How to Wash and Care for a Weighted Blanket

Pre-Washing Instructions

1. Remove Outer Cover

   Take the cover off the blanket. Many weighted blankets have a duvet-like cover that can be removed. There are usually inner ties that should be loosened before removing the cover. Unless there has been a liquid spill or urine accident, only the cover will need to be washed regularly.

   The cover should be washed separately from the weighted blanket.
   

2. Determine the Fiber Content of the Fabric

   Whether the covering is removable or not, you need to know the fiber content to choose the best cleaning method. Check the blanket's care label to determine the right option.

   How to Wash by Cover Fabric
   Fiber Content	Washing Temperature	Wash Cycle	Detergent	Drying Cycle	Special Instructions
   Faux Fur/Plush	Cold	Gentle	Regular detergent	Low heat or Air-dry	No fabric softener
   Cotton/Flannel	Warm or cold	Normal	Regular detergent	Medium to Low heat
   Wool	Cold	Gentle or Hand-Wash	Wool wash	Air-dry only
   Rayon/Lyocell	Cold	Gentle or Hand-Wash	Gentle detergent	Air-dry only	Reshape and dry flat
   Silk	Cold	Hand-Wash	Gentle detergent	Air-dry only	Dry-cleaning preferred

3. Check for Stains

   If the blanket looks clean and smells fresh but has a stain, you may be able to spot-treat that area instead of washing the entire blanket. Even weighted comforters with glass bead filling (labeled as dry-clean only) can be spot-treated for stains. Before washing, pre-treat stains according to the type of stain.

   Most food and drink stains can be removed by treating them with an enzyme-based stain remover. Apply a small amount to the stained area and work it into the fabric with your fingers. Allow it to work for at least 15 minutes before washing the blanket.

How to Machine-Wash Your Weighted Blanket

1. Load the Washer

   Check the capacity of your washer to ensure it can handle the weight and size of the blanket. The blanket should be washed alone.

2. Wash the Blanket

   Follow the recommended water temperature, cycle, and detergent recommendations for the type of fabric. Set the washer accordingly and wash the item.

How to Hand-Wash Your Weighted Blanket

1. Prepare for Hand-Washing

   If you are hand-washing the blanket, give your bathtub a good cleaning to make sure there are no products or grime that can stain the fabric. Fill the tub with cold or lukewarm water and add the recommended detergent.

   Less is more when it comes to detergent or wool wash: You do not want to have excessive product residue to rinse away. Swish the detergent through the water to make sure it is well-mixed.

2. Submerge in Soapy Water

   Lower the blanket into the water and detergent solution. Make sure that the entire blanket is submerged. Gently squeeze the water through the fabric. Leave the blanket to soak for at least 15 minutes.
   

3. Rinse the Blanket

   Lift the blanket out of the soapy water and drain the tub. Refill the tub with cool fresh water. Gently squeeze the water through the blanket.
   

4. Drain and Repeat

   Drain the tub and refill it again. Repeat the rinsing process until there are no suds left. Drain the tub and gently squeeze out the excess water. Do not wring.

How to Dry Your Weighted Blanket

1. Choose Your Drying Method

   The only type of weighted blanket that can be safely dried on the low heat cycle in an automatic tumble dryer is one filled with microglass beads, as this filling does not melt.

   All other blankets should be dried flat. Spread the blanket on a layer of plastic sheeting or a plastic tarp to protect floors. Evenly distribute the inner filling if it has shifted. You can help absorb excess moisture by pressing fresh, dry towels on the surface.

   Allow the blanket to dry flat. Turn it every four or five hours to help speed drying. It will take 24 to 48 hours to dry completely.

   Warning

   Do not hang a wet weighted blanket to dry on a clothesline. The filling may shift and be difficult to return to an even layer.

2. Reassemble Cover and Blanket

   Once the weighted blanket is completely dry, it can be inserted and attached to the outer cover.

Treating Stains on Weighted Blankets

Treating stains early is key: If you're able to rinse the stain in cold water as soon as it happens, you'll have the best chance at removing it. Enzyme-based stain removers can tackle even stubborn stains, including protein stains like red sauce or blood. Less serious stains can often be treated with gentle laundry detergent or dish soap.

Weighted Blanket Care and Repairs

If your weighted blanket has small rips or larger tears, it's best to repair them by sewing them shut. First, determine whether the problem is only on the blanket's cover or if it has torn through the blanket itself. Always sew up rips in the cover and the blanket separately so you'll still be able to remove the cover for future washes.

Ironing Weighted Blankets

Most weighted blankets should not be ironed, as this can damage the inner filling. However, if your weighted blanket's cover is made from an iron-safe material like cotton, you can remove the cover and iron it alone. Allow the cover to cool before putting it back on the blanket. Additional cover fabrics like linen, polyester, wool, and more can be ironed on the back side of the fabric using the correct recommended iron temperatures.

Storing Weighted Blankets

Store your weighted blanket by gently folding or rolling it, then placing it in the storage bag it came in or on a shelf in your linen closet. These blankets can be stored similar to comforters, quilts, and duvets.

Additional Tips for Washing Weighted Blankets

• Fold up the blanket and put it away after each use; do not use it as a bed cover.
• Don't eat or sit on the blanket.
• Spot clean any spills or stains as soon as possible.
• If your pet sleeps with you, use a lint roller at least once a week to remove any of their shedded hair. Always make sure they sleep on top of the blanket, as the weight of the blanket might be too heavy for pets.