit is submerged, and then start kneading it with your hands. You don’t have to be too forceful, but do make sure that the water seeps into every pore and cleans everything thoroughly.
You should knead the blanket for up to five minutes. Then, you should start rinsing the blanket to remove all the soap and detergent. You can use your shower for this or simply keep replacing the water in the container and kneading the blanket until the water runs clear.
Lastly, you should do your best to wring out as much excess water as you can. That will preserve your blanket and help it dry faster.
Drying Your Weighted Blanket
The process of drying is an important step in knowing how to wash a weighted blanket. This process is different based on what your blanket can sustain.
1. Drying a Weighted Blanket In a Dryer
After you machine or hand wash your weighted blanket, you can put it in your dryer. Most blankets call for low heat on a gentle tumble setting. It would be best if you dry the blanket by itself so that it has enough room. If there is not enough space in your dryer, you can always go and use a commercial dryer at a laundromat.
Of course, you should check the blanket’s care tag before putting it in a dryer. In certain cases, the weighted beads and the material of the blanket cannot sustain that kind of drying. If that is the case, air drying is always an option.
2. Air Drying a Weighted Blanket
Even if your blanket is safe for a dryer, air drying it is still a better choice. That way, you’ll ensure the weighted beads don’t melt and that the blanket remains in pristine condition. Air drying is also the best way to dry your blanket evenly and completely.
You should never hang your blanket to dry. If you do so, all the beads will fall to the bottom, and getting everything back to normal will be challenging. If you want to hang it anyway, make sure the weight is distributed evenly. So, you will need to clip the blanket from all four corners.
Still, the best plan is to lay the blanket on a dry, clean, and even surface and let it dry that way. Remember to flip the blanket every few hours, and it should be dry in around 24 hours.
And just like that, you have learned how to wash a weighted blanket!
Final Thoughts
As you have read, washing a weighted blanket does not have to be that complicated. You just need to be careful and follow the instructions from the blanket’s care tag with every step. If you do so, your weighted blanket will remain soft and in good condition for a long time.
Hopefully, these tips on how to wash a weighted blanket helped you learn something new. Remember to be patient and always approach the washing process with utmost care.
