Weighted blankets have grown in popularity in recent years, with some claiming benefits such as anxiety relief and improved sleep . These blankets can be filled with glass beads, alternative material, cotton or other materials to add weight to the blanket. The extra weight is evenly distributed across the blanket and puts slight pressure on your body; some compare it to the comforting feeling of a hug.
If you love this kind of cozy blanket, whether you use it night after night or occasionally, you will eventually find that it needs a good wash. However, these blankets can be tricky to wash as they are heavier than regular comforters (some heavy blankets can weigh up to 30 pounds!). To learn how to wash a weighted blanket, we reached out to our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's cleaning lab and garments and textiles lab for their top tips for washing these heavy items. Read on to find out how and how often to wash a weighted blanket and get expert care tips.
How to wash a weighted blanket
Before washing a weighted blanket, it is important to read the care instructions. "In our testing of weighted blankets, we found that care instructions vary widely," says Lexie Sachs , executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textile Laboratory. Some weighted blankets are machine washable and some have a machine washable outer cover while the inner cover is not. Finally, there are heavy blankets that only clean stains. Below are our expert tips for washing a weighted blanket.
✔️ Machine washable
If the weighted blanket's care label says machine washable, in addition to following the washing instructions, you also need to consider the size and capacity of your washing machine. Carolyn Forté , executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Laboratory, says that while extra-large home washers and dryers can often handle mixed loads of 22 to 24 pounds, a single 20-pound solid mass can put undue strain on you, even though yours While the washing machine can handle a 20 pound blanket, our experts do not recommend washing a blanket heavier than 15 pounds due to its heavy weight.
Sachs also recommends using the lowest spin speed when washing a weighted blanket due to the added weight. With all washing machines, and especially agitator top loading washing machines, you need to ensure that the weight of the blanket is evenly distributed to keep the machine balanced. It may be necessary to periodically stop the cycle to reposition the blanket if the machine becomes unbalanced.
If your quilt's size doesn't allow it to move freely in the washing machine, it's not perfectly clean. When Jodhira Rodriguez , Good Housekeeping Institute Laboratory Analyst on Cleaning Products and Equipment, washed her Nuzzie Weighted Knit Blanket at home, most of the blanket prevented proper movement in the wash cycle, and she wondered if she was really clean. If you have to force the blanket into the washing machine, it is best to use a commercial machine.
GH Lab Tip: When testing weighted blankets in the textile lab, we found that the weight of a 15-pound blanket caused our top-loading jogger machine to make weird noises when spinning. So if your blanket weighs 15 pounds or more, consider using a commercial washing machine.
✔️ Machine washable cover
Pour les couvertures qui ont une couche intérieure avec une housse extérieure, la housse extérieure peut généralement être lavée comme n'importe quelle other housse de couette , mais assurancez-vous de verifier les Instructions d'entretien pour Confirmation even que la temperature et le cycle Water.
✔️ Clean stains only
If the shell, outer shell or inner shell is only spot cleaned, Forté recommends using a soapy mixture of mild dish soap and water. "Use a cloth soaked in foam to blot the stain, then rinse with a clean cloth dampened with water," she says. Repeat this drying process as needed, then allow to air dry.
GH Lab Tip: If your weighted blanket just needs a clean, our experts recommend purchasing a machine washable cover to keep it clean and protect it from dirt and stains.
Is it safe to put a heavy blanket in the dryer?
When reading the care instructions before washing a weighted blanket, also read the drying instructions. Some blankets can be tumble dried on a low setting, others need to be air dried. If you use a dryer, make sure your dryer has enough room for air to circulate freely around the blanket. You may also need to pause the dryer from time to time to fluff up the blanket and then repeat until it's completely dry.
If you're air drying, you should spread out the quilt as much as possible to allow air to circulate through and around it. You can also hang the weighted blanket on something like the shower door; However, make sure that anything you hang or place the blanket on can support the weight. Note: In our experience, heavy blankets take a long time to air dry.
How often should a weighted blanket be washed?
Our experts recommend washing a weighted blanket once mid-season, and then again before putting it away. Keep in mind that you may need to wash it more or less depending on how often you use it and how dirty it is. It's best to treat any spills or stains immediately so they don't set. For an occasional smudge or two, all you might need is a good cleaning.
GH Lab Tip: Allergy sufferers and people with pets who sleep on the weighted blanket may need to wash it every two months depending on how dirty the blanket is.
How to store a weighted blanket
Weighted blankets should be cared for like any other blanket in your home . Before you put it away for the season, make sure the blanket is freshly laundered. Because they're heavier than a typical blanket, be sure to store them on a shelf or in a container or basket strong enough to support the weight.
The take-away sale
Pay close attention to the care label on each weighted blanket before washing or drying it. And then clean it at least halfway through the season and before you put it away at the end of the season. If your washer or dryer can't handle the weight, consider using a commercial machine. Other sites may suggest washing your hands, but not us. These blankets are too heavy and awkward to handle when wet to hand wash.
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