If you’re curious about how to wash a weighted blanket, you must learn how to use a washing machine for it. Furthermore, your weighted blanket may be more suitable to bring in the laundromat if your household machine can’t handle it. Regardless, continue reading this guide to ensure the proper way of cleaning the weighted blanket.
Washing a weighted blanket is perhaps more comfortable with the help of a washing machine due to its size. However, there are things that you must remember when using the machine, and some are better hand washed, like those with beads. This article will also teach you how to dry your weighted blanket thoroughly without issues.
How To Wash A Weighted Blanket Correctly
Use the washing machine
We will talk about how you should wash a blanket over 25 pounds, but using the washing machine is the best way to clean your weighted blanket if yours does not weigh as much. Do note that you should still read the cleaning instructions for the product you have, as some blankets may have indications that you must follow. Nonetheless, here is how you can use the washing machine for your weighted blanket:
- Check if your blanket is less than 20 pounds to ensure that your regular household machine can accommodate it. If your unit can hold a king or queen-size comforter, then you’re good to go.
- Wash the blanket in cold water alone using mild laundry detergent. Avoid any fabric softener or bleach as they can damage the blanket.
- After the gentle cycle, you can proceed to air dry your blanket.
How To Dry A Weighted Blanket
The best method to dry a weighted blanket is to go natural, and line dry it outside. While some products can tolerate the dryer, you have to be extra mindful of the blanket materials that might melt. The filler and fabric covering will last longer if you opt to hang-dry the blanket and let the sun do the work.
- Hang the blanket on your clothesline and ensure that the weight is evenly distributed on both ends. If you can’t hang it outdoors, you can drape the blanket over a drying rack or on the edge of your tub in the bathroom.
- Please wait for the blanket to dry thoroughly before reusing it again. If you noted that the blanket soaked up too much water, we recommend putting it in another spin cycle before you dry it. You can check for a specific setting on your machine for wringing the excess water on heavy loads.
How Do You Wash A 20-pound Weighted Blanket?
Visit the laundromat
If your blanket weighs more than 20 pounds, we recommend that you wash it in the laundromat. A typical household machine is not ideal for heavier blankets. More so, those with top-loading older models at home should go through the laundromat without question.
Use a duvet
But what if you can’t visit the laundromat regularly? Some areas might not have a nearby laundromat, so you can minimize the frequency of visits by protecting your weighted blanket with a duvet. You can put it in the washing machine and dry it according to its tag instructions.
Keep it clean
However, it would be best if you still ventilated the weighted blanket regularly to freshen it. Placing it outdoors will also let the UV rays outside disinfect it. Then, you can pay a visit to the laundromat to address spills or tougher stains on the blanket.
What Happens If You Machine Wash A Weighted Blanket?
It’s safe as long as you keep within the 20-pound rule
Because a weighted blanket will be reasonably heavier when wet, it can be hard to wash it by hand and ensure that it will get thoroughly cleaned. Therefore, you can use the washing machine as long as your blanket is under 20 pounds. A front-loading washer is the most ideal, and you can visit the laundromat for heavier blankets that require bigger models.
Check your blanket materials
There is nothing to fear in putting a weighted blanket in the washing machine as long as you remember the 20-pound cut-off limit. However, always check the blanket materials you’re using as they might not be compatible with washers or require certain practices. For example, cotton weighted blankets should always be alone in the load to keep them from wearing out.
On the other hand, flannel must never be washed with hot water or left in the dryer for too long. As for another familiar favorite, such as fleece, some blankets may use a bit of fabric softener. And finally, always dry-clean your rayon-linen weighted blanket because the washing machine can shrink it.
Can You Steam A Weighted Blanket?
Much like with ironing, you should refrain from steaming your weighted blanket. The main reason why this practice is incompatible with your weighted blanket is that the filing can get damaged. Some fabrics can also melt when steamed.
Conclusion
Are you having a hard time cleaning your weighted blanket? As we have just discussed, learning how to wash a weighted blanket is easy, and you can even use your household washing machine. However, remember that this is only ideal for blankets under 20 pounds, and those that are heavier are better washed in the laundromat.