Like any other bedding, it’s necessary to clean a weighted blanket to keep it fresh. It’s fair to assume though that its extra weight makes it a challenge to handle.
So, can you wash a weighted blanket in the washing machine? Let’s take a look.
Can You Wash a Weighted Blanket in the Washing Machine?
In theory, you can wash a weighted blanket in the washing machine. The fill material shouldn’t impact your ability to wash it as it’s usually glass, plastic, or an organic material. Similarly, the outer material should be fine to wash, as it’s usually cotton or polyester.
Be sure to check your blanket’s care instructions if you still have them. If you don’t have the owner’s booklet, there should be a care label attached to the blanket.
Provided all the materials are standard, you should be able to wash your weighted blanket on a normal cycle.
Is a Weighted Blanket Too Heavy for a Washing Machine?
While you usually can safely machine wash a weighted blanket, the real issue comes down to the blanket’s weight.
Washing machines have a maximum load weight, based on dry laundry. For a standard washing machine, this is 8 kg, although it can go as high as 12 kg. Weighted blankets, depending on the brand, can be 9 kg or more.
So regardless of your blanket’s materials, you should check whether your washing machine can actually handle its weight.
Overloading the drum can lead to spinning issues at best or a full-blown malfunction at worst. Your washing machine should have a label stating its maximum load weight.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket
Provided it fits in your washing machine, put your weighted blanket on a gentle cycle with a low spin.
Use a mild laundry detergent, and ideally air dry by lying the blanket down.
You can theoretically put weighted blankets in a tumble dryer, but it needs to be on a cooler cycle.
Some other washing options include to following.
Just washing the cover
Ideally, your weighted blanket will have a removable cover that can be washed. This saves you from having to worry about overloading your washing machine. A removable cover is the best-case scenario, as you can treat it like a duvet cover.
Spot cleaning
For small stains, try spot cleaning using a small amount of mild laundry detergent or stain remover. Work it in using a toothbrush or washing up sponge (provided the fabric isn’t delicate) and then rinse with cold water.
Freshening
Freshening your blanket is no substitute for washing it, but it’ll do in a pinch. Mix a solution of bicarbonate of sodium and water and spray it lightly on the blanket. This should remove minor odours to help it smell a bit nicer.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not you can wash a weighted blanket will ultimately depend on how much your washing machine can handle.
If it’s too heavy, you’ll either have to wash it by hand or take it to a dry cleaner. Either way, make sure you wash it regularly to keep it clean and fresh!
Jacob is a writer based in Wales, where he lives with his partner and two dogs. All his work is fuelled by extensive research and buckets of coffee.
