How to Properly Clean and Care for Your Weighted Blanket

Caring for your weighted blanket properly keeps it clean, comfortable, and long-lasting.

Whether you’re unsure how often to wash it or how to avoid damage, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

From washing tips to storage ideas, we’ve got you covered, ensuring your blanket stays as cozy as ever

• Always Check the Label: Care instructions help you avoid damage and get the cleaning right.
  
  

• Choose Gentle Cleaning: Mild detergent and cold water protect fabric and fill.
  
  

• Spot Clean When You Can: It keeps your blanket fresh without overwashing.
  
  

• Dry With Care: Air dry or use low heat to prevent shrinkage or clumping.
  
  

• Use a Washable Cover: It keeps your blanket clean longer and reduces wash frequency.

Weighted blankets collect sweat, body oils, and allergens over time. Proper cleaning isn’t just about freshening up; it helps maintain hygiene and extends the life of the blanket. 

If neglected, dirt can break down fabric fibers and affect the fill’s performance. Improper cleaning can also cause the filling to shift or clump, disrupting the balance and reducing both the comfort and effectiveness of the blanket. 

Washing every few weeks is ideal if used regularly . If you use a cover, monthly or bi-monthly cleaning may be enough . Spot clean stains in between washes to avoid over-washing and wear.

• Some weighted blankets are safe to wash, but not all of them: Not every blanket can handle a spin in the washer. While cotton, bamboo, and minky blankets are usually safe, it depends on the label. Always read the care instructions before washing.

• What’s inside your blanket decides how it should be cleaned: The outer fabric is one thing, but the filling is what really matters. Blankets filled with glass beads or plastic pellets usually do well in the wash.

• Some fillings can break or leak if you try to wash them: If your blanket has sand or steel shot beads inside, washing it could cause problems. These materials can break down, leak, or make noise, which may damage your blanket or machine.

• Using fabric softener can do more harm than good: Fabric softeners might seem helpful, but they leave behind residue. This can make your blanket feel rough and damage the fabric or filling over time.

• Using a washable cover makes cleaning your blanket much easier: A washable cover protects your blanket from sweat, dirt, and spills. It’s easier to clean and helps you avoid washing the whole blanket too often.

• If your blanket can’t go in the washer, dry cleaning is a good backup: For blankets that aren’t washer-safe, dry cleaning is a gentle and safe way to keep them clean without causing damage.

• Gentle detergent works best for weighted blankets: When cleaning your weighted blanket, regular detergent is usually fine, but it’s better to choose one that’s gentle on the fabric. Sensitive materials like cotton or minky benefit from mild formulas that won’t damage fibers or irritate skin.

• Fragrance-free options help avoid irritation: If you’re sensitive to strong smells, fragrance-free detergents are ideal. They reduce the risk of skin reactions and make your blanket feel fresher without overpowering scents.

• Natural formulas protect both fabric and environment: Natural or organic detergents are a smart pick for weighted blankets. They’re often free of harsh chemicals, making them gentler on your fabric and safer for the planet.

• Heavy-duty detergents support glass bead stability: For blankets filled with glass beads, choose a detergent that works well with heavy loads. This helps maintain the even distribution of beads and preserves the blanket’s structure.

• Harsh cleaners like bleach can damage your blanket: Avoid using bleach or strong chemical cleaners. These can weaken fabric fibers and affect the quality of fillings like beads or pellets.

• Always match detergent with fabric type: Check your detergent’s label to make sure it suits the fabric of your weighted blanket. Using the right match keeps your blanket in good condition for long-term use.

• Always read the care label before washing: Before tossing your weighted blanket into the washing machine, take a moment to read the care label. It gives you clear instructions on how to clean your blanket properly without causing damage.

• The label tells you the right water and detergent to use: Most care labels include specific guidance on water temperature and what kind of detergent is safe. Following these details helps keep your blanket in good shape.

