How to Wash a Weighted Blanket (6 Different Fabrics)

Weighted blankets emerged as a natural solution for anxiety, insomnia, and behavioral disorders. 

These products use deep pressure stimulation to calm the nervous system. Over time, they may improve sleep, enhance your mood, and mitigate the effects of stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, more research is needed to confirm their health benefits.   

Manufacturers recommend choosing one that’s about 10% of your body weight—or slightly heavier. The weighted blankets available on the market weigh five to 30 pounds. If, say, you’re 180 pounds, you can choose a blanket weighing anywhere between 18 and 20 pounds, depending on its size. 

The question is, how to wash a weighted blanket without ruining it? 

These bed linens are typically made of heavy materials and may contain glass or steel beads, sand, corn, rice, or poly pellets. Therefore, they require extra care when cleaning. 

Generally, your best bet is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  

Cotton weighted blankets, for example, can be washed by hand or cleaned in the washing machine. Other models, especially those with organic fillers like rice or beans, should only be spot-cleaned. 

How to Care for a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets were initially used by occupational therapists as a treatment for ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and anxiety. Today, they are promoted as relaxation aids. While some studies report positive findings, the research is in its early stages. 

Make sure you know how to wash a weighted blanket before buying one. If you do it wrong, your blanket may become unusable. 

1. Start by checking the care instructions on the label. Each type and model has different requirements. 
2. Next, consider the size of your blanket. If you have a king-sized model or one heavier than 20 pounds, it’s better to take it to a laundromat. 
3. Take into account the fabric and type of filler, too. Weighted blankets often have multiple layers and square pockets filled with different materials, which allows them to evenly distribute the weight over your body. 

Some models contain organic grains and beans, micro-glass beads, or steel beds. Others are made with plastic poly pellets. Those filled with organic materials should not be washed because they may develop mold or mildew. 

Note that most blankets have removable covers that can be cleaned in the washing machine. The washing procedure depends on the fabric. Cotton, for instance, should be washed in warm water to prevent shrinking—but more on that later. 

General Guidelines for Washing Weighted Blankets

In general, it’s safer to wash your weighted blanket by hand as it causes less wear and tear than a washing machine. If it has stains, you can spot-clean it with a gentle laundry detergent and/or white vinegar. Steer clear of bleach and fabric softeners. 

If your blanket is machine-washable, follow these rules when cleaning it:

• Check the blanket (and its outer cover) for stains and remove them before washing
• Take off the protective cover and wash it separately
• Wash your weighted blanket alone or along with other similar fabrics 
• Always use warm or cold water (maximum 85 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Select a gentle cycle
• Choose mild detergents or homemade cleaning solutions
• Run an extra spin cycle
• Use a commercial-size washer for weighted blankets above 20 pounds

When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep in mind that some models have washable covers, but the inner blanket may not be safe to wash. The only thing you can do is to spot clean it.

How Often Should You Wash a Weighted Blanket?

Southern Living recommends washing your blanket every four to six months or at the start of every season. 

Clean the protective cover every two weeks or so. If you sweat a lot or have a skin disorder or allergy, wash the cover more frequently.

Note that frequent washing can damage both your blanket and washing machine in the long run. For this reason, it’s better to spot clean whenever possible. Consider using a top sheet to cut down on the frequency of washes.

If your weighted blanket doesn’t have a protective cover, you may need to wash it monthly (depending on how often you use it). In this case, it’s smarter to use a commercial washer at your local laundromat. 

Consider the Type of Fabric

Check the product label to determine the type of fabric used for your blanket cover.

These may include cotton, rayon, flannel, minky, fleece, wool, and others. Except for wool and silk, most materials are machine-washable. 

Follow these guidelines when washing the outer cover of your weighted blanket:

Cotton

• Wash on the gentle cycle in cold or warm water (maximum 122 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to prevent dye bleeding and preserve the color
• Use a gentle laundry detergent
• Avoid fabric softeners because they may cause the fabric to become scratchy over time

Wool

• Wool blanket covers should be dry-cleaned or washed by hand to prevent shrinking
• If you prefer to use the washing machine, select the wool setting
• Use a detergent for delicate fabrics
• The water temperature should not exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit

If you wash it by hand, first turn it inside out and then emerge it in lukewarm water. Soak it in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes before rinsing. 

