Header burger open
Search Logo

Jump To

Currently Viewing:

How To Wash A Weighted Blanket At Home?

a profile image of TSA author Andjela

Written By Anđela Rajković

Sleep Consultant

Featured image of how to wash a weighted blanket.

10 November 2023 3 min read

Do you want to learn how to wash a weighted blanket? Well, you came to the right spot!

Weighted blankets have become very popular thanks to their amazing benefits over recent years. They've helped many people overcome their issues with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and overall, they've helped people sleep better. However, one question remained on everyone's mind all this time, and that question is – how to wash weighted blanket?

Like any other blanket, weighted blankets will get dirty with time, so you'll have to wash them every now. They'll absorb sweat and body oils, and those that like to dine in their bed will probably stain their weighted blanket once or twice on accident.

Now that we know all that – let's look at how to wash a weighted blanket in a few short steps!

What to consider when washing weighted blanket?

An image of a woman putting a weighted blanket in washing machine.

Before you just the entire blanket into a washing machine, you'll have to stop for a second and take a good look at your blankets.

Even though most weighted blankets require a similar kind of care, you will have to pay special attention to a few unique characteristics of your blanket. As you can imagine, cotton blankets and pellet-filled fleece blankets can't be treated equally.

On that note, here's what you'll have to consider when washing weighted blankets.

Filling

An image of Silentnight Weighted Blanket for adults.

Every weighted blanket will come with its own set of fillings, and based on those fillings, you will or won't be able to wash the entire blanket in the washing machine.

And, for the most part, the same logic applies as with pillows or other bedding products. Filling that can get damaged should not be machine washed (like some organic fillings). However, fillings that can damage the machine should also be avoided (like some of the harded beads).

So, before you do anything, double-check what filling your weighted blanket has and see whether it can be washed at all, and specifically whether it can be machine washed.

The most common weighted blanket fillings are:

By looking at these fillings, it's evident that some of them have to be washed separately from the cover and that some simply can't get wet. So, before you fill-up the tub or prep the washing machine – think about the fillings.

Cover

A close up image of Pro Maison Weighted Blanket's cover

The cover fabric is another thing you need to keep in mind before you prep your weighted blanket for a bath.

Just like fillings, different covers also require different care methods. Some are best washed in warm water, some in the cold. Some can do either cold or warm water. Others require a gentle detergent or don't mind any. Some will tolerate fabric softener, while others won't. You get the gist.

So, check either the care label or find the product specifications online if you can. Also note that some covers will be a blend of different materials. Most of the time, the covers will be machine washable.

However, it's always better to play it safe and double-check as you don't want to damage your nice new covers! The most common weighted blanket cover fabrics are:

In summation, keep the fabric in mind and wash it accordingly.

Weight

An image of a pregnant woman putting blankets in a washing machine.

Finally, you'll have to keep in mind how hefty blanket you want to wash is.

As a general rule of thumb, you'll want to have your weighted blankets over 20 pounds (9 kilos) professionally or hand-washed.

The sole reason behind this is that most weighted blankets that heavy won't fit into your regular washing machine.

And even if they did, they could potentially cause some damage to the machine. So, just like in the previous steps, we generally advise to play it safe and not risk damaging any of your stuff.

How do I know how to wash my weighted blanket correctly?

Knowing how to wash your weighted blanket requires a bit more than just looking at the spec sheet.

Every blanket will come with an instruction and care label, which will provide you with all the necessary information about maintenance, washing and drying. We advise you that you never assume how to treat a piece of clothing, bedding, or in this case, a weighted blanket before thoroughly inspecting a care tag.

The most common care instructions you'll find on those labels are listed below.

Wash & dry

Machine wash and dry means you should take your weighted blanket and put it in a washing machine on a slow cycle, use cold or warm water, and use a bleach-free gentle detergent free of any abrasive chemicals.

This also means you should avoid fabric softeners. As for drying – a light or medium dryer setting should do the trick.

Wash & air dry

Machine wash and air dry instructions are pretty similar to the last one – with a single difference.

While machine washing is precisely the same – the drying process is different. In this case, you're air-drying the weighted blanket.

Here's how to properly air-dry a freshly laundered blanket:

Machine wash – only cover

Sometimes, a weighted blanket will come with a removable cover you'll be able to wash separately from the filling.

This is often the case where the fillings require special care, leaving you with the ability to clean the cover on your own.

Generally speaking, you can wash weighted blanket covers in both hot water and cold water, but we'd still advise you to read the manufacturer's instructions. Maybe a gentle cycle seems like a good idea, but you'd get much better results using something else.

Dry cleaning

Oftentimes, a weighted blanket is only safe for spot cleaning or dry cleaning.

In that case, you'll use a gentle stain remover and a soft brush to clean some of the stains you've found – just like you would spot clean a mattress.

Or, if the blanket's “dry-clean only” – you will take it to a professional dry cleaner and have it cleaned there.

Steps for washing weighted blankets under 9 kgs

An image of Agobi weighted blanket rolled.

More often than not, you won't have to pay a commercial washer a visit if you own a weighted blanket that's under 9 kilograms.

