You've just bought your first-ever weighted blanket after hearing about their health-promoting benefits. After several months of regular usage, you notice it's lost its freshness or may have accumulated a small stain. No judgment - life happens, and we're here to help you think through how to wash your weighted blanket.
All bedding types eventually need cleaning, and the frequency of washing will depend on how you use your weighted blanket. You won't need to wash it as often if you're using your weighted blanket as a throw or on top of other bedding.
Cooling weighted blankets like Nuzzie are especially great since their breathable construction keeps you from getting hot/sweaty and are ready to use right out of the package, so no washing is necessary until much later.
But, as much as we want our weighted blankets to look spanking clean and brand new, washing them can be daunting. Long-time users of weighted blankets can attest that cleaning them involves added care and effort, primarily because of their extra heft and fillers.
If you have trouble cleaning your weighted blanket or need expert guidance on how to do it, you've come to the right place.
This article will list helpful tips and practical steps to clean them effectively. By the end of this article, we will recommend our favorite weighted blanket that is not only made from high-quality materials but is also machine and dryer-friendly.
Before putting them in the washer, first check their care label.
Weighted blankets come in different sizes, construction, and designs, so it's essential to know whether they need a particular washing procedure.
For example, weighted blankets loaded with steel shot beads are incompatible with washing machines. Aside from being heavy, the beads can tear the fabric and leak inside the machine, damaging your machine and ruining your blanket.
Other blankets may be filled with plastic beads, but these blankets also have challenges when machine washing.
Most weighted blankets with plastic beads cannot withstand heat, so when exposed to high temperatures, the beads tend to melt inside the blanket and bunch up. The best way to wash them is by using cool or cold water, not hot, and letting them air dry.
Some weighted blankets may have their weighted fill separate from their cover sheets - in this case, remove the weighted inner from the cover and wash it according to its wash instructions. Like weighted blankets, covers come in different fabric types. While most products use cotton, some offer fleece, mink, and wool, so knowing their proper care instructions is also essential.
Ignoring care instructions can ruin your weighted blanket, so it's best to read up on the care label first.
How to Dry a Weighted Blanket with Glass Beads?
When it comes to drying a weighted blanket with glass beads, it's essential to exercise caution to avoid damaging the beads or the blanket's fabric. The first step is to check the care label to see if the blanket can be machine washed and dried. If it can, use a gentle cycle with cold water to wash the blanket. To dry, use a low heat setting or air dry the blanket to prevent the glass beads from breaking or becoming misshapen. It's also crucial to remove excess water from the blanket before putting it in the dryer to prevent the beads from clumping together.
If you need to dry the blanket more quickly, you can speed up the process by using a fan to circulate the air or by drying it outdoors in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the fabric to fade or the beads to become brittle. When air drying, lay the blanket flat on a towel and reshape it to its original dimensions. You can also use a drying rack or a mesh laundry bag to help the blanket dry faster and prevent the beads from shifting. By following these steps, you can ensure your weighted blanket with glass beads dries safely and remains effective for its intended use.
Tip: If, for some reason, there are no specific care instructions for your weighted blanket, your best bet would be to check the details on the manufacturer's website or scour the internet for references. Just confirm the information with their customer service since care instructions differ from one product to another.
No matter how hard we try to prevent them, stains are unavoidable. They're just a part of our life.
The easiest way to remove them is to check existing stains and spot-treat them before (or even instead of!) each wash.
Running cold water over the stains instead of warm water is recommended to prevent them from being imprinted in the fabric.
Use a bleach-free stain remover or a mild detergent for liquid marks like coffee, juice, water, and even sweat. After applying the solution, gently wipe the spot away with your hands or an old toothbrush.
To make your solution, mix warm water with mild detergent. Then, dip a cloth into the mixture and gently scrub away the stain.
Remember to also consider the fabric of your blankets before spot-treating them. The general rule is to avoid bleach-containing products because they can negatively affect your weighted blanket.
On the other hand, soaps are effective at removing oil-based stains such as grease. Scrub the stain away gently with your fingertips, an old toothbrush, or a laundry brush.
Tip: Always consider the type of stain found in your weighted blankets. Some stain treatments do not work well with certain spots, such as the ones mentioned above.
Your blanket must go in the washing machine if you've made it this far. It's important to note that machine washing inevitably agitates the fibers in your clothes and bedding, which may cause pilling. Pilling is a natural phenomenon and doesn't damage your item, as it is simply the ends of the fibers tangling with other fibers and creating a small knot or 'pill .'You can remove pills by hand or use a special tool like a sweater stone. If pilling bothers you, it may be valuable to dry-clean your blanket (if the care tag allows it).
Another option for cleaning your blanket while decreasing agitation is washing your blanket the old-fashioned way - using your hands.
