In essence, the heavy weight of blankets like these creates pressure that mimics ‘deep pressure simulation’, and triggers a sense of peace and calm for those using it. They’re an excellent investment for anyone who struggles with sleep management or anxiety. Though, as with all bedding, your weighted blanket needs a little TLC in its cleaning process to keep it nice and fresh. Given that they tend to be pretty expensive, and intricately designed, learning how to wash a weighted blanket is a process that’s important to get right. So, before you dive in, take a moment to check your blankets labels. Like many of the best pillows (opens in new tab) and the best bed toppers (opens in new tab), exact instructions on how to wash weighted blankets are likely specific to each manufacturer, so take your time to familiarize yourself with their instructions to prevent any damage.
How to wash a weighted blanket: The basics
- Establish exactly what you need to wash First things first: you need to work out exactly what type of blanket you’ve got on your hands, and how it fairs when it comes to washability. There’s a selection of blankets that will be completely washing machine-friendly (these tend to have glass beads inside), while others have machine-washable covers instead, meaning the bulk of your blanket will not need to be washed. If you’re in any doubt about your blanket, then always refer to any information that came enclosed with it or check the manufacturer’s website.
- Work out how often you need to wash your blanket Unlike mattress (opens in new tab) toppers and sheets, it’s not essential to wash your weighted blanket super-regularly, with the recommendation of taking a blanket without a cover for a spin about four times a year. However, if you do have a cover over your blanket, then it’s likely going to be easier to wash, and you might want to do so about once every month, depending on how it looks and feels. If your blanket has stains or smells you’d rather get rid of, or you feel as if you’ve sweated and slept too many times within your blanket, then you can also up this cleaning schedule. Just be wary of overwashing it, as this may cause disturbance to the pellets inside.
- Send it for a spin Once you’ve established which type of blanket you have, then you can get down to business. For those with completely wash-friendly blankets, first make sure that your front load washer (opens in new tab) can take on heavy loads, and then set it off on a delicate, cold cycle in order to keep its structural integrity. Make sure to avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or anything that might affect the softness of your blanket. Alternatively, if you have a weighted blanket cover, then you can go about washing it similarly to how you would wash a duvet cover. These are much easier to deal with than the blankets themselves, as you won’t have to worry about damaging the delicate inner workings. Remember to treat your cover with stain remover before you wash it if there are particularly stubborn marks.
- Dry (with caution) If you have one of the best washer dryer combos (opens in new tab), then cautiously give your blanket a little more time in the drying cycle (while checking on its progress), in order to spin out any excess moisture and prevent sogginess. If you have a separate washing machine set up, then one of the best dryers (opens in new tab) will get the job done fastest, but avoid overdoing it with the time you set, as you don’t want to damage your blanket by overheating it.
How to spot clean a weighted blanket
Accidents happen, and if you’ve spilled something on your prized sleeping possession, then you might be wondering if it’s okay to spot clean your blanket rather than putting it through a rigorous wash. In short, as with washing your blanket, your course of action should all depend on what the blanket’s label says, and if the message is to avoid washing at all costs, then follow it.
How to wash a weighted blanket by hand
If you don’t have one of the best top load washers (opens in new tab) in your home, or if you would simply rather carry out this washing process yourself, then you can (label dependent) use your bathtub in order to wash your blanket instead. Ensuring your tub is clean before you begin, fill it with cold water and add a small amount of gentle detergent, mixing as you go. Then submerge your blanket and agitate it within the water with your hands, paying close attention to any particular stains. Once you’re satisfied with the results, then drain your tub and rinse the blanket with water. Complete this rinsing process again just to be sure all the detergent is out. Then you’ll need to dry your blanket. If you want to keep things simple, then roll any excess water out (but don’t wring it), repeating the process until you can’t get any more moisture out, and then hang the blanket up to dry. This will preferably be in a sunny spot, to aid the drying process. Make sure to keep turning the blanket over so that all the sides get the power of the sunlight.
Which weighted blanket is best in terms of washing?
If you haven’t yet invested in a weighted blanket, then you might be looking ahead to the moment that you have to learn exactly how to wash it, and trying to find the easiest washing solution. In short, if you’re looking for the most wash-friendly blanket, then a blanket with a cover will likely be your best choice. Trusting that the cover is washable, then they can save you from getting any stains on the inner blanket, and are easier, and less risky to wash. Weighted blanket covers have other benefits too. If you struggle to regulate your temperature when you sleep, you can choose a cover with material to either cool you down or keep you cozy. There may also be a wider range of colors to choose from with covers as opposed to the blankets themselves (depending on where you’re buying it from). If you have your heart set on a blanket that doesn’t come with a cover, but is machine washable, then it’s still worth opting for it, especially if it has certain features that cater to you. This just means you might need to spot clean it more regularly and perhaps be more mindful of sweating in it or staining it.
