Weighted blankets are cozy and reassuring in sleep and relaxation. However, their maintenance is told by care, since each weighted blanket requires a certain way of washing depending on the material and weight filling it has.
Necessary Material Following proper cleaning specifications related to the components of your weighted blanket will help it last longer and maintain its quality. Here are guidelines on how to wash a weighted blanket depending on the type of fabric and weight applied.
Why Washing Properly Matters
Weighted blankets weigh more so that there is deep pressure on your body to reduce stress, sleep better, and work up to an extent. For this reason, along with the materials used in weighted blankets, careless washing may get them damaged, shrunk, or shift the fillings inside, which makes them ineffective for comfort. A well-thought-out cleaning method not only prolongs life but also extends the comfort and functionality period of the blanket.
Understanding Different Materials and Fillings
1. Material
Generally, weighted blankets may be made from raw materials including cotton, microfiber, bamboo, or fleece, which have their own way of washing:
- Cotton: Breathable and tough, cotton can typically be machine washed but may shrink if the right treatments are not applied to it.
- Microfiber: This is a soft synthetic fabric that holds color well, but it is sensitive to high heat.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is a soft, breathing material and, as such, is perhaps a little more fragile where its washing is concerned.
- Fleece: very warm but causes some problems with the pill after washing inadequately.
2. Fillings
These are materials put inside the weighted blanket that act to give it weight. Common fillings used include:
- Glass Beads: Glass beads are normally extremely smooth in texture and have equally distributed weight. Being machine washable, they should be treated with care during air drying to prevent clumping.
- Plastic Pellets: Durable and easy to clean, these plastic pellets can undergo machine washing; however, they are sensitive to temperature.
- Organic fillings: These include rice, sand, and other natural materials that are not machine washable, as these usually deteriorate with time when there is exposure to moisture.
Wash Instructions by Fabric Type
1. Cotton
Generally speaking, cotton-weighted blankets are machine washable. For instance, use water that is either cold or at room temperature with a very mild detergent on a very gentle cycle.
It is advisable to negate the use of bleach and other harsh chemicals, as they will weaken the fabric. To prevent shrinkage, it is better to air dry or use a low-heat dryer setting after washing.
2. Microfiber
Being heat-sensitive, microfiber blankets require gentler treatment. They can be washed in cold water by using the gentle cycle and without fabric softeners, as they will decrease the softness with time. If drying, air drying is better, but if in a machine, then on the low heat setting.
3. Bamboo
Bamboo is fragile and needs extra care. Hand washing is recommended, though if you do it on a machine, use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. To keep bamboo soft for a longer time, avoid using fabric softeners. Always air-dry bamboo blankets; if you must use heat on them, the texture of the fiber will be compromised.
4. Fleece
Fleece blankets keep warm, but they tend to pill. It used to take quite a bit to maintain fleece with cold water and a gentle cycle when washing fleece and avoiding fabric softeners for the upkeep of texture.
Air-drying is a must in the case of fleece, though one could use a low heat setting on a dryer if needed. Normal washing can help it stay fluffy and soft.
Wash Instructions According to Filling Type
1. Glass Beads
Glass beads are durable and washable, but it’s important to wash them on the most delicate cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent, and do not use bleach. To dry, air-drying is ideal, because they will not clump, and they will dry evenly. If putting them in the dryer, use the lowest heat setting they can have, so they are not damaged.
2. Plastic Pellets
Filling made from plastic pellets is durable and most can be washed in a machine. Place them on a gentle cycle using cold or warm water with a mild detergent. High heat distorts and deforms plastic, so use hot water only rarely and dry on low heat or air dry. If machine drying, throw tennis balls into the dryer to help the pellets distribute evenly.
3. Organic Fillings
Organic fillings, like rice, sand, or grains, are extremely sensitive to moisture. Therefore, it should not be machine-washed. This type of blanket is best spot-cleaned. For stains or spills, take a damp cloth with some mild detergent and blot the area gently. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it sit for a while to freshen; then vacuum it off.
General Care for All Weighted Blankets
When possible, spot clean; it reduces the frequency of full washes and preserves both the fabric and the filling.
- Duvet cover on: This will help in keeping the blanket clean without necessarily washing it.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Only use mild detergents, as bleach or other strong cleaning agents may weaken filled fabrics and filling.
- Air dry if in doubt: This is the safest method to dry any material and filling.
Conclusion
The proper washing approach would be the best way to preserve the quality and functionality of a weighted blanket. All you need to do is follow this material- and filling-specific washing suggestions and your blanket will be as clean comfortable, and durable as ever.
Whether your weighted blanket is made of cotton with glass beads or bamboo with organic fillings, washing it in a considerate manner will serve the purpose of benefiting from it for quite some time.