• Ignoring the label can ruin the blanket: Skipping the label might lead to shrinking, clumping, or even tearing. These issues can make the blanket uncomfortable or unusable.

• Laundry symbols give quick clues: Care labels often use symbols to show you how to wash and dry your blanket. Knowing what these little icons mean can help you avoid common cleaning mistakes.

• Check the Care Label Before Washing: Not all weighted blankets are suitable for machine washing. Always start by reading the care label to make sure it's safe to machine wash.

• Follow the Care Instructions for Safe Washing: If the care label says it’s machine washable, follow the instructions carefully. Use a gentle cycle with cold water, and never use bleach to avoid damage.

• Wash Your Blanket Alone for Better Cleaning: When machine washing, always wash your weighted blanket alone. This gives it more room to move freely, ensuring it’s cleaned properly.

• Blankets with Beads Are Often Machine Safe: If your blanket has glass or plastic beads inside, it’s usually safe to machine wash. Just be sure to check the care label to confirm.

• Use a Laundry Bag to Protect Your Blanket: To prevent wear and tear, place your weighted blanket in a duvet cover or laundry bag before washing. This helps maintain its condition.

• Hand Washing is Best for Delicate Fabrics: If your blanket is made of silk, wool, or other delicate materials, hand washing helps protect it from damage.

• Avoid Machine Washing to Prevent Damage: Machine washing can tear or wear down delicate fabrics quickly. Hand washing is gentler on your blanket.

• Use Cool Water and Mild Detergent for Careful Cleaning: Cool water and mild detergent are perfect for cleaning delicate fabrics without harming them.

• Gently Mix the Water for Even Cleaning: Agitate the water with your hands to mix it evenly, ensuring a gentle clean without stressing the fabric.

• Soak the Blanket to Loosen Dirt: Let the blanket soak for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps to loosen dirt without needing harsh scrubbing.

• Press, Don’t Twist or Wring: Avoid twisting or wringing your blanket, as this can damage both the fabric and the weighted fill. Gently press out the water instead.

• Lay the Blanket Flat to Dry: After washing, lay your blanket flat to dry. This method helps preserve its shape and softness over time.

Start by dabbing the stained area with a damp cloth and mild detergent . Avoid soaking the spot, since you don’t want water reaching the inner filling. 

Use a sponge or soft brush to gently scrub the area . After that, blot with a clean towel to remove excess moisture . Let it air dry completely. 

This keeps the rest of your blanket clean and avoids unnecessary washing. Always keep the inner beads dry to prevent mold and clumping. 

• Drying the Wrong Way Can Damage Your Blanket: Drying a weighted blanket the wrong way can ruin it. High heat might shrink the fabric or damage the filling, especially if it’s plastic pellets, commonly made from polypropylene, which are a popular filling for their weight and flexibility

• Always Use Low Heat in the Dryer: Stick to low heat if you’re using a dryer, and check the label first to ensure it’s safe for machine drying

• Air Drying is the Safest Method: Air drying is even safer. Lay the blanket flat on a clean surface or drying rack. It may take a full day or two to dry completely

• Turning Helps Dry the Blanket Evenly: Turning the blanket every few hours can help it dry faster and more evenly, ensuring no damp spots

• Avoid Hanging to Prevent Stretching: Avoid hanging the blanket, as the weight could stretch it out of shape

• A blanket can feel dry but still be wet inside: Even if it feels dry on the outside, there could still be moisture trapped inside. This hidden dampness can lead to mildew or bad smells.

• A cool or squishy feel means it’s not dry yet: Check for leftover moisture by gently squeezing thick spots. If they feel cool or soft, the inside is still damp.

• Clumps in the blanket mean water is stuck inside: When filling starts to clump together, it’s a clear sign that moisture hasn’t fully dried. This can lead to mildew if not fixed.

• Using a dehumidifier helps get rid of hidden moisture: Drying the blanket in a room with a dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air, helping the whole blanket dry evenly and faster.

