Caring for any linen is important, especially when washing it. You want to keep all of your pillows and blankets clean because they touch your body for hours when you are asleep. For folks who sleep with weighted blankets, cleaning is a more dedicated—and often challenging—process.
That’s why we will provide an in-depth tutorial on how to clean your weighted blankets, both by hand and in a washing machine. We’ll also provide some extra information regarding weighted blankets and how they can improve your sleep.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on washing your weighted blanket, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for more.
Washing a Weighted Blanket in the Washing Machine
One of the most common queries many weighted blanket owners have is how often the blanket should be washed. According to most experts, if you use your weighted blanket every day and night, washing it once a month is more than enough. The great thing about most linen is that it can be washed by hand and using a washing machine.
If you want to use a washing machine to wash your weighted blanket, check if it has any weight restrictions before putting your blanket in there—if you don’t, you could seriously damage the machine. Most common household washers can support between 7 and 20 lbs. If your weighted blanket weighs more than that, you will want to take it to a laundromat with high-capacity machines or wash it by hand.
Weighted blankets made from dense fabric with no fillers should be put in the washing machine with lukewarm or cool water and dried on low heat. If your weighted blanket contains artificial fillers, you will want to wash it in a cool setting and dry it with low heat. This is particularly important if your blanket is filled with plastic beads susceptible to melting under high temperatures.
If your blanket contains natural fillers, such as rice, sand, or beans, you might be unable to soak it in the washer. Finally, if your weighted blanket cover can be detached, you will want to remove it and wash it like any other piece of linen. Use a mild detergent for all weighted blankets, and avoid fabric softener.
Washing a Weighted Blanket By Hand
If your weighted blanket is too heavy for your washing machine at home, and you don’t want to go to a laundromat to get it cleaned, you can always wash it by hand. This can also be a better process in the long term, as you can be gentler on the fabric.
Before washing, treat any stains on the blanket by soaking the dirty areas in cold water. Then, rub with a sponge or cloth and a pea-sized detergent.
Then, ensure your bathtub is completely clean, and fill it halfway with lukewarm or cold water. Pour in one capful of mild detergent, then place the weighted blanket in the water and rub parts of it together, as you would if you were washing clothing or sheets. After you have soaped up all the blankets, leave them to soak for about 10 – 15 minutes.
After that, come back and scrub it again. Drain the bathtub out, and rinse the blanket until no soapy water runs off it. To dry it slightly, squeeze the blanket gently, but do not wring it out. Finally, lay it out flat so that it can dry completely.
The drying process will not be swift because weighted blankets are so heavy and large. Therefore, you should choose a drying spot that is in sunlight, has good circulation, or is close to a heating vent.
Source: Wikihow
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