Weighted blankets have soared in popularity thanks to their calming benefits and cozy comfort. But if you’ve invested in one, you probably wonder: can you safely wash a weighted blanket in your washing machine without ruining it? The answer isn’t quite one-size-fits-all. It depends on the blanket’s materials, construction, and care instructions. In this text, you’ll learn everything you need to know about properly cleaning your weighted blanket at home, helping you keep it fresh, clean, and long-lasting without any guesswork.
Understanding Weighted Blankets and Their Materials
Weighted blankets are typically filled with tiny glass beads, plastic pellets, or natural materials like sand or rice to add weight. The outer fabric can vary widely from cotton and polyester to bamboo or minky (plush microfiber). These materials affect not only your blanket’s softness and breathability but also how you should clean it. For example, cotton covers can generally withstand machine washing more readily, while delicate fabrics like velvet or minky may require gentler care. Besides, the stitching and internal compartments (designed to keep fillings evenly distributed) can be sensitive to vigorous agitation. Understanding what your weighted blanket is made of is the first step, it’ll guide you to the ideal washing method without risking damage or filler leakage.
Manufacturer Guidelines for Washing Weighted Blankets
Before tossing your weighted blanket in the washer, checking the manufacturer’s care tag is crucial. These instructions are tailored to your blanket’s specific materials and construction.
Preparing Your Weighted Blanket for Machine Washing
Start by inspecting the blanket for any tears or loose seams that could worsen during washing. If your blanket has a removable cover, you should wash that separately according to its care instructions, usually more frequent and easier than cleaning the whole blanket. Empty any pockets or compartments and close zippers to protect both your blanket and machine.
Choosing the Right Washing Machine Settings
Weighted blankets should ideally be washed in a front-loading machine if possible, as agitator washers can be harsh and may tangle or damage the blanket. Use cold or lukewarm water with a gentle cycle to prevent fabric breakdown and filler displacement. Avoid using hot water since it can warp the beads or shrink the fabric.
Detergents and Cleaning Products to Use
Opt for mild, fragrance-free detergents without bleach or fabric softeners. These chemicals can weaken fibers or interfere with the blanket’s weight distribution. Some fabrics also respond better to gentle detergents formulated for delicates, so consider this if your blanket’s cover is especially soft or sensitive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Machine Washing a Weighted Blanket
Here’s a practical process to keep your weighted blanket clean without compromising its integrity:
- Check Care Labels: Confirm the blanket is machine washable.
- Pre-Treatment: Spot-clean any visible stains with a gentle fabric cleaner or mild soap.
- Load Blanket Properly: For large blankets, use a roomy front-loader to ensure the blanket can move freely.
- Select Settings: Choose a cold water, gentle cycle.
- Add Detergent: Use a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics.
- Do Not Overload Washer: Wash the weighted blanket alone or with a few lightweight items to avoid imbalance.
Drying Your Weighted Blanket Safely
Drying is equally important to maintain your blanket’s shape and weight distribution. It’s best to air dry weighted blankets flat on a clean surface or drying rack to avoid clumping of the filling. If the care label allows, you can tumble dry on the lowest heat setting with dryer balls to fluff it occasionally. High heat can melt plastic beads or shrink fabric, so avoid it at all costs. Drying times may be longer due to the blanket’s density, so be patient and check regularly for complete dryness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Weighted Blankets
Washing weighted blankets requires a bit of care, here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Using Hot Water: This can degrade fabric and filler material.
- Overloading the Washer: Too much weight restricts movement and can damage both the washing machine and blanket.
- Ignoring Manufacturer Instructions: Skipping tag info risks voiding warranties or ruining the blanket.
- Using Harsh Detergents or Bleach: These chemicals deteriorate fibers and can stain fabric.
- Skipping Pre-Cleaning of Stains: Whole-blanket washing isn’t always enough to remove tough spots.
- Drying on High Heat or Hanging by Corners: This can cause filler to shift or fabric to stretch unevenly.
- Neglecting Regular Cleaning: Dirty blankets lose their calming properties and harbor allergens.
Avoid these mistakes to extend the life and comfort of your weighted blanket.
When to Consider Professional Cleaning or Alternative Methods
Sometimes, home machine washing isn’t the best choice. Large or extremely heavy weighted blankets might overwhelm your washing machine. Delicate fabrics like silk or velvet often need dry cleaning to prevent damage. Also, some manufacturers recommend professional cleaning if your blanket contains natural fillers like sand or rice, which can absorb water and create mold.
If home washing isn’t an option, professional laundromats have industrial machines designed for heavy linens safely. Alternatively, hand washing in a bathtub with mild detergent can be effective for delicate blankets, gently squeezing (never wringing) water out before air drying. Spot cleaning with fabric-safe cleaners and using removable, washable covers also helps reduce the need to wash the entire blanket regularly.
Conclusion
You absolutely can wash many weighted blankets in your washing machine, but only if you follow the right guidelines tailored to your blanket’s materials and manufacturer advice. By preparing the blanket properly, using gentle machine settings, selecting mild detergents, and drying it carefully, you’ll keep your weighted blanket clean, safe, and comfortable for years to come. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to opt for professional cleaning or hand washing. After all, taking good care of your weighted blanket preserves the soothing comfort it provides night after night.