• Laying the blanket flat helps it dry on all sides: Place your blanket flat and flip it from time to time. This stops one side from staying damp and keeps mildew from forming.

• Putting away a damp blanket will cause mildew: Never fold or store your blanket before it’s completely dry. Even a little dampness can grow mold or leave it smelling bad.

• Drying too long on high heat can damage your blanket: Too much heat might speed things up, but it can also weaken the stitching. Use gentle heat to protect the fabric while drying it fully.

• A washer with 4.5 cu. ft. is usually big enough: Most weighted blankets wash well in a washer that’s at least 4.5 cubic feet. This gives them space to move around and get cleaned properly.

• Queen-sized blankets need more room to wash properly: If your weighted blanket is queen-sized, it’s better to use a washer with 5.0 cu. ft. or more so it doesn’t get cramped inside.

• A 15 lb blanket fits well in a mid-size washer: For a 15-pound blanket, a washer between 4.5 and 5.0 cu. ft. is a perfect match. It’s big enough to handle the weight without straining the machine.

• Always check if your blanket fits comfortably in the drum: Not sure about your washer’s size? Check the manual or try placing the blanket inside. If it looks stuffed or tight, it’s better to go bigger.

• Use laundromat washers if your machine feels too small: If your home washer struggles with large loads, consider a laundromat. Their washers are made for heavier items and clean bulky blankets better.

• Using cold or lukewarm water keeps your blanket safe: Cold or lukewarm water is gentle on both the fabric and the filling of your weighted blanket. It helps your blanket stay in good condition without wearing out quickly.

• Hot water can shrink or ruin the blanket: If you use hot water, your blanket might shrink or get damaged. The heat can be too harsh, especially for materials like glass beads or soft fabric.

• Glass bead blankets do better with lukewarm water: Blankets filled with glass beads should not be washed in hot water. Lukewarm water works best because it prevents the beads from cracking or shifting out of place.

• Hand Washing Preserves the Fabric: Hand washing preserves the fabric of your weighted blanket, helping to maintain its quality and appearance without the wear and tear from machine washing.

• Prevents Filling from Shifting: By hand washing, you avoid the risk of the filling inside your blanket shifting or clumping, which can happen in a machine, keeping the blanket’s weight even.

• Gives You Better Control Over Cleaning: When washing by hand, you can focus on areas that need extra care and ensure a more thorough clean, giving you better control than a machine wash.

• Keeps the Blanket Softer: Hand washing avoids the harsh spin cycle of a washing machine, which helps maintain your blanket's softness and keeps it feeling cozy.

• Shield Your Blanket from Dirt and Liquids: A washable cover is an essential protective layer for your weighted blanket. It shields the blanket from dirt, dust, and liquids, preventing them from seeping into the fabric. This extra barrier helps keep the blanket fresh for longer and makes it easier to clean when dirt accumulates.

• Catch Spills Before They Damage the Blanket: When spills happen, a washable cover acts as a safeguard, catching liquids before they damage the blanket. This protection is especially valuable for those who use their blankets daily or in environments where spills are more likely to occur.

• Regularly Wash the Cover to Keep It Fresh: Experts recommend washing the cover every one to two weeks, particularly if you use the blanket frequently. This helps prevent the buildup of sweat, oils, and dirt, keeping the blanket cleaner for longer. Regularly washing the cover extends the life of your blanket, saving you money in the long run.

• Act Fast to Prevent Permanent Stains: Acting quickly to spot clean stains prevents them from becoming permanent. The sooner you address the stain, the easier it is to remove.

• Dab the Stain, Don't Scrub: Gently dab the stain with a clean cloth instead of scrubbing. Scrubbing could damage the fabric or spread the stain further.

• Baking Soda Helps Lift Stains Naturally: Sprinkle a little baking soda on the stain to lift it away naturally, without the need for harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric.

