A folded blanket on a wooden counter.

Tips for washing weighted blankets

Weighted blankets are a popular sleep aid. They usually weigh between 5 and 30 pounds and their weight and pressure mimic a therapeutic technique called pressure therapy. 

There’s a belief that weighted blankets are tough to wash but you shouldn’t be intimidated. You can wash a weighted blanket in a commercial washing machine or, if necessary, it can be dry cleaned. Follow these tips and learn everything about washing a weighted blanket.

IS IT OKAY TO WASH A WEIGHTED BLANKET?

 

A rolled duvet in a bright room.

 

A weighted blanket can be washed in a large capacity commercial washer if the appliance is made of either glass, steel or plastic beads. You also want to confirm with the care tag that it's machine washable. 

 

If your blanket isn’t machine washable, your care tag can advise you whether you should hand wash, spot clean or dry clean it. We recommend dry cleaning a weighted blanket that’s filled with sand, rice, beans or other natural fibres.

INSTRUCTIONS TO MACHINE WASH A WEIGHTED BLANKET

 

If you have a commercial washer, follow these step-by-step instructions to wash your weighted blanket.

Start by gathering these supplies:

  • A bleach-free laundry detergent like Swash®. 
  • A stain remover
  • Sponge or toothbrush (optional)

Next, make sure you have the following:

  • A commercial washing machine 
  • A bathtub or large wash bin for hand washing
  • A heavy duty drying rack
  • Dryer (optional)
An icon of a blanket cover. The corner is folded and there are four plus signs on it.

Step 1: Review the care instructions for your weighted blanket 
Reading instructions is never fun but it’s an important first step. So, before you wash your weighted blanket, you should review the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.   This helpful guide will help you better understand the tag symbols.

An icon of a blanket cover. The corner is folded and there are four plus signs on it.

Step 2: If there’s a blanket cover, take it off
Your weighted blanket most likely has a duvet or removable cover. Make sure to remove it before you pre-treat any stains and/or put it in the washer.

An icon of a bottle of detergent.

Step 3: Pre-treat stains
Use a stain remover to pre-treat any visible stains before you place the blanket in your washing machine to clean it

An icon for a gentle cycle. Three lines forming a container with a wavy line at the top.

Step 4: Use a gentle cycle
Place your weighted blanket in a commercial washer, ensuring it’s evenly balanced in the wash tub to produce the most efficient cleaning. 

Select the gentle cycle and only use cold water. This is important as hot water can damage a weighted blanket. The last step is to add a mild detergent.

Maytag tip icon

PRO TIP

Avoid any bleach-based cleaners or fabric softeners when washing a weighted blanket.

An icon of a dryer; a circle inside a square.

Step 5: Dry your weighted blanket

It is strongly recommended to only air dry a weighted blanket. That said, it’s okay to use a dryer to dry certain ones. 

As always, start by reviewing the care instructions provided with your blanket. If you decide to dry your blanket in a dryer, use either a no heat or low heat setting and remove it as soon as the cycle is complete. 

If you want to air dry your blanket, hang it on a heavy-duty drying rack with the weight evenly distributed, or lay it flat on a surface.

HAND-WASHING A WEIGHTED BLANKET?

 

A grey blanket rolled up on a bed with white sheets.

 

If hand washing is the recommended method, or you simply prefer it, the first step is to pre-treat any stains. 

 

Fill your bathtub with lukewarm or cold water and pour a small amount of mild detergent into the water. Submerge the weighted blanket and then massage it with your hands for several minutes. As the water gets murkier and dirtier, replace it with clean water. Make sure you thoroughly wring out any excess water and either hang or lay it down to dry.

 

Maytag tip icon

PRO TIP

If you don’t have a bathtub you can use a large container.

DRY CLEANING A WEIGHTED BLANKET

 

You can dry clean some weighted blankets but usually, it’s only recommended for those filled with a natural material like sand, rice or beans. Always check your blanket’s care instructions to confirm if dry cleaning is acceptable.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH A WEIGHTED BLANKET?

 

A laundry room with a Maytag washer and dryer. Also in the room are a laundry basket, a sink, a plant, folded towels on the counter and some other items.

 

A weighted blanket should be washed as often as you would wash a regular blanket. 

If you use your blanket every night, you should consider washing it 1-2 times a month. Remember, though, that frequently washing your weighted blanket can reduce its durability. To avoid any issues, consider buying some type of protective cover.

SHOP MAYTAG® LARGE CAPACITY WASHERS AND DRYERS

 

Maytag® washers and dryers are durable and reliable and will help make your laundry clean and fresh after the first wash and dry.

 

SHOP WASHERS SHOP DRYERS