How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

Bamboo Fabric Guide | Weighted Blanket Benefits
August 12th, 2021 6 minute read

As useful as weighted blankets are, the reality is that they will not stay clean forever. With repeated use, they are bound to collect dust, dirt, and other particles from skin, clothing, and the environment. This is why it’s important to know how to wash a weighted blanket, so you can keep it in good condition and prevent it from deteriorating. While washing your weighted blanket is important, it is not always as simple as throwing it in the dryer on your preferred cycle.

Can You Wash a Weighted Blanket? – Check the Fillers

Sometimes people are fearful that they will destroy their weighted blanket if they wash it, but in most cases, you can wash a weighted blanket. In certain instances, though, washing your weighted blanket is out of the question. For example, if the weighted blanket filler that gives weight to your blanket is an organic substance, like rice or beans, it should not be washed. Weighted blankets with sand fillers should also not be washed, as these types of fillers will absorb water and are difficult to dry. Absorption of water during washing can also cause your weighted blanket to develop mildew and mold. So long as your weighted blanket is not filled with something like sand, rice, or beans, it should be practical to wash your weighted blanket.

Is the Face Fabric Pre-shrunk?

If the face fabric of the weighted blanket is not pre-shrunk, washing it will likely cause a 5 – 16% shrinkage, depending on the material, and greatly reduce the weighted blanket’s effectiveness. A reduction in blanket size caused by domestic wash will cause the blanket’s inner batting to bunch up, upset the blanket’s ability to distribute weight evenly and lead to discomfort. Therefore, it is important to look for weighted blankets made of pre-shrunk materials if you plan to wash them.

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket with Glass Beads, Poly Pellets, or Steel Shot Beads

Glass beads and poly pellets are common weighted blanket fillers, and they require care when washing. For example, weighted blankets that are filled with plastic poly pellets should be washed and dried on low heat to avoid melting. Glass beads are not vulnerable to melting, so it is safe to wash a blanket with this filler on a warm setting. Steel shot beads, which are another common filler, can also be washed on a warmer setting, as they will not melt. The takeaway message is that you must consider the filler that is used in your blanket before washing it, to avoid damage to the blanket.

Washing a Weighted Blanket in Your Machine

Beyond the blanket’s filler, you must also consider the weight of your blanket when deciding how to wash a weighted blanket. This is to protect your washing machine from damage. It is important to check the maximum capacity of your washing machine before trying to use it for a weighted blanket. In general, a blanket under 20 pounds is safe to wash in your machine at home. On the other hand, heavier blankets will probably require washing at a professional laundromat that uses a commercial-sized laundry machine.

Additionally, a slower spin speed of around 600 – 800 rpm is preferred if you decide to wash your weighted blanket in your machine at home. This way, the wash cycle will put less pressure to the fillers and enabling them to maintain a proper form. Generally, whether a weighted blanket is machine washable is stated on the wash label attached to it. Alternatively, you can obtain detailed washing instructions from the weighted blanket manufacturer.

Other Considerations

While you can wash certain weighted blankets in a washing machine, it is best to hand wash your weighted blanket if you are not sure. Hand wash your blanket using gentle detergents to reduce the wear and tear on the blanket. You can also use hand washing to spot treat stains and reduce the number of times you have to use a washing machine to clean your blanket.

You should also always consider manufacturer recommendations when washing a weighted blanket. Your blanket should come with instructions that indicate what fabric it contains, whether it can be washed, and how to wash it. In general, weighted blankets should be washed on a gentle setting and then tumbled dry.

Also determine if your weighted blanket has a removable duvet cover. These covers can be used to protect your weighted blanket from damage and keep it clean. They are lighter than the weighted blanket, and they can be tossed in the washer when they begin to show signs of dust or debris. Just remember to follow washing instructions provided by the maker of the blanket and duvet cover.

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket: Key Points

In summary, you will want to keep the following key points in mind when washing a weighted blanket:

  • Find out what fillers the blanket uses, as fillers like sand, rice, and beans should not be washed. Glass beads and steel shot beads are generally safe to wash and dry using warm heat, but plastic poly pellets can melt and should be washed and dried using low heat.
  • Check if the face fabric of the weighted blanket is pre-shrunk. Consider spot-clean it only if it is not.
  • Consider the weight of the blanket, as blankets 20 pounds and heavier can damage your washing machine and should be washed using a commercial machine at a laundromat.
  • Hand wash your weighted blanket whenever possible, as frequent washing in a machine will lead to faster wear and tear of your blanket. If you use a washing machine, be sure to use a gentle cycle and then tumble dry.
  • Read manufacturer guidelines to determine the best way to wash your specific weighted blanket.
  • Check if your blanket has a removable duvet cover, which is easier to wash than a heavy blanket.

The Machine Washable Weighted Blankets by Aricove

At Aricove, we offer multiple weighted blanket options for adults, beginning with our 10 pound weighted blanket that are machine washable and tumble dryer safe. We also offer blankets in 12, 15, 17, and 20 pound versions to meet a variety of needs. Our bamboo weighted blanket can be machine washed at 30 degrees Celsius or 90 degrees Fahrenheit and tumbled dry on low heat, using a delicate setting. We recommend that you use mild detergent and avoid using dryer sheets or washing the blanket at the same time as other articles of clothing.

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