Weighted blankets have become increasingly popular in recent years because of their potential to provide relief from both stress and insomnia. These blankets are made with heavy material and often include some form of natural stuffing, such as beads, rice or glass pellets, to give them weight.
Not only do they provide a feeling of comfort and relaxation while you sleep, but they may also help reduce anxiety levels and improve sleep quality. When shopping for a weighted blanket, it's important to consider size and weight so that you get the right fit for your body.
Once you find the perfect weighted blanket for you, learning how to properly care for it is essential in order to maintain its quality. Luckily, we are here to help you. In this blog, we will go over the best ways to wash your blanket, to extend its use.
Washing Your Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are a great comfort item that can provide deep pressure stimulation and help relax the body. However, they are different from regular comforters or throws due to their specialized filling so they need special care when washing.
Fortunately, weighted blanket manufacturers should provide clear instructions on how to wash them either on a tag attached to the blanket or on their website. It is important to follow these instructions carefully as incorrect laundering can damage the blanket, reduce its lifespan, and make it less effective in providing relaxation.
Taking these precautions will help extend the life of your weighted blanket so you can continue enjoying its benefits for years to come.
If you need to wash your weighted blanket, then don't fret- we will give you all the tips and tricks you will need to clean your heavy blanket.
Remove Stains From Your Weighted Blanket
First and foremost, when spills occur on a blanket, it is important to act quickly in order to prevent the stain from setting. The best way to spot clean a small stain is with an enzyme-based spray-on stain remover or a diluted detergent and water solution, which should be worked into the spot with fingers, a sponge, or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
After letting the solution sit for at least 15 minutes, rinse the area in cool or warm water (depending on the care instructions of the blanket) and lay it flat to dry. Doing this promptly after the spill can often be enough to remove any discoloration or residue from the accident.
With some time and effort, even large and stubborn stains can be cleaned off of blankets without causing any permanent damage to the fabric.
Wash Your Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets can generally be washed by either washing the removable cover, or washing the blanket itself if it does not have a removable cover. It is important to read any cleaning instructions carefully and make sure to wash the blanket alone so that it will get as clean as possible due to its bulky nature.
Additionally, one should take into account the type of material of their weighted blanket when deciding how to properly clean it. It is best to check the care label and consider its laundry symbols if in doubt.
Machine Wash
First, we will go over what to do if you choose to machine wash your weighted or heavy blanket. Many of the best brands are machine washable, but it's important to check the washing instructions on the tag first before cleaning.
Generally, only cold or warm water should be used with a gentle detergent and no bleach or fabric softener should be added. The perfect laundry detergent for this job is from none other than Tru Earth.
These laundry strips feature an ultra-concentrated, hypoallergenic and eco-friendly liquidless laundry detergent that is designed to seek out and dislodge dirt molecules and stains effectively. In addition, these strips are free from parabens, phosphates, added dyes, chlorine bleach, and 1,4-dioxane and are certified as hypoallergenic by independent dermatologists.
Due to their beneficial ingredients, washing your weighted blanket with these strips will be a great choice for washing your heavy blanket.
Hand Wash
If your weighted blanket can't go in a machine washer, then spot cleaning is suggested for any small stains or spills instead of an overall washing. Additionally, hand washing can be done as well.
To properly hand-wash a blanket, fill the bathtub with water and detergent based on the manufacturer's instructions. Gently swirl the blanket around in the water, taking care to imitate the spin cycle of a washing machine.
Afterward, make sure to rinse the blanket until all suds are gone and there is no remaining residue from the detergent. Finally, once you have finished rinsing and washing your blanket, hang it up to dry in a well-ventilated area or lay it flat to air dry.
Dry Your Weighted Blanket
Air-drying a weighted blanket is the best way to ensure it is protected from wear and tear and lumps. To do this, lay the blanket flat in a clean space - this could be anywhere like on your lawn or balcony - and let it dry for at least a day or two.
A few times each day, take the blanket, shake it out to redistribute the filling, and flip it over to expose both sides to air. If you're in a rush, you can press clean towels into the blanket, which will help draw out moisture quicker. Air drying your weighted blanket will keep it looking new for longer and keep it safe for use for years to come.
How Often Should You Wash Your Weighted Blanket?
A blanket should be washed regularly based on its use. If it is slept with at night, it should be washed every few weeks. Hand washing once a quarter is recommended for throwing blankets on sofas and lap blankets used occasionally.
However, this may need to be more frequent depending on certain factors such as having kids or pets in the home. It's important to clean blankets frequently since dirt, dust and other allergens can accumulate over time and can cause irritation or illness.
Ultimately, washing helps to eliminate these allergens from the environment and provides healthier living space for everyone. And, regular cleaning will help keep the blanket looking like new for longer and maintain its quality for years of use.
The best way to do this is to invest in a cover that can be removed for washing or buying a duvet cover that will fit over it to help protect the blanket from dirt and wear. It's also advisable to replace your weighted blanket every five years if it has been used regularly.
