Weighted blankets can really help people suffering from anxiety, sleeplessness, PTSD, and other conditions that prevent them from falling asleep at night.
Your weighted blanket is likely not cheap. Therefore, it is essential to maintain it to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Some blankets are machine-washable, while others require more care.
Continue reading to learn how to wash heavy weighted blankets without destroying or degrading their performance.
Read Your Blanket Care Instructions
It is impossible to expect blankets of different weights to be cared for in the same way. So first things first, check the care instructions on the tag.
This will tell you what you can do with your blanket. It will also let you know if the cover is removable or whether it is or is not machine washable.
You may not like the results if you try to guess how to clean your blanket. As a guideline, ensure you are familiar with the care instructions for your blanket before you move forward.
Step 1 - Tackle Stains
Did you know that foul stains can remain in your sweatshirt or t-shirt after it has been washed and dried? If so, you're not alone. This is because the stains are permanently imprinted on your t-shirt or sweatshirt once it is washed and dried.
Your blanket could be the same. Be sure to pay attention to the specific stains before washing them all. They may require different “special” solutions.
- Use cold water to clean the area around the blot. Keep warm water away from the area where you saw the blot. Also, keep the blanket far from your feet, so it doesn't become slippery.
- Use a bleach-free stain remover for fluid spillage stains and bodily liquids like sweat. When you choose a stain-removal product, it is essential to consider the fabric of your blanket. Bleach is not recommended. Many things found in your laundry area likely contain bleach, so make sure to check the label. Use a toothbrush or your fingers to gently wash the stain.
- You can use soap stains if you drop any food, such as pizza, pasta, or basically anything oil-based. Follow the instructions above. Do not use bleach detergent and only brush your hands gently.
- To remove the blot.
Step 2: Wash Your Weighted Blanket
You will need to read the care tag to determine what cleaning method you will use. You may also want to machine wash the blanket's cover, but hand washes the blanket that has a zipper. Here are the instructions for both methods.
- Follow the instructions on the tag to machine wash your weighted blanket. Depending on what fabric it's made from, you can wash it in warm or cold water. You will need to use a mild detergent that is not bleach-free and wash it in a light setting. To avoid damaging your laundry machines, it is a good idea to take your blanket to a professional place if it weighs more than 12 pounds.
- To hand-wash your weighted blanket, empty your tub and fill it about halfway. Add 1/2 cup to a full quart of mild detergent (you chose a cleanser that doesn't contain bleach) to the water. The size of your blanket will determine how much you use. The water should be mixed until the blanket is fully coated. After you have washed the blanket thoroughly, empty the bathtub, and then fill it with water. Rinse and repeat until you are satisfied that your blanket is clean. Your blanket will be ready for washing once you have raked out all the water.
Step 3 - Dry your Weighted Blanket
Remember that your weighted blanket will be a lot heavier when it is wet, mainly if you washed the whole blanket together. With that in mind, you will need to decide whether you want to dry it or hang it out. If you have any questions, refer to the instructions on the tag.
Machine dry on either a medium or low setting, depending on the blanket's fabric. To fluff your blanket, you can run it through a tumble dryer.
Do not tie your blanket over old-school clothing to air dry it. Otherwise, this will cause the poly-pellets and beads to become unevenly distributed through the blanket.
Hang it on an open surface like a banister, or let it dry in the sun. It is important to shake it every 30 minutes or ensure evenly distributed the weight.
You always have the option of buying a new blanket if your blanket is past its expiration date.
Weighted blankets are available online at a range of prices. Or, you can make your own weighted blanket.
How to Clean A Weighted Blanket Properly
Use warm water instead of hot water. Warm or cold water will do a gentler job of cleaning the cloth than hot water.
Bleach – Bleach may cause damage to your blanket. Spot treat any stains using a mild detergent.
Fabric Softener: A blanket that is too soft can feel stiff or scratchy. Although it may seem counterintuitive, fabric softeners should not be used because blankets are made differently.
Iron: You should not have to iron your blanket. Iron can weaken its fibers and cause the blanket to wear faster.
Specific Directions for Different Fabrics
Cotton: cotton is the easiest fabric to wash. It is extremely durable as well. Only use your regular mild laundry detergent for cotton blankets.
Flannel – Flannel has a very similar structure to cotton. You can use the same washing and drying instructions as with cotton (unless otherwise stated on the care label). Use your regular gentle detergent to wash it. Hang it up to dry, or put it in the dryer at low.
Silk: Silk is an uncommon fabric for a blanket. However, dry cleaning is recommended. While you can spot-treat any stains, silk needs dry clean.
Wool: Wool is also not machine washable. . Wool needs either hand-washing or dry cleaning. To be sure, check the care label. To avoid shrinkage or damage, you will need to wash a wool blanket by hand.
Rayon: Rayon should be hand-washed. To be specific, however, make sure to check the care label. It's easy to damage or psychologist, so hand-wash it carefully and put it flat to dry.
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