Washing a Weighted Blanket in a Washing Machine: Complete Guide

Before washing a weighted blanket, always check the manufacturer's care instructions. Some weighted blankets are machine washable, while others require spot cleaning, hand washing, or professional cleaning.

How to Tell If a Weighted Blanket Is Machine Washable

The easiest way to determine whether your weighted blanket can go in a washing machine is to check its care label.

Look for instructions such as:

• Machine washable

• Wash at a specific temperature

• Gentle cycle

• Tumble dry low

• Do not machine wash

• Hand wash only

• Dry clean only

If the label says "do not machine wash," don't put the blanket in the washing machine.

You should also check the blanket's weight. A blanket that is too heavy for your washer can cause problems even if the blanket itself is technically machine washable.

Can a 15-Pound Weighted Blanket Go in the Washing Machine?

A 15-pound weighted blanket may be machine washable, but the important consideration is whether your washing machine has enough capacity to handle the blanket comfortably.

A wet weighted blanket can become considerably heavier. If the drum is packed tightly, the blanket may not move properly during the wash and the machine may struggle during the spin cycle.

Always follow the blanket manufacturer's instructions and your washing machine's capacity recommendations.

Can You Wash a 20-Pound Weighted Blanket in a Washing Machine?

A 20-pound weighted blanket requires extra caution. Even if its care label permits machine washing, your household washing machine may not be suitable for such a heavy item.

A large-capacity front-loading washer may be better suited than a small washing machine, but the manufacturer's instructions should take priority.

If the blanket is too heavy for your machine, consider using a commercial laundry machine designed for larger and heavier loads.

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket in a Washing Machine

If your weighted blanket is machine washable and your washing machine is suitable for its weight, follow these general steps.

1. Read the Care Label

Start by checking the manufacturer's washing and drying instructions. This is especially important because weighted blankets can contain different fillings, including glass beads, plastic pellets, cotton, or other materials.

2. Inspect the Blanket

Check for:

• Loose stitching

• Torn seams

• Damaged fabric

• Leaking beads

• Broken zippers

• Loose threads

Repair damage before washing if possible. A small tear can become worse during a washing cycle.

3. Remove the Duvet Cover or Outer Cover

Some weighted blankets have a removable outer cover. If yours does, remove the cover and check its care instructions separately.

The outer cover may be machine washable even when the weighted insert requires different cleaning.

4. Use a Large-Capacity Washing Machine

Make sure there is enough space for the blanket to move freely inside the drum.

Do not force a large weighted blanket into a small washing machine simply because it fits inside the door.

5. Choose the Recommended Cycle

Use the cycle specified by the manufacturer. If the label permits machine washing but doesn't specify a cycle, a gentle or delicate cycle may be appropriate for some blankets.

Avoid aggressive cycles unless specifically recommended.

6. Use Mild Laundry Detergent

Use a suitable amount of mild detergent. Avoid adding excessive detergent because it can be difficult to rinse completely from a thick blanket.

Avoid bleach or other harsh cleaning products unless the care label specifically permits them.

7. Run an Extra Rinse if Recommended

A thick weighted blanket can retain detergent. If your washing machine has an extra-rinse option and the manufacturer's instructions allow it, an additional rinse can help remove detergent residue.

8. Check the Blanket After Washing

Before drying, inspect the blanket again. Make sure the seams remain intact and that there are no signs of leaking filling.

If the blanket has shifted or its filling has become uneven, follow the manufacturer's instructions before continuing.

What Temperature Should You Use to Wash a Weighted Blanket?

The correct temperature depends on the blanket's material and filling.

Many machine-washable weighted blankets are designed to be washed with cold or lukewarm water, but you should always follow the care label rather than assuming a particular temperature is safe.

Hot water can potentially cause shrinkage, damage certain fabrics, or affect some types of filling.

Can You Put a Weighted Blanket in the Dryer?

Some weighted blankets can be tumble dried, while others need to be air-dried.

If the care label permits machine drying, use the recommended temperature. Low heat is often preferable to high heat for blankets that are dryer-safe.

Avoid high heat unless the manufacturer specifically says it is safe. Excessive heat can damage certain fabrics, stitching, or fillings.

For blankets that cannot be tumble dried, lay them flat or hang them according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow them to dry completely.

Why You Shouldn't Overload Your Washing Machine

Weighted blankets become heavier when saturated with water. Putting one into an undersized washing machine can cause several problems.

The blanket may:

• Fail to move properly during the wash

• Become unevenly distributed during spinning

• Cause excessive vibration

• Put additional strain on the washer

• Prevent proper rinsing

• Potentially damage the blanket

If the blanket fills most of the drum before washing, your machine may not be large enough for the job.

Can You Wash a Weighted Blanket With Other Clothes?

It's generally better to wash a weighted blanket separately.

Because of its size and weight, adding clothing or other bedding can overcrowd the machine. Washing it alone gives the blanket more room to move and allows water and detergent to circulate properly.

If the blanket has a removable cover, the cover can usually be washed separately according to its own care instructions.

How Often Should You Wash a Weighted Blanket?

A weighted blanket doesn't necessarily need to be washed after every use.

The appropriate cleaning frequency depends on whether you use a removable cover, how often you use the blanket, and whether it becomes dirty or sweaty.

You may need to clean it more frequently if:

• You use it directly against your skin.

• You sweat heavily while sleeping.

• You eat or drink around it.

• You have pets that use the blanket.

• The blanket has visible stains.

• It develops an unpleasant odor.

Using a washable cover can reduce how frequently the weighted insert itself needs washing.

How to Clean a Weighted Blanket Without Washing It

If your weighted blanket isn't machine washable, you may still be able to clean it safely.

For small stains:

1. Check the care instructions.

2. Blot the stain with a clean cloth.

3. Apply a small amount of appropriate mild detergent if permitted.

4. Gently clean the affected area.

5. Remove detergent residue with a clean, damp cloth.

6. Allow the area to dry completely.

Don't soak a weighted blanket unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it.

Common Mistakes When Washing a Weighted Blanket

Washing a Blanket That Is Too Heavy

One of the biggest mistakes is ignoring the combined weight of the blanket and water. An overloaded washer can struggle during washing and spinning.

Using High Heat

High temperatures can damage some fabrics and fillings. Follow the drying instructions carefully.

Using Too Much Detergent

Excess detergent can remain trapped inside a thick blanket and may be difficult to rinse away.

Using Bleach Without Checking

Bleach can damage certain fabrics and materials. Never use it unless the care instructions allow it.

Washing a Damaged Blanket

Loose stitching or a damaged seam can allow the filling to escape during washing. Inspect the blanket before putting it in the machine.

Drying It While It Is Still Damp

A thick weighted blanket can retain moisture. Make sure it is completely dry before storing or using it again.

What Should You Do If Your Weighted Blanket Is Too Heavy for Your Washer?

If the manufacturer's instructions allow machine washing but your home washing machine isn't large enough, consider taking the blanket to a commercial laundry facility with large-capacity machines.

Don't try to squeeze an oversized weighted blanket into a small washer simply to avoid using a larger machine.

Final Thoughts

You can wash a weighted blanket in a washing machine if the manufacturer says it is machine washable and your washing machine is large enough to handle its weight. Check the care label first, use the recommended cycle and water temperature, avoid overloading the drum, and follow the correct drying instructions.

For heavier blankets, particularly those weighing around 15–20 pounds or more, machine capacity becomes especially important. When in doubt, consult the blanket manufacturer or use a commercial machine designed for large loads.

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