Fleece

• Check the label to see if the wool you have is safe to machine wash
• Use a mild detergent and cold or warm water 
• Run it through an extra rinse cycle if you use fabric softeners 

Minky 

• Use cold or warm water and detergents with no chlorine, scents, or dyes
• Select a delicate cycle
• Wash it separately from other items to preserve its softness
• Consider using a natural detergent made with baking soda (1/4 cup) and white vinegar (1/3 cup)
• Skip the fabric softener

Flannel

• Flannel blanket covers can be washed the same way as those made of cotton
• As a general rule, run them through a gentle cycle in cold or warm water 
• Do not use fabric softeners

Rayon

• Rayon blankets should be washed by hand to prevent shrinking
• Use a mild laundry detergent and cold water

If you’re on a tight schedule, you may use the washing machine to clean your rayon blanket. Turn it inside out, put it in a mesh bag, and run it through a cold-delicate cycle. Try to wash it by hand whenever possible. 

Linen Blends 

Dry cleaning is the best option for linen blends. Follow these instructions if you plan to use the washing machine:

• Use cold or lukewarm water
• Wash it on a gentle cycle (separately from other fabrics)
• Opt for a mild detergent
• Steer clear of fabric softeners

What’s Inside Your Blanket?

As discussed earlier, the actual blanket may or may not be washable—depending on the filling material. 

Weighted blankets filled with organic materials like sand, grains, or beans, should not be washed because they may form clumps or grow mold. Spot-clean these garments as needed. 

If your blanket is made with synthetic fillers, you may wash it by hand or in the machine. Determine the type of filler used and then follow these instructions:

• Micro-glass beads: Wash your blanket in cold or warm water. Use a mild detergent. 
• Steel shot beads: Weighted blankets filled with steel shot beads tend to be heavy and can ruin your washing machine. Stay on the safe side and wash them by hand. Any water temperature will do. 
• Plastic poly pellets: You may use the washing machine, but avoid hot water. 
• Plastic poly beads: Always use cold water, regardless of the washing method. 
• Smooth pebbles: Wash the garment by hand at any water temperature. 

As a general rule, don’t iron your blanket. The heat from the iron can melt most types of fillers, except for pebbles and steel shot beads. 

Even if the filler doesn’t melt, ironing a weighted blanket is difficult and unnecessary. 

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket by Hand

Most times, the safest way to clean a weighted blanket is to wash it by hand. This will not only prevent damage but also extend its life span. 

If you’re wondering how to wash a weighted blanket by hand, simply follow these steps:

1. Fill a tub halfway with lukewarm water.
2. Add a natural, non-chemical liquid detergent and mix well.
3. Remove the outer cover.
4. Check the blanket for stains. If you find any, wet the area and rub it gently with soap or mild detergents. 
5. Submerge your blanket fully. Rub it with gentle motions, leave it submerged for 15 to 20 minutes, and repeat. 
6. Drain the bathtub and add clean water to rinse the blanket. Repeat this step until there’s no detergent residue left. 
7. Roll and squeeze the blanket to remove excess water. 

How to Dry Your Weighted Blanket

The next step is to dry your blanket. This can be done in two ways, depending on the filling material. 

Most blankets can be machine dried on low heat. Those filled with steel shot beads should be air-dried. The latter option is safe for any cover and type of filler. 

If you use the dryer, select the lowest temperature possible. Beware that many manufacturers don’t recommend dry cleaning. This process uses harsh solvents that can ruin the blanket and irritate your skin. 

As far as air-drying goes, simply place the blanket on a clean surface in a well-ventilated room. Turn it over every few hours until it’s fully dried. 

Avoid hanging your blanket on a washing line as it can stretch or damage the material.

Washing a Weighted Blanket Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult 

These garments have unique washing requirements, but cleaning them doesn’t have to be difficult. Just make sure you follow the instructions on the care tag. 

To sum up, follow these rules at all times:  

• Always clean your blanket with cold or warm water. 
• Refrain from using bleach and fabric softeners—instead, opt for a natural alternative like vinegar or baking soda.
• If possible, air-dry the blanket to keep it in top shape. 

Now that you know how to wash a weighted blanket, go ahead and try yourself. Consider using a removable cover to protect your blanket from stains and keep the fabric fresh between washes.

FAQ

Citations

• Barry, L. (2019, April 15). How to correctly machine wash your woollen clothing. Better Homes and Gardens. Retrieved December 26, 2021, from https://www.bhg.com.au/how-to-correctly-machine-wash-your-woollen-clothing
• Bestbier, L., & Williams, T. I. (2017, January 9). The immediate effects of deep pressure on young people with autism and severe intellectual difficulties: Demonstrating individual differences. Occupational therapy international. Retrieved December 26, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5612681/
• Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2019, May 16). Mayo Clinic Minute: How weighted blankets may lift anxiety – mayo clinic news network. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 26, 2021, from https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-how-weighted-blankets-may-lift-anxiety/
• Pappas, S. (2018, November 23). Weighted blankets: How they work. LiveScience. Retrieved December 26, 2021, from https://www.livescience.com/59315-weighted-blankets-faq.html