Can You Wash Weighted Blankets In A Washing Machine?

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Though the weighted blanket was first developed in 1997, it was mainly aimed at aiding children with autism and anxiety. Now weighted blankets have gone mainstream, and there seem to be endless options when it comes to size, weight, and material for them. The one thing they all have in common is that, occasionally, they'll need a wash. Since you probably don't want to lug your weighted blanket around (let alone one with the additional weight of water) to launder it by hand, you might consider your washer when it needs a refresh. But should you put your weighted blanket in your washer and dryer? Or are there hidden risks that could damage your blanket — or your appliances — that you might want to consider? 

Although most loads of laundry weigh anywhere from 20 to 24 pounds, that weight is dispersed evenly ... unlike with a weighted blanket. Since those heavy blankets can weigh up to 30 pounds, this can put a strain on your washer and cause issues with the spin mechanism. The same applies to the dryer. The next thing you know, you're learning how to fix a washer that's off track. 

However, if you have a weighted blanket under the 15-pound mark, it should be safe to throw it into the washing machine. Just be sure to set it to low spin, and if you have a top-loading washer, disperse it evenly around the agitator. If you've got a weighted blanket with a removable cover, wash the cover three to four times a year and wash the blanket itself once a year. If you don't, try to wash the whole blanket quarterly. 

Even blankets of the same weight and size could wash very differently. The shell could be made with a natural fiber like cotton or something synthetic like polyester, so consider washing instructions for those fabrics. Interior materials also play a role. The filling is usually some sort of bead — glass, metal, or plastic — or sometimes a more natural option like sand, pebbles, or grains. For weighted blankets with sand or organic fillings, spot clean only. Consider these stain removal solutions everyone needs to know. Submerging it completely in water would almost certainly ruin the blanket.

If your weighted blanket is filled with glass or steel beads and is under 15 pounds, it's likely washer-friendly. But check your blanket's care instructions to be sure. Set it at a cool cycle with low spin. For easier washing, consider a weighted blanket with removable duvet covers, like this Syrinx weighted blanket set with two of them. Or, grab a machine-washable L'agratay knitted weighted blanket for even less fuss.

But what about the dryer? Attempt to air dry if at all possible. It's the best way to minimize damage to your weighted blanket. If yours is machine-washable, however, you can still put it in the dryer at low or no heat. To avoid washing anything and simply give your blanket a quick refresh, place it on a clothesline or banister for a few hours to air out naturally. This can help dissipate odors and even help kill some germs. And remember — you can always take the blanket to the dry cleaner and make it someone else's problem.