Once you have that information, then your weighted blanket is good to go. For washing machines, use only cold or warm water.
Next, always avoid aggressive wash cycles. Instead, use a delicate or light wash setting to prevent holes, leaks, and rips. If there's an option to decrease the amount of spin cycles, that's helpful too!
Even if your blanket says it can be machine washed, you must be extra cautious whenever you wash them in the washer. Some weighted blankets can harm your machine due to the pressure generated by the blanket.
Consider bringing heavy-weighted blankets to a laundromat with a commercial-grade washer and dryer designed to handle heavy loads.
Leaking beads from weighted blankets are also notorious for damaging washing machines, especially older models, so it's best to be extra careful.
If you need to hand wash your blanket, fill your washtub basin with tepid or cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Typically, 1/2 to 1 cup is sufficient, but this still varies depending on the size of your blanket. Submerge your weighted blanket in the water after thoroughly mixing it. After thoroughly rinsing, drain the wash basin and refill with clean water. Repeat the procedure until all the blanket soap has been removed.
Whatever the case with your weighted blanket, only a mild detergent must be used. Fabric softeners are not recommended because they alter the structure of weighted blankets, causing them to become rigid and scratchy.
Tip: If your weighted blanket is too heavy, it's best to clean it professionally. Forcibly jamming a king-sized weighted blanket inside the washing machine might cause more harm than good.
Step 4: Dry
Before using your weighted blanket, it's best to dry them first.
It's entirely up to you to air dry or toss them in the dryer. What's important is to keep them in tip-top shape after drying.
To machine dry, run it through tumble dry setting or low to medium heat. Since weighted blankets are heavy, you may need to tumble dry for two cycles to ensure they are completely dry.
Make sure your dryer can handle your weighted blanket. This is because dryers can also be damaged due to the blanket's pressure and fillers.
If pilling is bothersome to you, you should air dry them and place the weighted blanket on an even surface so that the weight remains evenly distributed even after thoroughly drying. It will take some time for weighted blankets to air dry - give or take 24-48 hours.
To speed the drying process and protect your floors, put bath towels underneath the blanket to help absorb moisture and use a fan to circulate the air around the blanket. It's also best practice to ensure that it's not exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause discoloration.
Tip: Weighted blankets with fillers should not be hung on a clothesline to prevent the beads from bunching up.
While most weighted blankets can be washed at home, if you prefer extra care or your blanket has delicate fabrics or intricate details, professional dry cleaning is a great option. Experienced dry cleaners have the expertise to clean and preserve your weighted blanket without compromising quality.
They use specialized techniques and products to ensure your blanket looks and feels its best. Remember that professional dry cleaning may be especially recommended for heavier blankets that can strain your home washing machine extra.
Most weighted blankets sold in the market are generally compatible with washing machines and dryers. And most of them have a straightforward cleaning process. You must read and follow what's written on the care label to ensure they remain tip-top.
You also need to consider the type of fabric and the fillers within the weighted blanket to ensure proper care and wash at the end of the day.
If you're looking for a weighted blanket that is super easy to maintain and compatible with dry-clean handwashing or washer & dryer, we recommend Nuzzie Knit.
When investing in a weighted blanket, it's essential to take a lot of things into consideration.
First, are they breathable and suitable to use in any season? Do they tend to fray when used over time? Are they sustainable and eco-friendly?
And finally, are they compatible with washers and dryers?
As a company that has manufactured and sold thousands of weighted blankets over the last five years, we have had the opportunity to learn from our customers about what an ideal weighted blanket should look and feel like.
Though our original weighted blanket received positive reviews, we remain committed to meeting our customers' needs.
Created from premium and high-quality materials, our weighted blankets are compatible with washing machines and dryers, though to prolong your blanket's life, we recommend spot-cleaning and dry-cleaning where possible.
While some conventional weighted blankets must be handwashed to avoid fraying, tearing, and leaking, Nuzzie Knit's open-weave design and sturdy construction allow you to throw them in the washer or dryer.
Our blankets contain ZERO beads, so you won't have to worry about leaks or melts.
Did we mention that our care instructions are also pretty simple?
Toss them in the washer with colors and tumble dry on low like a standard blanket.
Our weighted blankets are also 100% hand-knitted, environmentally friendly, and safe.
The Nuzzie Knit, unlike traditional weighted blankets, has a breathable weave that prevents heat from being trapped inside. This means it can be used in any weather.
Another nice thing is that there are no plastic or noisy glass beads in the Nuzzie Knit.
Instead, the blankets are made from luxurious fabric filling, preventing leaks and fraying while keeping the weight uniformly distributed.
So, are you ready to experience the benefits and features of the Nuzzie Knit? Get yours now while stocks last.
Head over to nuzzie.com to order!
