Recently, weighted blankets have been increasing in popularity and are now some of the most used blankets today. Along with being incredibly comfortable, the benefits weighted blankets can provide includes therapeutic purposes, which can help people dealing with anxiety disorders as well as autism spectrum disorders to get better quality sleep. It is no surprise that a weighted blanket benefits those who are in need of deep pressure stimulation.
Image by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
For those who already own a weighted blanket (also known as gravity blanket), you may be wondering how to wash them, whether they require washing at all. Just like every other blanket types, need to be washed regularly as they will only stay fresh for a few weeks.
Fortunately, if you are looking up instructions for washing weighted blankets, this article has you covered, as we have summed up all that you need to know about how to wash weighted blankets.
Featuring Weavve’s Weighted Blanket
Weighted Blanket Washing Instructions
There exists a common misconception that washing a weighted blanket ruins it. In reality, as long as you avoid using bleach or a fabric softener, your blanket will stay in good condition. If you feel like your blanket needs a wash, read on to find out how to wash a weighted blanket.
Image by Rachel Claire from Pexels
Firstly, check the care tag on your weighted blanket to ensure that it is indeed suitable for a washing machine. If the tag says otherwise, refer to our section about how to hand wash a weighted blanket instead.
It is also imperative that if your gravity blanket weighs more than 20 pounds, you are better off using your laundromat, since it is more load than what a typical home washing machine can handle.
Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Before you begin your blanket care, make sure you have the following at hand:
- A washing machine
- Mild detergent
Next, you need to know what your gravity blanket is made of, as the cleaning process differs depending on the type of material you are dealing with.
Here is a list of common materials weighted blankets are made of, and their recommended aftercare instructions:
Fleece Weighted Blanket
Image by cottonbro from Pexels
In the case of fleece, use warm water to wash the blankets individually as it speeds up the detergent's chemical reaction. Cold water should be a second choice.
To remove any dirt from fleece blankets, soak them in the washing machine for 45 minutes before beginning the washing. Although fleece may accept fabric softener, it is recommended to use a mild detergent instead. Give it an additional wash before entering the rinse cycle to avoid fabric conditioner buildup.
Fleece can sometimes be dried in the dryer on medium temperature, although air drying is recommended to avoid pilling.
Flannel Weighted Blanket
Image by Rachel Claire from Pexels
Flannel may be washed in warm or cool water, but not in hot water as it would cause the fabric to wear out faster. Spin dry on medium temperature in a washing machine. But take care not to leave it in the dryer for too long.
Take it out of the dryer as soon as it has dried since putting flannel in a warm environment for far too long can stick the fibres into the material, reducing its lifespan.
Minky Weighted Blanket
Image by Klaudia Ekert from Pexels
Minky gravity blankets require less upkeep than they look. Despite how delicate they may look, cleaning them is a breeze.
Simply wash it using unchlorinated detergent on a warm or cool low setting. Afterwards, brush it lightly to remove any stains. With that, you are done.
However, it should be noted that because minky is a synthetic fabric, it cannot withstand hot water nor high temperatures in the dryer.
Cotton Weighted Blanket
Image by cottonbro from Pexels
A cotton gravity blanket should be laundered alone in a cycle with cold water.
A helpful tip would be to use a little vinegar (about half a cup) with your detergent to keep the colours of your cotton blanket intact.
Rayon-linen Blend Weight Blanket
In the case of rayon-linen, it may be better to let your dry cleaner handle your weighted blanket rather than sticking it in the washing machine, as rayon has a tendency to shrink in wash cycles.
But if your blanket has some other linen mix, such as linen-cotton or even polyester, you can launder it on a cold cycle and use a mild bleach to take care of stains
Silk Weighted Blanket
Image by Anna Maxelante from Pexels
Silk gravity blankets are relatively uncommon because gravity blankets are not generally made from organic materials. But if you have a silk gravity blanket, just as with rayon-linen, you should stick to dry-cleaning to avoid damage.