These blankets will effortlessly fit your washing machine, or if you don't have one – they'll easily fit in the tub.

So, if you have one of those – here's how you'll wash them.

But do note that not all of these steps will apply to every weighted blanket. There's always some wiggle room and you should always carefully read the care instructions of your particular weighted blanket.

Step 1 – Check the care tag

An image of weighted blanket's care tag.

Before you begin – check the care label!

Reading the care tag will allow you to learn all the information you need. You'll learn whether the blanket's machine-washable or not, whether machine drying is recommended or not, should you dry on the high or low heat setting and can you even tumble dry it, should you use cold or lukewarm water, do you need dryer sheets, which kind of laundry detergent you need, can you use fabric softener, and so much more.

Step 2 – Double-check the weight of a weighted blanket

An image of a woman holding a weighted blanket and checking its weight.

Before you wash the weighted blanket – double-check its weight.

If the blanket's over 9 kilos (20 pounds), there is a good chance you won't be able to wash it in your washing machine. Instead, you'll need to go to a laundromat and use one of the large washing machines.

If the blanket's under 9 kilos – you may proceed.

Since you don't really have to do much other than press a button or two when you use a washing machine, we'll now tell you how you can hand-wash your weighted blankets.

Step 3 – Add cool water & mild detergent

An image of a woman pouring a detergent in a washing machine.

First up – clean your tub.

After cleaning the tub, soak the weighted blanket in cold water and add a smidge of mild detergent. Leave the blanket submerged for about 15 minutes while gently squeezing it, allowing the soapy water to penetrate the stains and break up any dirt, sweat, or other bodily fluids that have built up over time.

After soaking, lift the blanket and drain the tub. While draining, gently squeeze the excess water out of the blanket.

Then, put the blanket back in and refill the tub with fresh water, and repeat the rinsing process until the only thing leaving the blanket is clean water.

Do not wring!

Step 4 – Dry at low temperature/air dry

An image of a woman setting up the low dry on washing machine.

After you've washed the blanket – air dry it.

Unless you have a glass bead-filled weighted blanket, you'll want to avoid tumble drying at all costs.

Instead, just lay the blanket flat and leave it out to air dry for up to 48 hours. You may fluff and turn it over every four to five hours to speed up the drying process.

And generally it's better to leave it out for longer as opposed to taking it back inside too quickly. This is because moisture can ruin most bedding products, weighted blankets included.

How to wash a weighted blanket with glass beads?

A close up image of a weighted blanket with a glass beads filling

Unlike other weighted blankets, the ones willed with glass beads don't necessarily need to be washed in cold water.

Instead of using the cold cycle, you may use warm water to wash this type of weighted blanket. However, avoid hot water. Even though glass beads won't melt, it's still recommended you keep the heat low(er).

However, there's another difference.

After washing a weighted blanket filled with class beads – you may tumble dry it on a low heat cycle. This is the only weighted blanket you don't have to air dry.

How often should I wash my weighted blanket?

An image of a little girl putting a blanket in a washing machine.

How often you'll have to wash yours will depend on how often you use it, but many weighted blankets can benefit from a deep clean every three to four months.

On the other hand, if you're a daily user, you'll want to wash a weighted blanket once every two weeks to keep the specific stains away and prevent bodily fluids from being absorbed by the blanket.

Also, avoid ironing. You may iron the covers if they're made from cotton, but as far as the blanket itself goes – don't do it. If the cover's non-removable and you can't stand the wrinkles – use a separate duvet cover to tuck the weighted blanket in.

Conclusion

And now you know how to wash a weighted blanket! But if you have any questions, or know of some washing tips that we've missed out on, be sure to leave them in the comment section.

Comments (0)

There are no comments yet

Related Posts

Articles you don’t want to miss

Featured image for the best blackout blinds
27 November 2023

Best Blackout Blinds

As you've probably noticed, there is no one single product we can call the best. We have our favourite pick that we think will suit most peo...
Featured image for Best Cooling Mattress UK
30 October 2023

Best Cooling Mattress UK

How to sleep when night sweats make it impossible? Well, you probably haven't experienced the magic of the best cooling mattress yet. So, le...
Don't Miss Out!
Get the latest reviews, special offers, new releases and more…
@thesleepadvisors
Deal Alert!
We loved this Deluxe microfibre duvet from Otty. And we love it more now that it's on Black Friday sale!
Hit the link in bio to check this deal and all the rest this Black Friday

#DealAlert #BlackFridaySale #MicrofibreDuvet #Otty #DeluxeQuality #SleepInStyle #ComfyBedding  #LuxurySleep #BlackFridayDeals #Discounts #ShopTillYouDrop #BedroomUpgrade #HomeDecor #CozyNights #SleepWell #BedroomGoals #LimitedTimeOffer #SaveBig #BestDeals #OnlineShopping #BargainHunting #MustHaveItem #SaleAlert  #SleepInComfort #BudgetFriendly #ShopSmart #DuvetLove #BlackFridaySpecials  #GetItWhileItsHot #HomeComforts
Shhhh.... I'll tell you a secret! Black Friday isn't over!
We've rounded up the stragglers to cater for your Black Friday FOMO. 
Mattresses, Beds & Bedding are still on MAJOR discounts, so don't delay! Get a bargain today.

