How to wash a weighted blanket

Do you own a weighted blanket? I’m thinking about getting one. Weighted blankets simulate the effects of deep pressure therapy, which employs squeezing and firm touch to calm anxiety. Who wouldn’t love a blanket that hugs you back?

One reason I haven’t jumped on board yet is the thought of washing it. Is it complicated? Will I have to go to a laundromat? I don’t know about you, but if I have to jump through a bunch of extra hoops, that blanket’s going to be the most expensive dog bed ever.

Well, I’m here to tell you not to worry! I talked with two experts who reassured me weighted blanket care isn’t all that much different than regular blanket care, depending on which one you buy. Here’s how to get your weighted blanket back to its soothing, comfy self.

Can You Wash a Weighted Blanket at Home?

Most of the time, yes. That’s according to Rick Rome, CEO and founder of WashClub, an on-demand laundry and dry cleaning service.

Only the heaviest blankets need special care. “For those weighing 15 pounds or more, it’s advised to utilize a larger machine at a laundromat,” Rome says. “Or hand wash in your bathtub so as to not damage your machine.”

Many weighted blankets come with a removable cover — a big plus. “Duvet covers help keep your blanket clean and in great shape,” Rome says. If yours doesn’t have one, consider buying one to reduce the frequency of washing the blanket itself. “In between, you can stick to spot cleaning,” Rome says.

Be sure to check the care label or instructions provided by the manufacturer for any special considerations. “Some weighted blankets have small pockets filled with materials like glass beads or plastic pellets,” says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean natural laundry detergent. The last thing you want is a washer full of tiny beads!

Spot cleaning or even dry cleaning may be recommended, so check the label.

How Often Should You Wash a Weighted Blanket?

It varies. “How often you should wash your weighted blanket depends on how frequently you use it, and your personal preference,” Sokolowski says.

Every month or two should be fine. “[I]f the blanket is used by someone who sweats a lot, or if it gets visibly soiled, you may need to wash it more often,” Sokolowski says.

Added Rome: “If your weighted blanket is used daily, it should be washed every few weeks. But if it’s used sparingly, washing it a few times a year will suffice.”

Remember, if your blanket has a duvet cover, you can just wash that instead of stuffing the entire blanket into the washer.

How To Wash a Weighted Blanket in the Washer

As mentioned above, if your blanket weighs 15 pounds or less, your home washing machine is the easiest option for keeping it clean. Below, Rome and Sokolowski give us their tips for machine-washing weighted blankets (and covers). These also apply if you take your blanket to a laundromat.

Step 1: Gather your supplies

• Natural laundry detergent;
• Oxygen bleach if desired;
• Stain stick, or DIY hydrogen peroxide and dish soap solution;
• Soft toothbrush or microfiber cloth.

Step 2: Treat stains

Whether you’re washing the cover, the blanket or both, spot-treat any stains before throwing them in the washer. Rome likes a commercial stain stick, or a DIY solution of equal parts liquid dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.

Gently scrub the stain with a soft brush or microfiber cloth, and rinse thoroughly if not machine washing. Otherwise, just throw the blanket or cover in the machine when done.

Step 3: Add detergent and blanket

“It’s best to wash the weighted blanket on its own, given that it is bulky and heavy,” Rome says. Add a gentle detergent to the dispenser or drum, depending on your washer type.

“Use a natural detergent and avoid using fabric softeners or bleach,” Sokolowski says, “but you can use a natural oxygen bleach.”

Step 3: Set the temperature and start the wash

Set the temperature to cold or warm. “Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the fabric or the weighted filler material,” Sokolowski says.

Next, wash the blanket on a gentle or delicate setting. “The gentle cycle minimizes agitation and reduces the risk of damaging the blanket’s fabric or weighted filler material,” Sokolowski says.

How To Wash a Weighted Blanket By Hand

Depending on the material (check the care label!) or size, you may find handwashing the better call. Remember those plastic or glass pellets. “These can make the blanket heavy,” Sokolowski says, “but may not hold up well in a washing machine.”

Step 1: Fill the bathtub or sink

Make sure your tub or large sink is clean, then fill it with cold, cool or warm water. Add a small amount of gentle detergent, and swish the water around to distribute it throughout.

Step 2: Add blanket

Treat stains as above in Step 2, then add the blanket to the sink or tub. Squish and squeeze the blanket with your hands to get it completely wet and soapy. Let the weighted blanket sit in the soapy water for 15 minutes to an hour.

Step 3: Rinse well

When it’s time to rinse, pull the plug on the tub and let it drain. If you have a sprayer, start spraying and squeezing to get as much soap out as possible. Stopper the tub again and fill with cold water. Squeeze, rinse and repeat as many times as necessary to remove the soap.

Can You Dry a Weighted Blanket at Home?

Generally, yes. But again, it depends on your individual blanket and care instructions.

Don’t hang it. Air drying flat is usually recommended due to the weight, but be prepared for it to take a couple of days. To speed up the process, fluff and turn the blanket every few hours. You can also lay it flat outside, weather permitting.

“When drying, you can lay your blanket flat to air dry,” Rome says. “Or if you are low on space, you can use the dryer as long as you select the low-heat setting.” If using the dryer, check on it periodically to keep it from bunching, or throw in a few tennis balls to fluff.