How to Wash a Weighted Blanket: Your Care Guide

Once you’ve purchased a weighted blanket, odds are you’re living in it. With so many weighted blanket benefits, weighted blankets have increased in popularity in recent years and are used almost every night by customers.

Just like any piece of loved bedding, chances are your weighted blanket will get dirty. When it comes time to wash your weighted blanket, make sure you do it the right way. Our guide details exactly how to wash a weighted blanket, including tips for different materials and how to remove stains easily. 

General Guidelines

Weighted blankets are different from any other blanket. They come in a variety of weights and include several different types of fillers and materials, making the cleaning process a bit different than other blankets. Keep in mind, when it comes to washing the Casper Weighted Blanket, we recommend spot cleaning only.

We’ve listed out the basic instructions for washing a machine washable weighted blanket below.

1. Consider your blanket’s weight: If your blanket is over 25 pounds, your household washer is most likely too small for it. To avoid damaging your washer and dryer, take your blanket to a laundromat. If your blanket is less than 25 pounds, you can use your regular washing machine. 
2. Wash your blanket alone: To avoid damaging your blanket material, wash it alone or with a small load.
3. Wash in the gentle cycle: Aggressive spin cycles can damage your blanket. 
4. Do not use hot water: Wash your blanket in cold or warm water only. 
5. Use a gentle laundry detergent: That means the detergent does not contain bleach, chlorine, or fabric softener. These substances can break down the fabrics in the blanket and leave build-up — causing it to wear out faster. 
6. Do not use fabric softener: Fabric softeners can make the blanket feel scratchy or stiff after use. It can also clump together the fillers of the blanket.
7. Air dry if you can: While most weighted blankets can tolerate low-heat in your dryer, we recommend air drying to extend the life of your blanket. 
8. Do not iron your weighted blanket: Ironing can melt and ruin the filler and inner blanket.

When in doubt, follow the instructions on your blanket’s label. If you have specific questions, you can always contact the manufacturer for more details.

Weighted Blanket Washing Instructions For Every Material

Weighted blankets are made from a variety of materials that have specific washing needs. To check what material your blanket is made out of, check the label. 

Below are specific washing instructions for the most common weighted blanket materials. 

Cotton

Similar to a cotton T-shirt, cotton weighted blankets are easy to care for and can withstand several washes before any noticeable wear and tear. To wash a cotton weighted blanket, use cold water in a regular wash cycle. 

Tip: To prevent your blanket colors from bleeding, use a cup of vinegar or salt in your first wash to preserve the color. 

Fleece

Fleece weighted blankets should be washed alone or with other fleece items. To wash this type of weighted blanket, use warm water in a regular wash cycle. For stains, pre-soak the blanket for 45 minutes to an hour and use a gentle detergent. 

Tip: Unlike most weighted blanket materials, you can use a fabric softener on a fleece blanket.

Minky

Minky fabric is similar to fleece but thicker and softer. It’s a plush material, making it a popular choice for weighted blankets. To properly care for a Minky weighted blanket, machine wash alone using cold water in the gentle cycle. For stains, use a non-chlorine bleach, diluted in water, and be gentle when scrubbing. 

Tip: Minky is a polyester blend so avoid hot water and high heat during machine washing as it can ruin the fabric.

Flannel

To clean a flannel weighted blanket, wash in cold or warm water with a gentle detergent and tumble dry on low heat.

Tip: Take the blanket out of the dryer immediately. Letting it sit in the heat can overdry the fibers and damage the integrity of the material. 

Linen Blend

There are several types of linen blend weighted blankets. For most linen blends, you should wash your blanket with cold water in a regular washing cycle. For rayon-linen blends, you should try hand washing your blanket or get it dry cleaned. The fabric can shrink or bleed in the wash, so dry-cleaning is preferable.

Tip: Always check your blanket’s label and washing instructions to see what type of linen your blanket is made out of. 

How to Dry a Weighted Blanket

There are two different ways that you can dry your heavier blanket. The method you choose will depend on what your weighted blanket is made out of.

1. Machine dry on low heat: Most weighted blankets can handle a tumble dry with low heat. Dry your blanket alone and never use high heat as this can ruin the beads inside. Depending on the material, you may need to dry your blanket more than once to get all of the water out. 
2. Air dry: Air drying is the safest way to dry your blanket. It’s recommended for blankets with metal beads or chains. When air drying, make sure to lay the blanket flat so the blanket filler beads remain distributed throughout the entire blanket and do not fall to one side.

If you’re concerned about how to dry your weighted blanket, always check the label or contact your blanket manufacturer.

How to Get Tough Stains Out

It’s normal to get a stain or two on your favorite blanket. Below are our top tips for getting tough stains out of your weighted blanket.

•  Spot clean: If you have a small stain, you can spot treat it. Use a gentle detergent and warm water and scrub the stain with an old rag or toothbrush. Then run the blanket through the regular wash cycle.
• Soak it: Presoak the stain in detergent and cold water for about 45 minutes to loosen it, then run through a regular wash cycle. This method works well for new, large stains.
• Use bleach: Bleach is great for the tougher stains. Look for a non-chlorine bleach or a bleach that specifies it’s safe for colors, then follow the care instructions on the label.

Regardless of the stain, make sure to rinse it out with cold water as soon as you spot it. Never use hot water as this can set the stain in.

How to Get Coffee Stains Out 

So you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed in bed and spill coffee on your weighted blanket — now what? Coffee stains are easy to get out with this simple solution. 

Instructions: 

1. Mix one ounce of liquid laundry detergent and one ounce of distilled white vinegar with 10 ounces of water and apply it to the stain. 
2. Gently dab with a rag or washcloth. 
3. Let sit for five to 10 minutes. 
4. Rinse with water and repeat until the stain is gone.

How to Get Red Wine Stains Out

You’re cuddled up watching a scary movie and your glass of red wine spills on your blanket — we’ve all been there! To remove red wine stains from your weighted blanket, follow the directions below. 

Instructions:

1. Apply one to two ounces of distilled white vinegar to the stain and dab with a towel.  
2. Let air dry for about 30 minutes. 
3. If this doesn’t work, use a non-chlorine bleach and throw it in the wash.

How to Get Urine Stains Out

Urine is highly acidic, so stain removal can be a bit tougher. For recent stains that are still wet, throw your blanket in the washer ASAP and the stain should be fine. However, if the stain is dried, it will be a bit tougher to remove. Follow the instructions below to get dried urine out of your blanket. 

Instructions:

1. Mix a solution of two parts cold water, one part white vinegar, and a small amount of laundry detergent.
2. Dab the stain liberally and let the solution soak for 10–15 minutes.
3. Blot with a new cloth or rag to soak up the excess.
4. Throw in the wash in a regular washing cycle and let air dry.

How to Wash the Casper Weighted Blanket

When it comes to washing the Casper weighted blanket, we recommend spot cleaning only. All you have to do is dissolve a mild detergent in warm water and scrub the stain with an old rag or toothbrush. Then, let it air dry. 

Cleaning a weighted blanket is simple when you follow our guide above. If you’re in the market for a new weighted blanket, the Casper weighted blanket is designed for relaxation. Our blanket hugs your body for a cozy, yet calming feel. Not only does our blanket help reduce anxiety and help you relax, but it also has breathable cotton that helps circulate air away from your body so you stay cool.