Many people are now turning to weighted blankets to help them get a better night's sleep. The pressure stimulation of the blanket is thought to reduce anxiety and relax the body into a state of restfulness. Research has revealed that those who used weighted blankets for a month experienced a reduction in insomnia symptoms, fatigue and an increase in daytime activity levels.
The idea behind using this type of therapeutic tool relies on the fact that when a person experiences consistent pressure against their body, they tend to feel more secure and safe which helps them fall asleep faster and deeper while staying asleep longer throughout the night.
Furthermore, studies have shown that people who use weighted blankets tend to wake up feeling more energized due to the higher quality sleep they experienced while using the blanket. In this article, we will walk you through the steps needed to safely wash your blanket, so it's ready for use in no time.
Machine Washing a Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets come in various weights and sizes, so you can find one that suits your needs. This type of blanket provides an incredibly cozy sensation as it wraps around you like its own little cocoon. Once you experience the comfort of a weighted blanket, you may never want to part with it.
However, after some time has passed, washing a heavier blanket is necessary in order to keep it clean and fresh. We have created a guide that will help you properly machine wash or hand wash your gravity blanket.
Follow the Instructions on the Label
Before beginning, check labels for any special washing instructions as some blankets may need to be hand-washed or spot-cleaned instead of a full wash cycle in a machine. The care labels will offer laundry symbols, and give clear washing instructions.
Treat Any Stains
It is important to check the cover for any stains before washing, as pre-treating them with dish soap, laundry detergent mixed with water, a mixture of baking soda and water, or distilled white vinegar may be necessary in order to prevent the stain from becoming set in during the washing and drying process.
Remove the Blanket Cover and Machine Wash
Once you have treated all stains, you can begin to utilize your washing machine. It is recommended to wash the cover in a washing machine with warm water on a gentle cycle, using non-chlorine bleach and mild detergent.
If you are looking for the perfect detergent for this job, then you have come to the right place. Tru Earth's pre-measured laundry strips are a great choice when washing gravity blankets.
Our strips are an innovative, eco-friendly way of cleaning clothes without the need for any liquid detergent. Not only is it effective, but it is also paraben-free, phosphate-free, free of added dyes, free of chlorine bleach, and free of 1,4-dioxane.
These concentrated strips can be easily tossed into the washing machine along with your gravity blanket, providing a hassle-free solution to laundering. Furthermore, these eco-friendly strips are not only kinder to our planet but they make laundry washing more economical too, packed with beneficial ingredients.
Hand Washing a Weighted Blanket
Fill a Large Container With Water
First and foremost, similar to machine washing, It is important to check the care instructions on a blanket before hand-washing in order to make sure it can be pre-soaked. Pre-soaking helps to remove tough stains and should be done by filling a tub with warm water and a gentle detergent or dish soap.
The blanket should then be left in the solution for 45 minutes. This process effectively cleans blankets, particularly if they are dirty and stained, as it helps loosen up tough marks.
Spot Clean for Stains
While your gravity blanket is soaking in this mixture, you can go through it with a soft brush, toothbrush, or cloth and get rid of pesky stains. In this process, using Tru Earth's detergent is the safest and least invasive way to get rid of hard stains and clean your blanket.
Toss the Blanket
After spot cleaning, the next step is to press and squeeze the blanket core in order to loosen all dirt and stains from the fabric. Once this is done, draining the tub and filling it with cold water is necessary for rinsing the blanket until all of the soap has been removed.
It is important to repeat this process two times in order to make sure all suds have been washed off. This will ensure that the blanket is clean and free of any remaining dirt or stains from before.
Remove Your Blanket From the Container and Wring It Out
Following the draining of the container, you can squeeze the water from your blanket, and make sure that it's as dry as it can be. This should be done a few times to ensure that all the water is out.
How To Dry Your Weighted Blanket
A weighted blanket should be completely dried before use or storage, as any remaining moisture can become a potential breeding ground for mold and mildew. After washing or hand washing, the blanket cover should be dried by either placing it in the dryer on low heat or laying it flat or line drying outdoors for a more natural scent.
Hanging the core to air dry is the safest option, but this may vary depending on the material of the weighted core. In some cases, it may be possible to use a low-heat dryer on a gentle cycle; however, this should only be done with materials specifically designed for machine drying.
Additionally, taking care to avoid over-drying or using too high of a heat setting can help extend the lifespan of your weighted blanket and prevent damage to its cover and inner core.
Why You Need To Wash Your Weighted Blanket
The fact is, we all produce bodily fluids and shed dead skin cells when we're asleep. The problem is these can end up absorbed in our bedding, such as weighted blankets, if not taken care of properly.
The amount of skin cells that are shed each day is astonishing; it's estimated that we generate around 1.5g per day which is enough to feed an entire colony of dust mites! That's why it's important to ensure that your weighted blanket is washed regularly.
Not only will this keep allergens away, but it also help maintain the structure and integrity of the fabric so you can enjoy its benefits for longer. Taking proper care of your weighted blanket will keep it clean and fresh, minimizing the chances of allergies or any other health problems related to dirt build-up.
How Often Should Weighted Blankets Be Washed?
The answer to this question will solely depend on how often your blanket is used. If you use your gravity blanket every day, then it should be washed at least four or five times a year. If you use the blanket less, then two or three times a year is suggested.