This is because silk has a tendency to shrink, lose colour and even warp if washed without care.
Image by Alex Andrews from Pexels
Glass Beads
Always use cold water. It is best to hand wash using a gentle laundry detergent free of bleach or fabric softener.
Avoid using detergent that contains bleach or fabric softener, as it can cause build-up in the material of the weighted blanket which makes it feel scratchy or stiff. Additionally, avoid dryers as high temperatures can melt or damage the beads.
Sand/Dried Foods
Do not use any water (aka, washing machine, hand wash), as the water will cause damage to the fillings. Instead, invest in a dry cleaning kit.
Simply place your weighted blanket in the dryer. Then, set it to medium heat and let it run for 20 mins. With that, the cleaning process is completed. If you are unsure about what to do and how to properly dry your weighted blanket, feel free to reach out to a dry cleaning service to help you wash it instead.
Rocks
Avoid using a washing machine as the tossing and turning will cause the rocks to damage the shell of the weighted blanket. Weighed blankets filled with rocks should always be hand washed. After you have finished washing your blanket, be sure to thoroughly air dry it so as to prevent mold from forming on the rocks.
Hand Washing Your Weighted Blanket
Image by cottonbro from Pexels
However, if your weighted blanket’s care tag says you need to hand wash your weighted blanket, do not worry. Just follow our steps on how to wash glass bead weighted blankets by hand:
- Fill a large container (big enough for your weighted blanket) with cool or tepid water. If you have a bathtub, fill it to around the halfway mark.
- Pour in some dechlorinated laundry detergent.
- Immerse the weighted blanket in the water and allow 15 minutes for it to absorb the maximum amount of water, while kneading it gently during the process.
- Lift the blanket and empty the container to rinse it. Refill the container, this time with cold water, and press it through the gravity blanket.
- Rinse again and again until all the detergent has been washed out.
Now that you know how to wash your gravity blanket, both by hand and by using a washing machine, you might be wondering about ways for drying weighted blankets.
Drying Your Weighted Blanket
Image by Adrienne Andersen from Pexels
How to dry a weighted blanket is all about the kind of material it is made of. Here, the care tag can again come in handy for any specific weighted blanket instructions.
As a basic rule, having the heat settings on low or medium while drying your gravity blanket is appropriate. You may also toss it in with a clean towel, and experiment with a tumble dry setting to plump it up a little.
But if you are more into letting your weighted blanket air-dry, you need to choose a well-ventilated area that allows you to dry it horizontally. This results in an equal distribution of your weighted blanket’s weight, leading to more efficient drying.
Other Factors To Consider When Taking Care Of Your Weighted Blanket
Image by Designecologist from Pexels
Now that you know everything about how to wash and dry your weighted blanket, you are all set. However, there are still a few things left that you need to keep in mind while washing your weighted blanket.
If you are someone who wishes to maintain your linens and bedding looking tidy, ironing your gravity blanket may have crossed your mind a few times. However, as tempting as it may be, you should not do that. Although the shell material may be safe to iron, you will still most likely ruin the filler inside the blanket should you choose to iron.
Lastly, can you wash weighted blankets that say spot cleaning only? Absolutely. Simply dilute a little stain remover in tepid water and scrape the spot with your fingers or using an old rag. Then let it dry overnight.
Weavve’s Weighted Blanket
Weavve’s weighted blanket consists of 100% polyester & lead-free glass bead filling, designed with smaller compartments for even weight distribution. Hypoallergenic and non-toxic with a breathable fabric that is machine and dryer safe, you can be sure to get a good night’s sleep.
Shop weighed blanket Singapore
Weavve’s TENCEL™ Lyocell Duvet
Weavve’s TENCEL™ Lyocell duvet is the first in Singapore featuring 100% pure TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers in both its exterior fabric and inner filling, providing you with great thermal regulation properties for maximum comfort and rest.
Shop TENCEL™ duvet Singapore