For many people, a weighted blanket is a necessity during nights when anxiety runs high and sleep feels far away. Sleeping under a weighted blanket creates a comfortable pressure on top of the body that therapeutically alleviates stress and soothes the mind and body alike.
Most of these blankets range between twelve and thirty-five pounds, the latter of which is usually the maximum weight before it becomes too hot or heavy on one’s body.
Of course, if you already own and enjoy the benefits of a weighted blanket, you might be wondering about the next step–maintaining it to get as many uses out of it as possible.
Since a weighted blanket isn’t like regular blankets or sheets, it does require more attention and care. After all, the rewards are greater than your average blanket, so the cleaning process should be too.
Washing Tips
First, when learning how to wash a weighted blanket, consider the specifics of your own. Since they come in various sizes and sometimes have more unique fillings, it’s important to read the cleaning directions on the weighted blanket’s tag.
For example, most weighted blankets are filled with at least one of the following three materials: weighted discs, poly pellets, or glass beads. Since these are the standard fillings, it is likely safe to say that any blanket with these materials are probably machine-washable. However, read the tag and follow the directions just in case.
Once you find out whether or not your weighted blanket is machine-washable, you need to decide whose washing machine you want to use! Lighter blankets under twenty pounds would be fine in any home’s washing machine. For heavier blankets though, you would be wise to use a laundromat’s commercial-size machine to prevent overwork on your own.
Similarly, consider what material your weighted blanket is made of. Like anything else made out of cotton, it’s not at all difficult to wash a cotton weighted blanket. Just use cold and warm water.
It is also one of the more durable options. Linen weighted blankets are more tricky though, especially the linen-rayon, and would benefit most from dry cleaning.
Before you actually wash the weighted blanket, make sure any accessories are either removed (if applicable) or fastened and zipped up. Also, see whether or not the outer layer is removable. This extra step will save you time and hassle in the long run by preventing snags and tears.
After learning how to wash a weighted blanket, it’s time to choose what to wash it with. For weighted blankets, just stick with the basics. The only actual rule here is to avoid using fabric softeners and bleach because they will destroy the condition of your blanket over time. Some weighted blankets can endure fabric softeners better, such as fleece blankets, but it’s best to treat and wash your weighted blanket gently.
Cool water is usually key for washing your weighted blanket, especially when washing it alone. To steer clear of any color crossing though, it’s best to wash the weighted blanket by itself at all times.
As for your detergent, make sure it’s gentle and dye-free. Using anything less can cause a build-up on the blanket that will stiffen it. If you can’t find any you like, consider making your own mix with whatever scented fragrance oils you prefer.
Best Weighted Blankets 2020
Are you looking to buy a weighted blanket?
Here is the guide on the best weighted blankets.
Drying Tips
Once washed, just put it in the dryer for a long, low cycle or hang it up somewhere to dry. Hanging it up will certainly take longer to dry, but it will also lengthen the blanket’s lifespan because it doesn’t affect the filling.
Just make sure both ends of the blanket are supported if hanging, or else it might cause damage and strain to the seams.
Keeping the weight evenly spread through the blanket will also help it keep its shape, as well as shaking out the excess water throughout the day.
After drying your weighted blanket, the number one rule is to never iron it because that can harm and even melt the fillings inside the weighted blanket as well.
Other Cleaning Tips
Because a weighted blanket can be such a handful, you should also limit the number of washes. In addition to knowing how to wash one, you need to know how to clean a weighted blanket even on non-laundry days.
A little spot cleaning can actually go a long way, especially if you get to a spill or leak before it stains.
Depending on the mess, a toothbrush or soft rag with a little water and moderate detergent might be all you need to make your weighted blanket look new again. Of course, what you spill influences the spot treatment as well.
If the stain is more on the unsanitary or greasy side, a color-safe bleach will likely be necessary to guarantee that the blanket comes out spotless. If your weighted blanket is made of a stronger fabric, it could also withstand a pre-soak treatment in detergent and warm water for about thirty minutes.
Conclusion
To make sure you treat your weighted blanket as carefully as possible when washing and cleaning, you could even purchase a removable duvet cover. Keeping your weighted blanket inside of it will make the entire cleaning process much easier, as long as you remember to follow the directions on the duvet’s tag as well. Of course, when considering whether or not to add a duvet, consider the size of your weighted blanket.
A duvet would work best for blankets less than twenty pounds, especially when inserting or removing the blanket. A duvet is supposed to help the process, after all, not further complicate it.
With all the sleep and mental benefits that a weighted blanket provides, such a detailed cleaning routine should make up for itself in no time. A weighted blanket is much like an investment for a more rested version of yourself. With a little extra care and precaution, it can go a long way.
