How to wash a weighted blanket: to keep it cool and comfortable

You fell in love with its supreme comfort but you wonder how to wash a weighted blanket? Many of us believe our weighted blankets improve the quality and quantity of our sleep, but don’t know how to keep them cool.

As with other bedding, a weighted blanket needs regular cleaning to keep it hygienic. But since it’s a heavier choice, washing it doesn’t seem as easy as the other items that make a bed so comfortable.

Here we provide the cleaning tips needed to wash a weighted blanket whether you do it at home in the laundry room or at the laundromat.

How to wash a weighted blanket

Knowing how to properly wash a weighted blanket will keep your bed fresh and hygienic and ensure the blanket stays in top condition. Follow the steps in this expert guide.

1. How to wash a weighted blanket in a washing machine

Just like when washing electric blankets, check the label for the manufacturer’s washing instructions. “Your blanket can be made from a variety of materials, whether it’s wool, cotton, microfiber or acrylic,” says Jessica Samson, cleaning expert at Maids.com.

“Keep in mind, though, that weighted blankets often require special care,” she adds. “Glass microbead or plastic pellet weighted blankets are usually dishwasher safe, but be sure to check the label before washing.”

Knowing how to properly wash a weighted blanket also involves an assessment of the actual weight of the blanket. This will determine if you can put the blanket in your washing machine at home or if you have to take it to the laundromat instead.

“In your washing machine, you can wash almost any weighted blanket up to 20 pounds,” says Jessica. “Any blanket heavier than this, you should wash it in the laundromat with a commercial washing machine.”

The washing machine should have enough capacity – so just as you would when wondering if you can wash pillows in a washing machine, be careful. “A good rule of thumb is to only fill the machine two-thirds full with the item being washed,” says Wayne Edelman, CEO of Meurice Garment Care. The type of washing machine you have is also important. “I only recommend using a front-loading machine to wash weighted blankets,” says Wayne.

2. Treat stains before washing

Before you put a weighted blanket in the washing machine, inspect it for stains so you can take care of it.

“Treat your blankets before washing them,” says Jessica. “This will help remove stains from the weighted blanket and help you clean it thoroughly.”

Allow time for this process. “Be sure to leave the stain remover on the blanket for at least 10 minutes to help break down and loosen the stains,” says Jessica. ‘After letting it soak for 10 minutes, gently dab the area with a paper towel and lift the cleanser and stain. Try to remove as much of the stain as possible without rubbing it. If done right, the washing machine will do the rest.

3. Add detergent

When it comes to washing a weighted blanket, choose the detergent carefully. “Use a mild, bleach-free detergent,” says Wayne. You might be tempted to add fabric softener, but stay away. Fabric softener should not be used when washing a weighted blanket.

4. What temperature and washing cycle for a weighted blanket?

Follow the instructions on the weighted blanket’s label when selecting the temperature and wash cycle. What is he likely to recommend? “In general, a gentle cold-to-warm water cycle is best,” says Wayne.

5. What about drying a weighted blanket?

If you’re asking how to wash a weighted blanket, you’ll also want to know how to dry it. Check the label first, but chances are you can use a dryer if that’s your preference. “Most of these blankets can be dried in your dryer on low or you can let them air dry,” says Jessica.

If the weighted blanket goes in the dryer, it is worth periodically checking its filling during the drying cycle in case it has accumulated. “Remove and redistribute as needed,” says Wayne.

As with washing, it is important that the dryer has sufficient capacity. Follow the two-thirds rule as you did when evaluating the size of the washing machine drum.

Can you wash a weighted blanket?

“Most weighted blankets can be washed as long as they’re structurally sound,” says Wayne.

Check before going ahead though. “Be sure to read the care label because each brand has different instructions,” says Gregg Dean, CEO and co-founder of Layla Sleep.

How often should a weighted blanket be washed?

Individual circumstances should influence how often you wash a weighted blanket. “These are a few questions to consider,” suggests Wayne. ‘Are there pets in the house and on the bed? Are they losing? Is there a duvet cover on the blanket? (highly recommended) How dirty/dusty is the house? How long does the person spend in bed? Are they sick?

“At a minimum, we recommend spring and fall cleaning, but it could be a lot more based on those types of factors.”