A weighted blanket helps you sleep better and feel calm. But washing it is not the same as washing a normal blanket. Weighted blankets are heavy and have special filling inside. If you wash them the wrong way, they can get damaged or stop working properly. This guide explains how to wash a weighted blanket safely, using simple steps, lists, and tables that are easy to understand.
Why Weighted Blankets Need Special Care
Weighted blankets are different from regular blankets. They are heavy because they have filling inside, such as glass beads or pellets. When water gets inside, the blanket becomes even heavier. Heat, strong soap, or rough washing can damage it.
Problems that can happen if you wash it wrong:
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The filling moves and clumps together
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Seams break and beads leak out
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Fabric shrinks or melts
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The blanket smells bad from not drying well
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Your washing machine can break from the weight
Because of this, weighted blankets must be washed gently.
Step 1: Check the Care Label First
Before washing your weighted blanket, always look at the care label. The label tells you what is safe for your specific blanket.
Common care label instructions:
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Machine wash cold
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Gentle or delicate cycle
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Air dry only
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Spot clean only
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Dry clean only
If the label says spot clean only or dry clean only, do NOT put the blanket in water.
If you are not sure, choose the safest option.
Read also: How to Wash a Sweater
Step 2: Know What Your Weighted Blanket Is Made Of
A. Filling Inside the Blanket
The filling inside the blanket matters a lot.
| Fill Type | Can You Wash It? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glass beads | Yes (most times) | Use cold water, low heat |
| Plastic pellets | Yes | Heat can damage pellets |
| Steel balls | Sometimes | Very heavy, use big washer |
| Organic fill (rice, beans, sand) | No | Never wash in water |
| Chunky knit (no fill) | Depends | Often hand wash only |
If your blanket has organic fill, do not machine wash it.
B. Fabric on the Outside
The fabric on the outside also needs care.
| Fabric Type | Best Washing Method |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Cold water, gentle cycle |
| Fleece or minky | Gentle wash, low heat |
| Microfiber | Cold water only |
| Bamboo fabric | Cold water, mild soap |
| Chunky knit yarn | Hand wash or dry clean |
Step 3: Check If Your Washing Machine Is Strong Enough
Weighted blankets get very heavy when wet.
Weight guide:
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Under 15 lbs (dry): Most home washers are okay
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15–20 lbs (dry): Check your washer size
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Over 20 lbs (dry): Use a laundromat washer
Signs your washer is overloaded:
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Loud banging sounds
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Washer stops during washing
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Blanket does not move well
If the washer struggles, stop the wash and use a bigger machine.
Step 4: How to Machine Wash a Weighted Blanket
Only do this if the care label says machine washing is allowed.
Before Washing (Checklist)
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Take off the duvet cover
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Close zippers and ties
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Check for stains
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Shake the blanket to spread the weight
Washing Settings
| Setting | What to Use |
|---|---|
| Water | Cold or cool |
| Cycle | Gentle or delicate |
| Detergent | Mild liquid detergent |
| Spin | Low or medium |
Do NOT Use:
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Bleach
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Fabric softener
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Powder detergent
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Hot water
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Heavy wash cycles
These can damage the fabric and filling.
Step 5: How to Hand Wash a Weighted Blanket
Hand washing is safer for heavy or delicate blankets.
You Will Need:
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Bathtub or large tub
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Mild liquid detergent
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Clean towels
Hand Washing Steps:
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Fill the tub with cool or warm water
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Add a small amount of detergent
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Put the blanket fully in the water
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Gently press and move it
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Let it soak for 10–15 minutes
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Drain dirty water
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Refill with clean water to rinse
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Repeat rinsing until soap is gone
Do not twist or wring the blanket.
How to Remove Water Safely:
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Press the blanket gently
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Roll it in towels to soak up water
Step 6: How to Dry a Weighted Blanket
Drying is very important. Many blankets get ruined at this step.
A. Machine Drying (Only If Allowed)
| Drying Setting | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Heat | Low heat or air dry |
| Extra help | Add dryer balls |
| Care | Stop and spread blanket |
Remove the blanket as soon as it is dry.
B. Air Drying (Best and Safest)
Air drying works for most weighted blankets.
Air drying tips:
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Lay flat on a rack or bed
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Turn it every few hours
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Make sure air can flow
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Drying may take 24–48 hours
Do not hang a heavy blanket. It can stretch and tear.
Step 7: Spot Cleaning and Freshening
You do not need to wash the blanket often.
How to Spot Clean:
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Mix water and mild soap
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Dip a clean cloth in the mix
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Dab the dirty spot
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Blot gently
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Wipe with clean water
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Let it air dry
How to Remove Smells:
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Sprinkle baking soda, then vacuum
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Hang outside in fresh air
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Use steam if fabric allows
Step 8: How Often Should You Wash a Weighted Blanket?
| Situation | How Often |
|---|---|
| No cover | Every 3–4 weeks |
| With cover | Every 2–3 months |
| Spot cleaning | When needed |
| Duvet cover | Every 1–2 weeks |
Using a cover keeps the blanket cleaner for longer.
Step 9: Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Washing blankets with organic fill
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Using hot water or high heat
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Putting heavy blankets in small washers
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Not rinsing soap fully
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Storing the blanket when damp
These mistakes can ruin your blanket.
Step 10: When to Use Professional Cleaning
Use professional cleaning if:
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Blanket weighs more than 20 lbs
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Label says dry clean only
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Blanket has metal or organic fill
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Your washer is too small
Always tell the cleaner it is a weighted blanket.
Step 11: Tips to Make Care Easier
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Use a removable duvet cover
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Wash the cover often
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Store blanket in a dry place
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Never fold or store when wet
Final Thoughts
Washing a weighted blanket is not hard, but it must be done carefully. Always check the care label. Use cold water, gentle washing, and low heat. When unsure, choose hand washing or air drying. Taking good care of your weighted blanket helps it last longer and stay comfortable for years.