• Treat Small Stains Immediately for Easy Removal: Quickly treat light stains, like food or spills, to prevent them from setting into the fabric. The faster you address them, the easier they are to remove.

• Using the gentle cycle helps avoid fabric damage: Washing your weighted blanket on a gentle cycle is important because stronger settings can be too rough. The soft spin protects the fabric from breaking down or tearing over time.

• Strong wash settings can slowly ruin the blanket: Harsh cycles may not seem harmful at first, but repeated rough spinning causes long-term wear and tear that weakens the material.

• Mild detergent keeps the fabric strong and safe: Regular detergents often have strong chemicals that can slowly damage the blanket’s fibers. A mild detergent is much safer and keeps the fabric feeling smooth and strong.

• Harsh cleaners can make the blanket wear out faster: Detergents with strong additives can strip and weaken the fabric. Over time, this makes the blanket look older and feel rougher, even if it’s still fairly new.

• Air drying protects the blanket’s softness: Air drying is the best method to preserve your weighted blanket’s soft texture. The slow, gentle drying process helps prevent fabric wear and keeps the material feeling cozy and comfortable.

• Low heat drying helps retain the blanket’s shape: If you must use a dryer, always choose the low heat setting. This prevents damage to the fabric and helps the blanket maintain its original shape, ensuring it wraps around you the way it should.

• High heat risks shrinkage and weight imbalance: Drying with high heat can shrink the fabric or damage its construction. It may also shift the inner weight filling, affecting how evenly the blanket distributes pressure, reducing its calming effect.

• Gentle drying extends the blanket’s lifespan: By sticking to air drying or low heat, you reduce wear and tear. This careful approach keeps the blanket in good condition for years, preserving its softness, shape, and soothing qualities.

• Storing it in a cool, dry place stops mold from growing: Proper storage is crucial for keeping your weighted blanket in excellent condition. When not in use, store it in a dry, cool place to prevent any moisture or mold buildup.

• Using a storage bag keeps out dust and dirt: Using a storage bag or container keeps dust and dirt away, maintaining the blanket’s cleanliness.

• Not folding it too tightly helps it stay in shape: Storing it in a closet is fine, but ensure it’s not crammed in a tight space where it could lose its shape.

• Avoiding vacuum bags keeps the blanket from being squashed: Vacuum-sealed bags are not recommended since they can compress the blanket too much.

• Pet Hair and Dander Stick to Your Blanket: Pets shed hair and dander that can easily cling to your weighted blanket, making it harder to keep clean. Even if your pet isn’t directly on the blanket, their hair can still find its way into the fabric.

• Food Crumbs Attract Dirt and Odors: When food is around your blanket, crumbs can get stuck in the fibers. These crumbs attract more dirt and can cause unpleasant smells over time.

• Keep Pets and Food Away for a Cleaner Blanket: By keeping pets and food away from your weighted blanket, you prevent the accumulation of hair, crumbs, and odors. This simple habit helps your blanket stay fresher for longer.

• Maintain Even Weight Distribution by Fluffing and Rotating: Fluffing and rotating your weighted blanket regularly helps ensure that the weight inside is evenly distributed. This prevents the beads from shifting, which can lead to uneven pressure.

• Prevent Wear and Tear by Rotating Regularly: Regularly rotating your blanket helps avoid excessive wear in certain areas. This small action extends the life of your blanket and keeps it in good condition longer.

• Fluff to Restore Comfort and Consistency: If you notice clumping in some areas, it's time to fluff your blanket. This helps restore its form and ensures it continues to provide consistent, comforting pressure.

When not in use, store your weighted blanket in a cool, dry place to prevent any moisture buildup. 

Avoid folding it too tightly , as this could cause permanent creases or damage to the filling. 

If you're storing it short-term, using a vacuum-sealed bag can keep it safe from dust and pests without taking up much space. 

A large cotton bag or a breathable storage bin also works well to protect the blanket and help it keep its shape.