How to Wash a Weighted Blanket (Without Ruining It)

Why Weighted Blankets Need Special Care

Weighted blankets are one of the best sleep accessories to come along in years. They reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and feel like a warm hug. But when it comes time to wash one, most people stare at it and think: how do I even fit this in my washing machine?

The answer depends on the weight of the blanket, the filling material, and the capacity of your washing machine. Get it wrong and you can damage the blanket, break your washing machine, or both.

Here is everything you need to know.

Check the Care Label First

Before anything else, read the care label on your weighted blanket. Most weighted blankets are machine washable, but not all. Some with specific fillings (like organic materials or certain beads) may require hand washing or professional cleaning.

If the care label says dry clean only, follow that instruction. Do not try to machine wash it.

Know Your Blanket's Weight

This is the most important factor in deciding where and how to wash it.

Under 15 lbs: Most standard home washing machines can handle this, as long as the blanket fits without cramming. A typical home washer has a capacity of 12 to 20 lbs.

15 to 25 lbs: This is the danger zone for home machines. A 20 lb blanket in a 20 lb capacity washer leaves zero room for water, agitation, and movement. The blanket will not get clean, and you risk damaging the machine's drum, bearings, or motor. If your blanket is in this range, a laundromat with a large commercial machine is the safer choice.

Over 25 lbs: Do not attempt this at home. You need a commercial machine. Period.

Washing a Weighted Blanket at Home (Under 15 lbs)

If your blanket is light enough for your home machine, here is the process:

Step 1: Pre-Treat Stains

Spot-treat any visible stains before washing. Apply a small amount of gentle liquid detergent or stain remover directly to the stain. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Load the Machine

Place the blanket in the washer by itself. Do not add other items. The blanket needs room to move freely for proper cleaning.

Step 3: Choose Settings

• Cycle: Gentle or delicate
• Water temperature: Cold or cool
• Spin speed: Low

Cold water protects the filling material and the fabric. A gentle cycle with low spin reduces stress on the blanket's internal structure. High-speed spinning can cause the filling to shift and clump.

Step 4: Use the Right Detergent

Use a mild, liquid detergent. Avoid:

• Bleach (damages most weighted blanket fabrics)
• Fabric softener (coats the filling and reduces the blanket's breathability)
• Powder detergent (can leave residue trapped in the heavy fabric)

Use less detergent than you think you need. About half the amount you would use for a regular load. Excess detergent is hard to rinse out of a thick, heavy blanket.

Step 5: Extra Rinse

Run an extra rinse cycle. Weighted blankets are dense, and soap residue gets trapped in the layers. An extra rinse ensures all the detergent is out.

Washing a Weighted Blanket at a Laundromat

For blankets over 15 lbs, or if you want to play it safe with any size, a laundromat is the way to go.

Choose the Right Machine Size

The blanket should fill no more than two-thirds of the drum. For a 20 lb weighted blanket, use at least a 30 to 40 lb capacity machine. For a 25 lb blanket, use a 40 lb or larger machine.

At Laundriii, our machine sizes range up to 90 lbs. Even the heaviest weighted blankets have plenty of room in our large and mega machines. Prices range from $3.25 for a small washer to $11 for the 90 lb mega washer.

Same Settings Apply

• Gentle or delicate cycle
• Cold water
• Mild liquid detergent, half the normal amount
• Extra rinse if the machine offers it

How to Dry a Weighted Blanket

Drying is where most people make mistakes.

Machine Drying

• Heat: Low heat only. High heat can melt certain filling materials (especially plastic poly pellets) and damage the fabric.
• Time: It takes longer than you think. A weighted blanket can take 60 to 90+ minutes on low heat depending on the weight.
• Tennis balls or dryer balls: Toss in 2 to 3 clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls. They help break up clumps and distribute the filling evenly as the blanket tumbles.
• Check periodically: Stop the dryer every 20 to 30 minutes and redistribute the blanket by hand. This prevents filling from clumping in one area.

Air Drying

If you prefer air drying, lay the blanket flat on a clean surface. Do not hang a weighted blanket -- the weight will stretch the fabric and cause the filling to settle unevenly at the bottom.

Flip the blanket every few hours. Air drying a weighted blanket can take 24 hours or more depending on humidity and blanket thickness.

How Often to Wash a Weighted Blanket

If you use a cover or duvet cover on your weighted blanket (highly recommended), you can wash the blanket itself every 1 to 3 months. Wash the cover every 1 to 2 weeks.

If you use the blanket without a cover, wash it every 2 to 3 weeks, similar to how often you would wash sheets.

Pro tip: Invest in a removable cover for your weighted blanket. It is much easier to wash a cover than the entire blanket, and it extends the life of the blanket dramatically.

When to Use a Professional Service

Bringing your weighted blanket to a professional makes sense when:

• The blanket is over 20 lbs and you do not want to risk your home machine
• You do not have time to babysit a 90-minute dryer cycle
• The care label is confusing and you are not sure about the right treatment
• You want it done right without the guesswork

At Laundriii, you have two options:

1. Self-service: Use our large or mega washers (up to 90 lbs) to wash it yourself. You control the settings, and the machine can actually handle the weight. Dryers are available right next to the washers.
2. Wash and fold: Drop off the blanket and we take care of everything. $1.75 per pound, 24-hour turnaround. Tell us it is a weighted blanket when you drop it off so we use the appropriate cycle.

You can also schedule a pickup and we will come get it from your home.

Quick Reference

The Bottom Line

Weighted blankets are worth the effort to wash properly. Use cold water, gentle cycles, low heat for drying, and make sure the machine is big enough to handle the weight with room to spare. When in doubt, bring it to a laundromat with commercial machines or drop it off with a professional service.

Laundriii is at 1795 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128. Open 7am to 10pm daily. Call 888-411-8081 with questions.