Washing a weighted blanket can be a little more challenging than washing a regular blanket due to the weight and size of the blanket. Here are some steps to follow when washing a weighted blanket:
Check the manufacturer’s instructions: Before washing a weighted blanket, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions, as some weighted blankets may require special care.
Remove the cover: If your weighted blanket has a removable cover, remove it and wash it separately according to the care instructions on the label.
Spot clean as needed: If there are any stains or spots on the blanket, spot-clean them before washing. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to gently clean the affected area.
Wash the blanket: Fill your washing machine with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Place the weighted blanket in the washing machine and wash it on a gentle cycle. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as they can damage the blanket.
Rinse thoroughly: After the wash cycle is complete, run the blanket through an additional rinse cycle to ensure all the soap is removed.
Dry the blanket: Hang the blanket up to dry, or place it in a large commercial dryer on low heat. It’s important to make sure the blanket is completely dry before using it again.
Fluff the blanket: Once the blanket is dry, fluff it up by hand or in a dryer on low heat with some dryer balls or clean tennis balls. This will help redistribute the weight and keep the blanket fluffy and comfortable.
Overall, washing a weighted blanket requires a little extra care and attention, but with the right steps, you can keep your weighted blanket clean and comfortable for years to come.
Can you wash a 20 lb weighted blanket in the washer?
The ability to wash a 20 lb weighted blanket in a washer will depend on the capacity of your washing machine. A 20 lb weighted blanket is usually larger and heavier than a regular blanket, and it may not fit in a standard washing machine.
If your washing machine is large enough to accommodate the size and weight of the blanket, then it’s usually safe to wash it in the machine. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a gentle cycle with cold water. Also, make sure to evenly distribute the weight of the blanket in the washing machine to prevent damage to the machine’s motor.
If your washing machine is not large enough to accommodate the blanket, you may need to wash it by hand or take it to a laundromat with larger machines. Hand washing can be a time-consuming process, but it’s usually the safest option to avoid damage to the blanket or washing machine.
Overall, it’s important to check the care instructions and the capacity of your washing machine before attempting to wash a 20 lb weighted blanket in the washer.
Why can’t you machine wash a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets can be machine washed, but there are a few things to consider before doing so. First, the weight of the blanket can put a lot of stress on the washing machine’s motor, which can cause it to malfunction or even break. This is especially true if the blanket is too heavy for the washing machine’s capacity.
Second, the weight of the blanket can also cause it to become lopsided or unbalanced during the washing cycle, which can lead to damage or even tearing of the fabric.
Third, the filling material inside the weighted blanket, such as glass beads or plastic pellets, can shift during the washing cycle, causing the blanket to lose its shape and weight distribution.
That being said, if you have a large-capacity washing machine and a heavy-duty setting, and if the weighted blanket’s care instructions indicate that it is safe to machine wash, then you can certainly try washing it in the machine. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a gentle cycle with cold water. It’s also important to evenly distribute the weight of the blanket in the washing machine to prevent damage to the machine’s motor.
Is a weighted blanket too heavy for a washing machine?
A weighted blanket can be too heavy for some washing machines, especially if the machine has a small capacity or if the blanket is excessively large or heavy. A weighted blanket is typically heavier than a regular blanket because it contains fillers such as glass beads, sand, or plastic pellets, which can cause the blanket to become extremely heavy.
If the weight of the blanket is beyond the maximum weight capacity of your washing machine, it can cause damage to the machine’s motor or drum. Additionally, the weight of the blanket can cause it to become unbalanced during the washing cycle, leading to damage to the fabric or uneven wear and tear.
If you have a heavy or large weighted blanket, it’s best to check the care label or the manufacturer’s instructions to see if it can be machine washed. If the label indicates that it can be machine washed, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and use a gentle cycle with cold water.
If you’re unsure whether your washing machine can handle a weighted blanket, it may be safer to wash the blanket by hand or take it to a laundromat with large-capacity machines.
How do you wash a weighted blanket that says do not wash?
If your weighted blanket says “do not wash,” it’s likely because the fillers inside the blanket, such as glass beads or plastic pellets, can become damaged or shift during washing, which can affect the weight and balance of the blanket. In this case, it’s best to follow the care instructions carefully to avoid damaging the blanket.
One option is to spot clean the blanket by hand using a damp cloth and mild detergent. Gently dab the stained area with the damp cloth and allow it to air dry completely. You can also use a fabric freshener spray to remove any odors or refresh the blanket between washings.
If the blanket needs a deeper clean, you can take it to a professional cleaner who has experience with weighted blankets. Some cleaners have specialized equipment and methods for cleaning heavy items, and they may be able to safely clean your weighted blanket.
It’s important to note that washing a weighted blanket that says “do not wash” can damage the blanket and void any warranty that comes with it. If you’re unsure about how to clean your weighted blanket, it’s best to contact the manufacturer for specific instructions or recommendations.
