How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

Step 1: Consult the Care Tag

This first step might sound almost insultingly obvious, but it's an important one. Before learning about the how, as well as the specifics, you need to first answer the question, "Can you wash a weighted blanket?" You can, technically, but does yours have to be hand washed, or can it go in the washing machine? That's where the care tag comes into play.

Before diving head-first into washing your weighted blanket, take a good look at its care label. Manufacturers usually provide specific instructions — and they're worth following. Some weighted blankets can be put directly into the washer but must be air-dried, while others require professional dry cleaning, and still others should be spot-cleaned only.

Even if the tag says your weighted blanket is machine washable, you should do a quick assessment before throwing it in. Particularly large or heavy blankets, such as those weighing over 20 pounds, can wreak havoc on a washing machine by accelerating its wear and tear. Plus, it may not get very clean if it's crammed in there. You should take machine-washable weighted blankets to a commercial laundromat that has larger machines.

Step 2: Machine Wash Your Weighted Blanket

If you have the green light to wash your weighted blanket in your washer at home, do a bit of prep work and go for it.

Prep Your Blanket

Start by taking your weighted blanket out of its duvet cover if you have one. Give the blanket a quick but thorough once-over, checking for loose threads, snags, or small tears that could get worse in the wash.

Spot Clean Any Noticeable Stains

Dissolve a strip from a Sheets Laundry Club detergent sheet in warm water (a couple of drops of mild dish detergent works well, also). Dip a clean, dry, light-colored cloth into the solution and then blot any spots you find on your weighted blanket, saturating the area. Let it sit for several minutes before putting your blanket into the washer. You could also use a commercial stain pre-treater, but we don't recommend it for a weighted blanket. Those stain removers often have powerful, harsh chemicals that can break down the blanket's fibers. Along the same lines, avoid using bleach.

Properly Load Your Blanket

Take a moment to place your weighted blanket evenly in the washing machine. Ensure that it's not all balled up on one side and that no sections are twisted. Also, it's a good idea to wash your weighted blanket alone, without anything else in the washer. This will help keep the blanket balanced during the cycle and ensure that it gets washed evenly.

Wash on Gentle Cycle

When you're researching how to wash weighted blankets, no matter the type or their size, machine washing on "gentle" is one of the most important steps. You'll also want to use cold water and a mild detergent like a Sheets Laundry Club detergent sheet. This is crucial in helping to preserve the blanket's fabric and weighted filling.

Although it might be tempting, skip the fabric softener (and bleach, as we mentioned earlier). Just like harsh detergents or stain treaters, fabric softener has ingredients that build up and can damage the blanket's effectiveness.

Step 3: Dry Your Blanket With Care

Before tossing your weighted blanket in the dryer, be sure that the care tag says it's okay to do so. Even if it's machine washable, the care instructions may specify air drying. If it's dryer-safe, put it on low heat or air dry. Check halfway through to see if you need to untangle your blanket and give it a good fluff. Depending on its weight, size, and filling, you may need to run your blanket through a few dry cycles.