How to Wash a 20lb Weighted Blanket in a Machine
Washing a heavy 20lb weighted blanket requires careful planning to protect both the blanket and your washing machine. Unlike standard bedding, its significant weight, especially when saturated with water, can overwhelm home machines. Following a structured process ensures a clean blanket without damage.
Preparation is Critical
Before you begin, check the manufacturer's care label. Most weighted blankets have a removable cover; if yours does, always separate the cover from the inner weighted piece. The inner section, containing glass beads, plastic poly pellets, or natural fill, is typically not machine washable unless explicitly stated. Washing the inner portion can cause the fill to clump, leak, or break the internal stitching.
- Spot-Clean First: Treat any stains on the inner blanket with a mild stain remover and a soft brush. Do not saturate the inner section.
- Only Wash the Cover: Remove the cover. This is the part you will machine wash. It behaves like a large duvet cover.
- Check Your Machine: A 20lb blanket cover, when wet, will be extremely heavy. Ensure your washing machine has a capacity of at least 4.5 cubic feet. Front-loading machines are generally more robust for bulky items. If in doubt, use a commercial-grade washer at a laundromat.
Machine Washing the Cover
Treat the cover as you would a large, heavy duvet cover. Use these steps for optimal results:
- Pre-Treat Stains: Apply a small amount of liquid detergent directly to stains and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a Gentle Cycle: Select the "bulky," "heavy," or "gentle" cycle with cold or warm water (never hot). Hot water can damage synthetic fabrics and shrink cotton.
- Mild Detergent Only: Use a high-efficiency (HE) detergent without bleach or fabric softener. Bleach can degrade fabric dyes and fibers, while softener can coat the material, reducing its breathability and making it feel waxy.
- Don't Overload: Wash the cover alone or with similar-sized items like a bedspread. Overcrowding prevents proper agitation and rinsing.
Key Warning: Never attempt to machine wash the inner weighted section of a blanket filled with beads or pellets. The weight distribution can be destroyed, and the fill may rupture the internal liner, causing a catastrophic mess.
Drying Properly to Maintain Texture
Proper drying is crucial to prevent mildew and maintain the cover's softness. The goal is to avoid the "scratchy" feel that new or improperly dried fabrics can have.
- Tumble Dry Low: Use the lowest heat setting or "air fluff." High heat can melt synthetic fabrics and set wrinkles permanently.
- Use Dryer Balls: Add 2-3 clean tennis or wool dryer balls. They help beat the fabric, preventing clumping and promoting even drying. This technique is similar to how to wash down pillows without losing fluff-the balls restore loft by breaking up damp clumps.
- Remove Promptly: Take the cover out as soon as the cycle ends to prevent wrinkles.
- Cool Down: If your dryer has a "cool down" cycle, use it. This final stage ensures no residual heat remains, which can trap moisture.
If the cover feels slightly stiff after drying, a quick second "air fluff" cycle with the dryer balls can help restore softness. For persistently scratchy new fabrics, you might consider how to make new linen sheets less scratchy by washing them with a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle, which helps soften fibers by removing residual manufacturing finishes.
Reassembling and Final Care
Once the cover is completely dry, reinsert the inner weighted blanket. To prevent the inner piece from bunching up inside the cover-similar to how to keep duvet from sliding inside cover-use a clever trick:
- Turn the cover inside out.
- Lay the inner blanket on top, aligning corners.
- Roll the ensemble together from the open end, like a sleeping bag. This secures the inner piece neatly.
- Unroll the assembly through the cover's opening. The inner blanket will now be perfectly positioned and less likely to shift.
Store your weighted blanket flat or loosely rolled in a breathable bag to maintain its shape. Avoid long-term compression, which can damage the internal stitching.
More tips in the section Sleep Hygiene & Textile Care