Links in bio

#BlackFriday #SecretDeals #MattressSale #BedSale #BeddingSale #Discounts #Bargains #BlackFridayFOMO #MajorDiscounts #StillOnSale #LimitedTimeOnly #DealAlert #ShopSmart #SaveMoney #SleepBetter #QualitySleep #LuxuryBedding #ComfortableMattress #GoodNightSleep #BedroomUpgrades #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HappyCustomers #OnlineShopping #Convenience #LinkInBio #Don'tMissOut #ShopNow #GetABargain #GreatDeals
Mattress Deal Alert! 
Here are some top value deals we've sniffed out for you this Black Friday!
We love these from Emma, but they're not all! Check our Black Friday deal summary for all the best bed and mattress deals to save you money and upgrade your snooze this Black Friday!

#MattressDealAlert #BlackFriday #TopValueDeals #EmmaMattress #BlackFridayDeals #BedDeals #MattressDeals #SaveMoney #UpgradeYourSnooze #BestDeals #SleepBetter #SnoozeBetter #BlackFridayShopping #Bargains #BigSavings #HotDeals #LimitedTimeOffer #Discounts #SaleAlert #SleepComfortably #SaveBig #MustHaveDeals #BlackFridaySales #GreatOffers #DreamBedroom #ComfortableSleep #BudgetFriendlyDeals #QualityMattress #SleepHappy
Best Mattresses With Edge Support UK – Top 5 Picks Reviewed 💤

The best mattress with edge support UK has to offer is… Well, let's not get that ahead of ourselves. First, let's understand what edge support is and why it might be important to you!  Check out the link in BIO🔗

#thesleepadvisors #sleep #sleeping #edgesupport #mattresses #topmattresses
Don't snooze! Well.... not yet! First pick up a bargain in the Black Friday sales! 
We've rounded up all the best deals to save you searching. You can find them all at the links in bio... then snooze your little socks off!

#BlackFridayDeals #BargainHunting #Savings #DealFinder #BlackFridaySales #ShopTillYouDrop #Discounts #BestDeals #LimitedTimeOffers #BigSavings #MoneySavingTips #OnlineShopping #SalesAlert #HolidayShopping #ShopSmart #ShopOnline #EarlyBirdGetsTheDeal #MustHaveItems #HolidayGifts #ShoppingSpree #Don'tMissOut #ClearanceSale #BiggestSaleOfTheYear #GetThemandSave #ScoreABargainGiveaway
Do you sleep on your tummy? On the side? Or on your back?
Can a topper suit your sleeping position & improve your sleep?
With 15% Off for Black Friday, the Panda Mattress Topper is worth a try!

#thesleepadvisors #topper  #mattresstopper #saggymattress #panda #sleepingpositio
Beat the queues and get your black Friday shopping done early!
You won't miss out as we've pulled this year's best deals together in one handy page. You'll find it on the link in bio

#blackfridaydeals #blackfridaysale #mattress
You can make or break your bedroom style with the perfect bed! What can make this easier? A HUGE Black Friday discount on your chosen bed frame of course!
From Ottoman to Sofa Beds, Metal or Wooden. The Sleep Advisors have pulled together the best in beds this Black Friday and here they are.
Link in bio

#bedroomstyle #perfectbed #BlackFridaydiscount #bedframe #Ottomanbeds #SofaBeds #Metalbeds #Woodenbeds #SleepAdvisors #bestinbeds #BlackFridayDeals #FurnitureSale #interiordecor #comfortablebed #sleepwell #homeimprovement #dreambedroom #discountshopping #shoppingtime #homefurnishings #cozybedroom #interiordesignideas #bedroominspo #masterbedroom #comfybedroom #sleepingbeauty #bedroomupgrade #relaxationstation #styleandcomfort #sweetdreams
Black Friday deal alert!
Get 15% discount on the award-winning Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Topper!

#BlackFriday #DealAlert #Discount #PandaHybrid #BambooMattress #MattressTopper #SleepBetter #BedroomUpgrade #LuxurySleep #Sale #LimitedTimeOffer #SleepComfortably #SaveMoney #QualitySleep #ComfortableBedding #NaturalMaterials #SustainableChoice #EcoFriendlyMattressTopper #AffordableLuxury #BestPrice #HolidayShopping #HomeDecor #GreatDeal #BlackFridaySale #LimitedStock #InnovativeDesign #PremiumQuality #SleepWell #CozyBedding #BetterSleepingExperience
Do you sleep on your tummy? On the side? Or on your back? Can a topper suit your sleeping positions, and improve your sleep? Let’s find out! Check out the link in our BIO
#thesleepadvisors #topper #mattresstopper #saggymattress #panda #sleepingposition
Close button

Don't Miss Out!

Get the latest reviews, special offers, new releases and more…

By submitting this form, you are opting into our mailing lists.
See our privacy policy.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.