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Over 500,000 happy (and well rested) customers!
Over 500,000 happy (and well rested) customers!
Let’s be real: weighted blankets are amazing for sleep, stress, and all things cozy. But when life happens and you need to deal with spills, smells, or surprise accidents from your 13-year-old Yorkie (eww), cleaning them can feel a little intimidating. Weighted blankets are heavy. They're bulky. And you're probably wondering if tossing yours into the washer is a terrible idea.
Good news: it’s not, at least not always. Whether you have a 20 lb weighted blanket or a 50 lb king-size ultra-heavy sleep machine, this guide will walk you through how to clean a weighted blanket without stress or damage.
Let’s break down the steps to keep your blanket clean. Real answers, no BS.
Yes, they're machine safe! But washing weighted blankets isn’t one-size-fits-all; it depends on the materials and how the blanket is constructed. Good thing all of HomeSmart’s weighted blankets, comforters, and duvet covers are machine washable, so you don’t have to stress about complicated care instructions.
Many weighted blankets, especially those filled with micro glass beads or non-clumping pellets, are totally safe to machine wash. That said, washing extra-heavy blankets (like our 50 lb king size blanket) may take a little more planning. Most home machines can handle up to 20–25 pounds, so for larger sizes, we recommend a quick trip to the laundromat or spot cleaning when needed. No dry cleaning. No complicated routines. Just simple care that fits real life.
Label instructions – Always read the manufacturer's care instructions.
Filling type – Micro glass beads? You're good! Sand or organic fillers? Maybe not.
Construction – Quilted stitching helps the weight stay evenly distributed during washing, preventing the filling from shifting and clumping over time.
Pro tip: You’re in luck, HomeSmart weighted blankets check all the boxes. They’re designed with durable stitching, breathable cotton, and washable micro glass beads. Just use cold water, gentle detergent, and a low spin cycle. No fuss, no stress.
If you own a weighted blanket, washing it at home is doable, especially with a front-load washer. Here's how to machine wash it safely:
Check the care tag. Always confirm what materials and wash settings are recommended.
Use cold water and a mild detergent.
Select a gentle cycle to minimize friction and protect the stitching.
Skip the bleach and fabric softener. It can coat the fibers and reduce breathability.
After the wash, gently squeeze out any excess water. And whatever you do, don’t wring itout. The twisting can stretch seams and create clumping inside. Then, hang the blanket over a chair or railing and let it air dry. It should be fully dry in about 3 hours.
We get asked this a lot: Can you put a weighted blanket in the dryer? Technically, yes, HomeSmart weighted blankets can be tumble-dried on low heat setting. But we still recommend air drying whenever possible. High heat or aggressive tumbling can wear down the stitching, lead to uneven weight distribution, and shorten the life of your blanket.
Instead, air drying is the way to go. And honestly? It’s a win-win. It’s gentler on the fabric, helps your blanket last longer, and saves energy (hello, lower electric bill!). Just lay the entire blanket flat on a clean surface or drape it over a chair or railing in a well-ventilated spot, and it’ll be completely dry and good as new in about 3 hours.
Accidents happen. From pet messes to coffee spills or that post-storage musty smell, don’t stress, your weighted blanket can bounce back with the right care.
Act fast! The longer it sits, the harder it is to clean.
Spot treat with a mix of white vinegar and water or use an enzyme-based cleaner (like what you’d use for pet messes).
Machine wash with a gentle detergent and a small amount of baking soda on a delicate cycle to neutralize odors.
If your blanket just smells a little funky or feels damp (but isn't dirty), no need to jump straight into the washer. You’ve got options. Try airing it out in the sun for a few hours, spot cleaning with a mild detergent, or sprinkling it with baking soda to soak up odors then vacuum it off. Hand washing is another option; just letting the blanket soak in the tub with cold water and detergent can work wonders, too. Just make sure to give it a thorough rinse afterward to remove any leftover soap or residue.
If you’re cleaning stains,whether it’s from wine, food, or something mysterious (no judgment!), start by blotting the area gently with a clean cloth or an old toothbrush. Avoid rubbing, which can push it deeper into the fabric. Then spot treat with a mild detergent or stain remover that's safe for cotton. For tougher spots, a mix of baking soda and water can help lift residue without damaging the fabric and stitching and causing build up.
Real-life tip: Accidents are exactly why machine-washable construction matters. At HomeSmart, our weighted blankets are made for real life, messy moments included.
Dry cleaning might sound convenient, but we recommend skipping it. HomeSmart weighted blankets are made to be cleaned at home with simple, gentle care. The heat and chemicals can mess with the materials, so it’s just not worth the risk.
If your weighted blanket is too large or heavy for your home machine (like our 50 lb king), your best bet is a commercial washer at the laundromat. Just make sure it’s a front-loader, not a top-loader with an agitator. Those agitators can be a little too aggressive for weighted blankets.
Machine wash with cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent
Skip the dryer if possible; air dry instead to protect stitching and save energy
Spot clean for minor messes (baking soda works wonders)
Use a duvet cover for easier upkeep between washes
Follow the care instructions provided,they’re there for a reason
With just a little proper care, your blanket can stay cozy, clean, and ready to be the self-care essential you rely on.
Ready to upgrade your sleep? Check out our full lineup of machine-washable, extra-comfy, real-life-friendly weighted blankets here.
