Does anyone else swear by their weighted blanket? Weighted blankets have grown in popularity for their multiple benefits. Not only do they add warmth on chillier nights, they have been credited with easing insomnia and anxiety. Brands like Gravity, Luxome, and Casper all sell these cult-favorite blankets that are proven to induce relaxation and help achieve better sleep. But how do I wash a weighted blanket? Here's our ultimate guide to how to wash a weighted blanket!
Can You Wash a Weighted Blanket in the Washing Machine?
Yes! As a general rule, you can wash your weighted blanket in the washing machine. We recommend using a front-loading washer if possible. If your blanket is over 20 pounds, we recommend taking a trip to the laundromat to use a commercial washer instead to ensure your blanket will be fully cleaned without causing any wear or tear to your washing machine. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions on the care tag or company website before washing a weighted blanket.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket
Regardless of what fabric your weighted blanket is made out of, always follow these five rules:
- Always wash on the gentle cycle.
- Use cold or warm water.
- Never bleach your weighted blanket.
- Don't use traditional fabric softener on your weighted blanket.
- Tumble dry low after washing.
Looking for more specific tips on washing weighted blankets? We have the how-to for all different materials.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket Made Of Cotton
- Wash in cold water.
- Wash in a load by itself, as too many cotton items can agitate the fabric.
- Skip the fabric softener.
- Use gentle detergent. We recommend Dropps Sensitive Skin Detergent Pods.
- Tumble dry on low heat. Add an XL Wool Dryer Ball to shorten the drying time!
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket Made Of Fleece
- Wash in warm water.
- Use gentle detergent.
- You may use a fabric softener. We recommend Dropps Fabric Softener Pods, which also add a scent boost.
- Air dry to reduce pilling of the fleece.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket Made Of Flannel
- Wash in cold or warm water but never hot water.
- Tumble dry on low heat but don't allow the blanket to stay in the dryer for too long after drying. Add an XL Wool Dryer Ball to shorten the drying time!
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket Made Of Minky
- Use non-chlorine bleach along with a gentle detergent. We recommend Dropps Oxi-Booster pods.
- Avoid hot water temperatures and high heat as Minky fabric doesn't tolerate heat well.
If you want to significantly reduce the number of times you have to launder your weighted blanket, consider using a duvet cover to protect your blanket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to wash a weighted blanket? We’re here to help.
Can you machine wash a 20 lb weighted blanket?
Yes, a 20 lb weighted blanket can be machine washed! At this weight, you should be able to wash it in your washing machine at home, but you may opt to bring it to a laundromat with a larger machine to prevent wear and tear on your home machine.
Can weighted blankets go in the dryer?
Most weighted blankets can go in the dryer. While you should always check the product’s care label or instructions, in general we recommend tumbling dry on low heat. Weighted blankets may take more than one cycle to fully dry, so consider using a Wool Dryer Ball or two to help speed up drying time.
How do you hand wash a 20 pound weighted blanket?
To hand wash a weighted blanket, fill a clean bathtub with enough water to submerge the blanket. Add a gentle detergent suitable for hand washing, like our Ultra Concentrated Detergent. Add the blanket to the bath and use your hands to swirl it around, mimicking the spin cycle of the machine, then rinse with cold water.
Why can't you machine wash a weighted blanket?
While weighted blankets can be machine washed, we do not recommend washing a blanket over 20 lbs in a standard washing machine, as it can cause damage. In those cases, it is best to bring it to a laundromat and use a commercial sized washing machine. Some weighted blankets are dry clean only, however, so be sure to check the care label!