Weighted blankets have surged in popularity as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and sleep troubles. Their soothing weight offers a gentle, hug-like sensation, promoting relaxation and deeper sleep. However, these heavier blankets require a bit more care than your average bedding when it comes to cleaning. Knowing How To Wash A Weighted Blanket properly is essential to maintain its cleanliness, longevity, and therapeutic benefits.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about washing your weighted blanket, ensuring it stays fresh and comforting for years to come. We’ll cover crucial steps, from understanding your blanket’s fill type to choosing the best washing method, whether machine washing or hand washing is required.
Understanding Your Weighted Blanket is Key
Before you even think about detergent, the most important step in how to wash a weighted blanket is to understand what it’s made of. Weighted blankets aren’t a one-size-fits-all item; they vary significantly in both their outer fabric and the material used for weight. This fill type is the biggest determinant of the safest and most effective washing method.
Check the Care Label: Your First Step
Always begin by checking the care label on your weighted blanket. This label, usually sewn into a seam, provides manufacturer-specific instructions on washing and drying. It will tell you definitively if your blanket is machine washable, hand wash only, or requires spot cleaning. Ignoring this label can lead to damage, shrinking, or even ruining your blanket.
Different Fill Types and Washing Methods
The filling inside your weighted blanket is what gives it weight and dictates how you should clean it. Here’s a breakdown of common fill types and their recommended washing methods:
- Plastic Pellets: These are a common and generally machine-washable fill. However, always use cold water and air dry to prevent damage. High heat can melt or warp plastic pellets.
- Steel Shot Beads: Durable and washable, steel shot beads can typically handle both machine washing and hand washing. Air drying is still recommended to be gentle on the outer fabric.
- Smooth Pebbles: Weighted blankets filled with smooth pebbles are generally recommended for hand washing only. The weight and potential for pebbles to shift might be too much for a washing machine. Air dry after hand washing.
- Organic Material (Corn, Beans, Rice): Blankets filled with organic materials are not washable. Water will damage these fillers, leading to mold, mildew, and clumping. Spot cleaning is the only safe option for these blankets.
- Sand: Similar to organic materials, sand-filled weighted blankets are also not washable. Spot clean only to avoid ruining the filler and the blanket.
- Micro-Glass Beads: While durable, micro-glass beads are often recommended for hand washing, or gentle machine washing on a delicate cycle. Always air dry micro-glass bead filled blankets.
Pre-Treating Stains: Tackle Marks Before Washing
Before you proceed with washing your entire weighted blanket, it’s wise to pre-treat any visible stains. Addressing stains beforehand increases the chances of removing them completely during the wash cycle. Luis Zuñiga, a laundry expert, recommends identifying the stain type to choose the most effective pre-treatment:
- Natural Pigment Stains (Food, Makeup, Juice): White vinegar is an excellent natural stain remover for these types of stains. Apply a small amount to the stain and gently blot with a clean cloth.
- Blood Stains or Yellowing Discoloration: Hydrogen peroxide is effective for breaking down blood and lightening yellowing. Use it sparingly and test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure colorfastness.
- Heavy Grease Stains: A mild degreaser can help break down stubborn grease stains. Apply a small amount, let it sit briefly, and then gently scrub.
After applying your chosen pre-treatment agent, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the stain. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before proceeding with washing.
Machine Washing Your Weighted Blanket: Step-by-Step
If your weighted blanket’s care label indicates it is machine washable, follow these steps for a successful clean:
- Place the Blanket in the Washing Machine: Distribute the blanket evenly in the drum to maintain balance during the wash cycle. Avoid overloading the machine, as this can damage both the blanket and your washing machine.
- Select a Gentle Cycle with Cool Water: Choose a delicate or gentle cycle setting on your washing machine. Always use cool or cold water, especially for plastic pellet fills, to prevent damage.
- Add Gentle Detergent and Minimal Fabric Softener: Use a mild, gentle detergent. Alicia Sokolowski, president of AspenClean, advises against using too much detergent, as residue can be difficult to rinse out. If using fabric softener, use only about a third of the usual amount. Excessive fabric softener can make the blanket feel stiff or scratchy over time.
- Start the Washing Machine: Let the cycle run its course. The gentle cycle will ensure a thorough yet delicate clean.
Hand Washing Your Weighted Blanket: A Tub Method
For weighted blankets that are hand wash only or too heavy for your washing machine, hand washing in a bathtub is often the best approach.
- Clean Your Bathtub: Ensure your bathtub is thoroughly clean and free of any soap scum or residue that could stain your blanket.
- Fill the Bathtub with Cool to Tepid Water: Fill the tub with enough cool to tepid water to submerge the blanket. Avoid hot water, which can damage certain fill types and fabrics.
- Add Gentle Detergent: Add 1 to 2 ounces of gentle detergent to the water.
- Agitate the Water: Swish the water around with your hand to distribute the detergent evenly.
- Submerge and Soak the Blanket: Place your weighted blanket in the soapy water, ensuring it is fully submerged. Let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the detergent to penetrate and lift dirt and oils.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the bathtub with clean, cold water. Gently squeeze and agitate the blanket to remove detergent residue. Repeat the rinsing process, changing the water as needed, until the water runs clear and no suds remain.
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Drying Your Weighted Blanket: Air Drying is Best
Drying is just as crucial as washing when it comes to caring for your weighted blanket. Always air dry your weighted blanket rather than using a machine dryer. High heat from a dryer can damage the fill, shrink the fabric, and compromise the blanket’s weight distribution and overall integrity.
- Lay Flat to Air Dry: The best way to air dry a weighted blanket is to lay it flat. You can use a clean floor covered with a sheet or plastic sheet, or a sturdy, large drying rack that can support the blanket’s weight.
- Ensure Good Ventilation: Choose a well-ventilated area to dry your blanket to speed up the process and prevent mildew.
- Shake and Rotate: Regularly shake out the blanket while it’s drying to redistribute the fill evenly. Turn the blanket over periodically to ensure both sides dry thoroughly. This prevents moisture from getting trapped and promotes even drying.
- Patience is Key: Air drying can take a significant amount of time, especially for heavier weighted blankets. Ensure the blanket is completely dry before using it again to prevent mildew growth.
How Often to Wash Your Weighted Blanket: Maintaining Freshness
The frequency of washing your weighted blanket depends largely on how you use it. Madeline Miller, a laundry care specialist, offers these guidelines:
- With a Duvet Cover: If you use a duvet cover with your weighted blanket, protecting it from direct skin contact, you can wash it less frequently, approximately every couple of months.
- Direct Skin Contact or Pet Use: If your weighted blanket comes into direct contact with your skin nightly, or if pets sleep on it, more frequent washing is recommended, ideally monthly or biweekly.
- After Storage: Always wash your weighted blanket after it has been stored for a month or longer to remove dust and potential allergens that may have accumulated.
By following these guidelines on how to wash a weighted blanket, you can ensure your comforting companion remains clean, fresh, and beneficial for years to come. Proper cleaning not only maintains hygiene but also preserves the quality and therapeutic effectiveness of your weighted blanket.
