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Weighted blankets have become quite popular in today's world. People who struggle to sleep often use weighted blankets as they reduce stress and anxiety – providing you with a soundless and undisturbed sleep. If you have purchased a heavy-duty weighted blanket, washing and drying is the next big question. They're already difficult to fold, so washing them in the washing machine is logistically very difficult. So, how to wash a weighted blanket?
First, you need to consider the bulkiness of the blanket. If it weighs less than 20 pounds, then it is possible to wash it at home with a mild detergent in a gentle cycle. However, the best way to wash it is to read the care tag to see whether it is even machine-friendly or not. Let's say you have managed to wash it properly, then the next question is how to dry it.
We will divide this guide into pretreatment, washing, and drying steps. Each step will discuss which options you have depending on the care instructions and the weight of your blanket.
- Pretreatment (Step 1)
- Washing the Weighted Blanket (Step 2)
- Drying the Weighted Blanket (Step 3)
Pretreatment (Step 1)
In case your blanket has greasy food stains you can pretreat it in the following four ways.
1. Chlorine-free stain remover
This involves spot treating the stains with the help of a chlorine-free remover. This especially helps if you have spilled liquid stains on the blanket. You don't even need to dilute, simply pour a spoonful of the remover on the stain and rub it gently with the help of a toothbrush.
2. Coldwater
At times, the stains do not even require a special stain remover. Simply put the blanket stain under cold water, until it washes away the dirt particles from the fabric. Avoid using warm water in such cases as it only makes the stain permanent.
3. Soap for grease stains
In case the blanket has greasy stains such as from a sauce or a gravy, rub bleach-free soap on the stain. Then with the help of your fingers or a toothbrush, rub the stain and then wash it.
4. Vinegar or enzyme stain remover
For stains left because of wine spills, then you can use about two ounces of vinegar (white). Apply it to the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then with the help of a wet towel blot the stain, followed by a dry one. However, sometimes the vinegar does not get the job done. In that case, get an enzyme stain remover, apply it to the stain for about 30 minutes, followed by blotting it with a wet towel. When the stain begins to lighten, wash it under cold running water. Make sure not to dry it under the sun, because that will leave a permanent stain.
Washing the Weighted Blanket (Step 2)
Depending on the care label instructions, determine whether your blanket can be machine washed or not. If not, then hand washing is the way to go.
1. Washing in the washing machine
Again, check the care label to see whether you are supposed to wash the blanket with hot or cold water in the washing machine. Set your machine to a gentle wash, pour a mild detergent, and run it for a cycle. Make sure the blanket does not weigh more than 12 pounds. Otherwise going to a laundromat is the better option.
2. Handwashing
This is a long process but sometimes the best option for your weighted blanket. Fill your bathtub to about half with clean water and pour about half a cup of mild detergent. The detergent quantity can be increased depending on the size of your weighted blanket. Spot treat any stains and then leave the blanket in the tub for some time. You can rub it gently to get rid of any dust particles. Then drain all the detergent water from the tub and fill it with clean water again. Dunk the blanket again to get rid of the remaining detergent.
3. Laundromat washing
As reiterated before, if the weighted blanket weighs more than 25 pounds, it is best that you wash it at a laundromat and not in the washing machine at home. Laundromats have large, commercial washing machines which are best suited for these heavier blankets.
However, if you do not live near a laundromat or transporting the blanket is difficult, then consider investing in a duvet cover for the weighted blanket. A duvet prevents the blanket from catching too much dust and can also prevent spills. Moreover, washing the duvet cover is much easier, all you need to do is remove it and throw it in a wash cycle. While a duvet will prevent a lot of dust accumulation, it is still recommended that you clean your blanket periodically. Airing it out in the sun is a good option in that case.
Drying the Weighted Blanket (Steps 3)
Once you have washed your weighted blanket, the next step is to dry it. You can either dry it in a washing machine or leave it out to air dry.
1. Machine Drying
Read the drying instruction on the care label and proceed with machine drying if stated. Set your machine on either low or medium dry, depending on the fabric of the blanket. To add a bit of fluff and cozy texture to your blanket, throw a dry towel with it.
2. Air Drying
Air drying is usually a safer option. Before leaving it outside on the line, make sure the blanket is hung proportionately. If it is not hung proportionately, the fabric can get stretched and lose its shape and quality. If you feel this will be difficult you can also leave the blanket on a chair on your lawn. That being said, do not leave the blanket to dry directly under the sun – it will shrink the fiber and ruin the texture.
If you think your blanket is too heavy because of the weight of the water, you can also dry it in the washing machine for a gentle cycle – removing excess water and decreasing its weight. This then makes air-drying faster and easier to manage.
