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How to Clean a Weighted Blanket? Everything You Need To Know

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by

Weighted Blanket

Millions of consumers all over the country benefit from weighted blankets, which improve their quality of life dramatically. Deep Touch Pressure can help with autism, ADHD, depression, and insomnia, using specially designed blankets weighing anywhere from 5 to 50 pounds. It is no secret that weighted blankets can be expensive. However, for many Americans, the price of these blankets is justified as a health investment. 

It is essential to wash, clean, and take proper care of an item that is expensive and valuable to your health. A weighted blanket will inevitably need to be cleaned periodically since the veil is used almost every night.

How to clean a weighted blanket?

Weighted blankets are popular for their therapeutic effects, which can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and promote relaxation. However, it is important to take proper care of these blankets to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. One aspect of care is drying a weighted blanket after washing it; air drying is a safe and effective method.

To air dry a weighted blanket, first remove it from the washing machine and gently wring out any excess water. Then, lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface, such as a clothesline, drying rack, or flat surface. It is important to avoid hanging the blanket on a clothesline with clothespins, as this can cause the blanket to stretch and become misshapen. Instead, lay the blanket flat on the clothesline or drying rack and gently shape it into its original form. Allow the blanket to air dry naturally, which may take several hours or even a full day, depending on the size and weight of the blanket. It is important to avoid using high heat to dry the blanket, as this can damage the fabric and cause the weighted filling to clump or become lumpy.

First and foremost, if you must wash a weighted blanket in the washing machine, do so in cool water on its own. Weighted blankets that weigh less than 20 pounds can typically fit in a washing machine capable of holding a queen or king-sized comforter. Some Laundromats usually have larger washing machines capable of cleaning such heavy blankets than households. A blanket weighing more than 25 pounds will generally be too heavy to be washed in a regular household washing machine. 

To prevent fabric softener and bleach buildup in your laundry, use gentle laundry detergent. If you require a detergent that claims to be “tough,” look for a dye-free, mild detergent or make your natural detergent. Lastly, take extra care when drying weighted blankets. The blanket should either be dried naturally on a line or dried after being washed. The heat generated during drying can cause weighted blankets to melt in some cases. It is possible to extend the life of the fabric and filler of the veil by hang-drying it.

Drying a weighted blanket by air

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You can extend the life of your weighted blanket by taking proper care when drying it. The dryer can be skipped entirely, but care should still be taken. Ensure that the clothes are evenly distributed when drying on a line so that the weight is evenly distributed and the clothes don’t lose their shape. Wet weighted blankets look great draped over drying racks, chairs, and even bathtub sides.

Many household washing machines spin the laundry before drying to remove extra water adequately. It is sometimes necessary to spin out excess water from heavy, bulky items such as weighted blankets. Weighted blankets should not be dried in the dryer if they are cumbersome or allow water to drip out by hand when they are taken out of the washing machine.

Visiting the Laundromat: When is the best time?

Unlike our previous recommendation, it is not advised to wash blankets larger than 25 pounds in a washing machine. We recommend visiting a local Laundromat with large, commercial-size washing machines if these blankets are hefty. Weighted blankets can be used with a duvet cover if consumers cannot access a Laundromat regularly or live far from one. Utilizing a duvet makes washing and drying simpler: Remove the lid and wash it as directed on the tag.

Weighted blankets should be washed periodically, even with a duvet cover. The sun’s fresh air and UV rays can naturally clean the blanket when exposed to it outdoors on a sunny day. When the weighted blanket has been spilled on or in contact with body fluids, we may need to wash it. Hence, you should follow the directions above and make a note when you should go to the Laundromat to wash your clothes to meet the 25 pounds weight limit.

Don’t do these things

As we mentioned previously, you should only use a gentle laundry detergent that does not contain bleach or fabric softener. Weighted blankets can feel scratchy or stiff due to fabric softeners that build up in the material.  It’s certainly not what fabric softeners are designed to do. In the case of bleach, the chlorine will destroy fibers in the fabric, even if it is diluted. Weighted blankets can be shortened by washing them with bleach diluted, making them wear out more quickly.

Weighted blanket fillers can also be adversely affected by fabric softener and bleach. Consequently, they can break down or clump together. Weighted blankets require special washing, given that they are unique.

Special considerations for fabrics      

The following is a list of materials commonly used in the production of weighted blankets, along with instructions on how to care for weighted blankets made of those materials properly.

· Polyester

Fabrics like cotton, one of the world’s most popular materials, are easy to maintain. In addition to being used for blankets, they can also be used to keep people calm. We recommend washing cotton blankets in cold water separately.

We recommend constantly washing weighted blankets separately. Cotton fabric agitation can cause the fabric to wear out more quickly if too many cotton items are passed in the machine. Make sure the blanket is color-safe by using gentle, chlorine-free detergent and 1 1/2 cups of vinegar. Be sure to skip the fabric softener.

· Flannel blankets

Particularly for sensory-sensitive people, flannel makes a tremendous weighted blanket material.It is okay to wash flannel in warm water or cold water, but do not use hot water to make the fabric fade faster. Wash in a washing machine on low heat and tumble dry afterward. Don’t let it sit in the dryer for too long as it will cool. A ringer can also be used to remove excess water from flannel blankets before they are naturally dry.

· Fleece Blankets

Warm water can be used to wash fleece blankets separately. If you have stains on your fleece blanket, soak it for 45 minutes in the washing machine before starting a wash cycle. To reduce pilling, consider air drying fleece rather than using a dryer on a low setting.

· Minky

A weighted blanket made with minky fabric is among the best-selling products. Materials like this are perfect for weighted blankets because they are durable, wash well, and keep their soft qualities. A minky blend can’t withstand high temperatures and hot water when it’s being dried.

· Cotton-Linen Blends

Weighted blankets are commonly made from rayon-linen fabric, durable, medium weight, and easy to clean. Fibers of the rayon-linen type are made from wood that has been chemically pulped and is considered semi-synthetic materials.

Without being machine washable, how do you wash a weighted blanket?

Use warm water with a light liquid detergent to hand wash your blanket in a bathtub or washtub. Submerge the weighted blanket in the liquid after placing it in the tub. After soaking for five to ten minutes, rinse in warm or cold water until the water is clear and there are no suds. To dry by air, lay flat.

Final thoughts

Each weighed blanket is designed differently and washes differently. Blankets should not weigh more than 25 pounds in a household washing machine. In case of doubt, head to the Laundromat if the blanket is too big to wash at home.

A rip in an expensive weighted blanket is the last thing a consumer wants. Also, remember that duvets are great for protecting weighted blankets and being a quicker process to clean. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions whenever you’re uncertain how to wash your duvet. Following this guide will help keep your weighted blanket in the best shape possible through effective cleaning and maintenance.

Apart from this if you are interested to know more about How to Clean Electric Kettle then visit our Daily bites category.

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