Regarding materials, if it contains glass, plastic, or steel beads—or is a chunky knit weighted blanket—it is machine washable. However, if the fillers in the blanket are rice, beans, or grains, then dry cleaning is the best option.
Spot clean often
Spot cleaning can help to remove spills and stains—and it’s often the method recommended by our experts. “We suggest spot cleaning your blanket when possible to save water and energy, and I highly recommend cold water or warm water—but not hot water—and a gentle soap,” Grojean says.
Also, Danielson recommends scrubbing the stain with an old rag or toothbrush and using gentle detergent or stain removers and warm water.
Mehrotra agrees, adding you could also use any type of brush with soft bristles, but he warns against using fabric softeners and bleach, which could damage the product.
Machine wash if you can
Sometimes, spot cleaning is not enough and you really need to clean the entire blanket. When you need to wash the weighted blanket in the machine, Grojean recommends washing the blanket alone or with a very small load. (To be on the safe side, both Danielson and Mehrotra both advise washing it alone—especially if it’s a chunky knit weighted blanket.)
Be sure to use a gentle cycle since this wash cycle can to help to extend the weighted blanket’s lifespan and preserve its durability.
You should also use a gentle laundry detergent. “Choose one that does not contain harmful chemicals, like bleach, chlorine, and fabric softener, that can damage your blanket’s fabric, which can result in pilling or cause the blanket to lose its softness,” Danielson says.
Be careful with weighted blankets with covers
Some people use a duvet cover on their weighted blanket. If you fall in this category, Grojean recommends removing it so the weighted blanket can be washed separately. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of overfilling the machine.
Dry the weighted blanket
How you dry your weighted blanket is just as important as how you wash it. “Most weighted blankets can be dried in the dryer on a low heat setting,” Grojean says. “Keep an eye on them because they may dry much faster than you’d expect as the weighted filling made of glass beads does not retain moisture.”
While Danielson agrees that you should use the low heat setting on the dryer, she also believes that air-drying is the safest bet—especially if the blanket has metal beads or chains. Be sure to wring out the excess water first.
But if you have a chunky knit weighted blanket, Mehrotra does not suggest hanging it to air dry, since this process may stretch out the loops. So you should only tumble dry the piece on low.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my weighted blanket in the dryer?
The answer to this question depends on the manufacturer’s instructions. But as a general rule, chunky weighted blankets can be put in the dryer, and weighted blankets that contain metal beads or chains should be air dried. Air drying is not recommended for chunky weighted blankets because this process can stretch the loops out of shape.
Should I use a commercial washing machine and dryer?
This will depend on the size of your weighted blanket. Smaller weighted blankets that can fit comfortably in your washing machine and dryer can be washed in your home’s appliances. However, larger weighted blankets, which require more space when correctly laundered—and which will be heavier when they get wet—should be laundered in a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat.
Why shouldn’t I use top-loading laundry machines?
Top-loading machines have agitators that can tear your weighted blanket. If your weighted blanket can be washed in a machine, only use front-loading washing machines, since they don’t have agitators.
How frequently do you need to wash your weighted blanket?
So how often should you launder your weighted blanket? This is typically a matter of personal preference, and Danielson says the decision should be based on how heavily the blanket is used and if it has become soiled in any way. “Our recommendation is always to maintain hygiene with sleep or comfort products to keep your home fresh,” she says.