Weighted blankets are wonderful tools for getting a better night's sleep, but they're not the easiest to care for. The same heft that makes them comforting also poses a problem during washing and drying. From instructions that suggest dry clean only to delicate cycles, washing your favorite weighted blanket can be daunting, especially since the care process can vary across different sizes and weights
To help you decipher the complicated care tag on the best weighted blankets, Corinna and Theresa Williams, co-founders of Brooklyn-based laundry company Celsious share tips on how to care for a weighted blanket, including how to wash and spot-treat your favorite weighted blanket and when to take it to a commercial laundromat.
How to wash a weighted blanket
When it comes to weighted blankets, there are no one-size-fits-all washing solutions. From weighted comforters to weighted blankets with removable covers, care instructions will differ from product to product as you'll want to consider factors like the blanket's size and weight as well as shell and fill materials. "No matter what type of weighted blanket you own, always check the care label before washing," the Williams sisters said. Many weighted blankets are spot-treat or dry-clean only, so pay special attention to the symbols on the tag.
If you can't locate specific care instructions, this chart may be useful in helping to determine machine washability.
| Machine Washable | Not Machine Washable | |
| Materials | Bamboo Cotton Flannel Minky Non-wool fleece | Linen Rayon Silk Wool |
| Fillers | Glass microbeads Plastic poly pellets Steel shot beads | Organic materials (beans, grains, sand) |
| Weight | Under 16 pounds | Over 16 pounds (commercial washer) |
| Size | Throw-size Twin-size Full/queen-size | King-size (commercial washer) |
As you prepare to wash your weighted blanket, keep in mind that your weighted blanket could be too heavy to be cleaned in your typical residential washer and dryer. According to the Williamses, smaller capacity washers and dryers can hold seven to eight pounds, while larger capacity washers and dryers can hold up to 16 pounds. This is difficult, though, since wet weighted blankets are heavier than advertised due to their water weight. Plus, "heavy unbalanced loads can cause damage to equipment," the Williamses said.
Because of the issues with weight, many brands recommend taking your weighted blanket to a laundromat that uses commercial washers and dryers. "Our biggest commercial size washers can handle up to 60 pounds," the Williams sisters said. "Fitting one weighted blanket (typically 30 pounds max) is not a problem."
If your blanket is compatible with a residential washer and dryer, the Williamses said that most brands recommend the cold or delicate cycle for washing your weighted blanket. You can tumble-dry your blanket on low heat or air dry it for the best care. Avoid hanging knit weighted blankets like the Bearaby cotton napper, though, as hanging your knit blanket out to dry will stretch out the loops in the knit design.
To simplify the washing process, consider using a duvet cover on your weighted blanket. This will make care much easier since most duvet covers can be tossed in the washer and dryer without a problem.
How often should you wash your weighted blanket?
The frequency which your weighted blanket should be washed depends on the amount of use. A blanket that you sleep with every night will need to be cleaned more often than a throw that sits on your couch.
"If you use your blanket daily with a sheet underneath, you may want to wash it once a month," the Williams sisters said. "If you only use it occasionally, try airing it out frequently and washing four to five times a year."
How to spot-treat weighted blankets
For small stains or dirty areas, it's important to know how to spot-treat your weighted blanket. The Williamses recommend spot-treating any stains as soon as they occur since it'll be easier to clean.
To spot-treat a weighted blanket, "gently soak in a bit of room temperature water, then spot-treat with a mild product," the Williams sisters said. Then, if it's compatible with a washer or dryer, you can machine wash your weighted blanket. They also said to never use bleach when spot-treating a weighted blanket.
The bottom line
The best way to wash your weighted blanket depends on the type and care-tag instructions. Be sure to check the weight capacity of your washer and dryer to make sure your machines are compatible with the weight of your blanket. Heavier blankets over 20 pounds likely need to go to a commercial laundromat. If you can't machine wash your weighted blanket, you can spot treat it with a mild product or detergent and room temperature water.
