How to Wash a Weighted Blanket with a Removable Cover
Weighted blankets are an investment in comfort and sleep quality, but they require thoughtful care to stay clean, safe, and long-lasting. If your weighted blanket has a removable cover, you can clean both pieces effectively if you follow the right steps. This guide covers preparation, machine and hand washing, drying, spot treatment, and storage. It also includes practical household tips-like how to iron linen sheets to look professional and safe uses of dryer aids-so your whole sleep set stays fresh.
Before You Begin: Read Labels and Inspect
- Check the care labels on both the removable cover and the inner weighted insert. Manufacturers often specify maximum temperature, drying method, and whether the insert is machine washable.
- If the label is missing, identify the fill material (glass beads, plastic pellets, sand, or weighted fiber). Glass beads are common and usually safe for machine washing; sand and some fillers may not be.
- Inspect seams, zippers, and any small holes where filler could escape. Repair weak seams before laundering.
- Remove all covers, straps, or decorative elements. Empty the cover pockets completely and close zippers and buttons to prevent snagging.
Washing the Removable Cover
The removable cover is usually the easiest part to clean. Most covers are made of cotton, linen, microfiber, or a blend and can tolerate machine washing on a gentle cycle.
- Fasten zippers and turn the cover inside out to protect the fabric and any closures.
- Wash the cover separately or with similar colors to avoid dye transfer. Use cold or warm water on a gentle cycle and a mild, fragrance-free detergent.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softeners-these can weaken fibers and reduce moisture-wicking properties.
- If the cover is linen, follow care tips after washing: for crisp, neat results consider professional ironing techniques-how to iron linen sheets to look professional-which include ironing while slightly damp, using high heat with steam, and ironing on the reverse side to prevent shine.
Can the Weighted Insert Be Machine Washed?
Many inserts are machine washable, but weight and construction matter.
- Check weight limits for your washer. Heavy blankets (often over 15–20 pounds) may exceed a home washer's capacity. Overloading can damage the washer and compress the beads irregularly.
- If your home washer is large enough (a commercial front-loader or laundromat machine), you can wash the insert on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
- Distribute the insert's weight evenly in the drum. If your washer has an unbalanced load issue, stop the cycle and reposition the blanket.
- If the insert is too heavy or the label advises against machine washing, take it to a professional cleaner, use a laundromat with large-capacity machines, or spot-clean and air out.
Hand-Washing the Weighted Insert
Hand washing is gentler and often safer for delicate or oversized inserts.
- Fill a bathtub or large basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Agitate the water to distribute detergent, then submerge the insert.
- Gently press and knead-do not twist or wring. Allow the insert to soak for up to 30 minutes for moderate soiling.
- Drain and refill with clean water repeatedly to rinse until all soap is gone. Squeeze out excess water carefully by pressing sections between towels to absorb moisture.
- Lay flat to dry, ideally outdoors in shade or indoors on a drying rack with good air circulation. Avoid direct heat which can melt some synthetic beads.
Drying: Cover vs. Insert
- Dry the removable cover according to its fabric type-tumble dry low for many cotton and microfiber covers, or air dry for linen and delicate fabrics.
- For the insert, air drying is safest. If the insert is machine-dryable and the label allows, tumble dry on the lowest heat setting and check periodically to prevent overheating.
- Be careful with dryer aids: the tennis ball in dryer for pillows hack works because dryer balls or clean tennis balls help fluff bedding and redistribute fill. However, do not use tennis balls against a weighted insert unless the care label permits tumble drying; they are typically used for pillows and non-weighted comforters only.
- Ensure the insert is completely dry before storing or reassembling. Any retained moisture can lead to mildew and odors.
Important: Never use high heat on weighted inserts containing plastic pellets or foam-heat can deform or melt the filling. When in doubt, air dry slowly and completely.
Spot Cleaning and Stain Removal
- For small stains on the insert, use a cloth dipped in a mild detergent solution to blot (not saturate) the area. Rinse by blotting with a clean damp cloth, then air dry thoroughly.
- For tougher stains on the cover, pre-treat with an enzyme cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water, then launder as usual.
- Avoid soaking the entire insert just to treat a small spot-targeted cleaning preserves the structure and speeds drying.
Reassembling and Routine Care
- Before putting the insert back into the cover, fluff and even out the weight compartments so beads are distributed uniformly.
- Insert the weighted blanket slowly and fasten any internal ties or zippers to prevent shifting.
- Rotate the blanket occasionally to even out wear. Wash the cover every 1–2 weeks if used nightly; the insert needs less frequent washing-every 3–6 months-unless soiled.
- Store the blanket in a breathable bag or cotton sheet when not in use, and keep it in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture buildup.
Additional Fabric Care Questions Answered
- can you iron silk pillowcase after washing? Yes, you can iron a silk pillowcase after washing, but use a low temperature and iron on the wrong side or with a cloth between the iron and silk to prevent shine and protect delicate fibers. Always check the silk's care label and consider steaming rather than dry ironing.
- If you care for matching bedding sets, treat each fabric according to its label. Linen benefits from slightly different handling than silk or synthetic blends.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Take your weighted insert to a professional cleaner if the label specifically forbids home washing or if the weight makes home laundering impractical.
- If you notice a persistent odor, significant staining, or broken internal seams, professional cleaning and repair can extend the life of your blanket.
Proper maintenance keeps your weighted blanket safe, hygienic, and comfortable. With regular care-washing the cover more often, treating the insert gently, and drying completely-you'll preserve the blanket's weight distribution and fabric quality for years.
More tips in the section Sleep Sanctuary & Textile Preservation