Everyday use of a weighted blanket with pets and children around raises basic questions: "How can I safely wash a weighted blanket?" and "How to clean a weighted blanket if it’s stained?".
While all weighted blanket recommendations will vary depending on the fabrics and weights used, the following tips apply to an Aeyla weighted blanket.
We can assume that you already know all the benefits of a weighted blanket, and you want it to last a good long time.
The two components - the cover and the weighted interior section - must be washed separately on a low heat setting. To learn how to clean a weighted blanket, please follow these steps:
Washing The Cover
Here’s the step-by-step on how to wash a weighted blanket cover. Follow them closely for best results.
Unzip the cover and remove it from the inner weighted blanket. You will need to unfasten the ties to do this. The washing instructions will be printed on the cover’s label. Follow those instructions carefully.
Stains: It’s best to rinse them out when they occur. If you do find an old stain, run cold water over that spot, rub gently, apply a mild detergent, and rinse.
Oops - things do happen!
Beverages or protein-based stains like bodily fluids can be very common spills. Use a spray that does not include harsh chemicals which can affect the soft material of your blanket. Avoid products with bleach or other whitening agents. Use a stain remover designed for the fabric. These are often marketed for rugs or throws but are safe if they are bleach-free and hypoallergenic.
Got a greasy spot? Treat grease stains with soap. If you drop food or anything oil based onto your blanket, use dish soap on the spot. Again, avoid anything harsh or with bleach. Unscented, non-chlorinated dish soap is the best option.
Just be careful with the material. You don’t want to ruin your pretty blanket!
The Aeyla cover is machine washable using cold water. Avoid using hot water, bleach and fabric softeners, as these are harsh on the delicate fabric and can cause damage to your precious blanket. And perhaps worst of all, they reduce the softness - you definitely don’t want that!
Drying your blanket
We recommend hanging the cover outside/inside to dry (as long as there's air flow).
Avoid using a dryer with the covers to preserve the softness of the outer fabric. Never use an iron, as this can cause damage to the fabric fibres and make your blanket more worn.
Washing The Weighted Inner Blanket
If you keep a cover on (except for washing) your blanket, you shouldn’t need to wash the weighted section. But if it is especially grubby and you’re wondering, “can I wash a weighted blanket?” The answer is yes. I To wash the weighted section, you have two choices -- machine washing or hand washing in a tub.
Machine washing:
Blankets can be washed in a home washer or commercial washer. ALWAYS check that your washer can handle this amount of weight before using it at home!
Weighted blankets are heavy (duh) and if you don't want to overload your home appliances without checking first.
You can also take it to a laundromat or a professional laundering service with large commercial machines. If you are using a professional service, ensure the blanket is washed according to the right temperature for the fabric.
Heads-up!
Do not dry clean.
Machine washing instructions:
- Wash at a maximum of 85 F.
- Wash on a cold gentle cycle
- Do not iron
- Do not tumble dry
- Lay flat to dry
If you prefer the old-fashioned way of cleaning, here’s how.
Note: You might have to wait for a nice warm sunny day to lay it out to dry!
Handwashing in a tub:
Can you wash a weighted blanket by hand? By all means go ahead! You can still achieve the same level of cleanliness with handwashing and it is often more gentle and less damaging to fabrics. If you don’t want to use a washing machine, here’s how to clean a weighted blanket by hand.
Fill a tub halfway with tepid water; use a bathtub or large laundry basin. Make sure it is big enough for your blanket and the required volume of water. When filling, allow room to move the blanket in the tub without spilling water over the tub. Avoid leaning over a tub if the blanket will be too heavy for you to lift when wet.
Add mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals which can damage the cotton fabric and poly-fil filling, including bleach or other whitening agents. Use gentle detergents and thoroughly rinse your blankets.
With your hands, slosh the water to activate the detergent, making it frothy. This evenly spreads the detergent throughout the tub, giving your blanket even soap coverage when washing it.
Submerge the blanket completely in the water. Push the blanket into the water to completely cover it in the soapy water. Use your hands to gently knead the blanket in sections so you know where you have cleaned. Leave the blanket in the tub and drain the water from the tub.
Enough of this fun! Now it’s time to rinse...
Pour fresh water into the tub. Once the original soapy water has drained, add clean water and rinse the blanket. Do this repeatedly until there is no soap residue left on the blanket.
Swishing the blanket through the clean water will help dispel the soap from your blanket.
You will know if the soap has been removed when the rinsing water runs clear.
Roll up your sleeves!
Remove the excess water. Squeeze out the excess water from the blanket by rolling it tightly. You don't need to wring it out. Do this repeatedly until most of the water has been dispelled.
- Roll or fold the blanket and press on it to squeeze out the water.
- You will not be able to get all the water from the blanket, which is normal.
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Squeeze water out, don’t try to wring it out. Wringing could misshape or redistribute its weight.
Hopefully, you’ve got nice sunny weather, so you can let Mother Nature do her part!
Air dry the blanket. Lay it out in the sun. You may also hang it over a bannister (not a clothesline). If using this method, the pellets may bunch up -- so shake the blanked every 30 minutes to redistribute the weight. The blankets must have evenly distributed weight and gentle pressure, so protect the weights as much as possible.
How Often Should Weighted Blankets Be Washed?
This is entirely dependent on how frequently you use your blanket. If you like to snuggle up with it every night, it is advised you wash it roughly every three weeks. This is because overtime, it will absorb body oils, sweat and other bodily fluids, resulting in a buildup of grime and bacteria, just like in your bedsheets.
If you only use your weighted blanket for specific occasions, there’s no need to be frantically washing it. Washing a weighted blanket too frequently will slowly reduce the softness of the fabric and reduce its lifespan. For occasional use, it is recommended that you wash it every three months.
Putting your weighted blanket within a duvet cover can make washing a much simpler process - no need to faff around with washing the actual blanket. A cover can also add extra protection and prevent spillages and fluids from reaching the blanket itself.
Taking proper care of your weighted blanket can prolong its lifespan, so you can enjoy its benefits for longer.
Tips to keep your weighted blanket clean
Keeping your weighted blanket as clean as possible can minimise the amount it needs washing and prolong its life. Here’s some top tips:
- As much as we all love breakfast in bed, this is only asking for trouble. As careful as you may be, eating in bed can lead to spillages and stains. If it’s a breakfast in bed kind of day, keep your weighted blanket well away!
- The same goes for drinking. Water is obviously fine, but make sure any early morning coffees in bed or any other beverages are not drunk in the presence of your blanket.
- Your pet may be cute when they’re begging to jump on your bed, but the dirt and amount of hair they can transfer to your blanket is not so cute. Keep your pets off your blanket at all costs.
- In order for your weighted blanket to work properly, the weight must be evenly distributed. The pellets inside your blanket can sometimes bunch up, especially after washing. Give it a good old shake every few days to prevent this from happening.