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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. Some weighted blankets can be machine washed, but always check the manufacturer's care instructions before cleaning. 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. When machine washing, always wash your weighted blanket separately from other bedding to prevent damage. 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. Regular washings are important to keep your blanket fresh and clean. No dry cleaning required. 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. Blankets made with organic materials may require gentler cleaning methods to preserve their natural integrity.
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 read the care instructions first. Different fabrics require different care, so make sure to follow the recommended washing and drying methods for your blanket’s material.
Know your filling: Weighted blankets can be filled with materials like glass beads, natural fibers, or plastic beads. Proper cleaning methods are important to avoid damaging the filling.
Choose the right detergent: Use a bleach free laundry detergent to protect delicate fabrics and fillings.
Select water temperature: Wash your weighted blanket using cool water or warm water. Avoid hot water, as it can damage the fabric or beads and may cause stains to set.
Tip: For best results, always wash your weighted blanket separately to prevent damage and ensure a thorough clean.
Check the care tag. Always confirm what materials and wash settings are recommended. For minor stains, the blanket can be spot cleaned instead of washing the whole blanket.
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 it out. The twisting can stretch seams and create clumping inside. When drying, whether air drying or using a dryer, make sure the weight is evenly distributed to prevent clumping. If using a dryer, select a low setting to avoid damage. Then, hang the blanket over a chair or railing and let it air dry. It should be fully dry in about 3 hours.
Sometimes, machine washing just isn’t possible—maybe your washer is too small, or your weighted blanket’s care label recommends a gentler touch. No worries! Hand washing a weighted blanket is a safe and effective way to keep it clean without risking damage.
Start by checking the care label to make sure hand washing is suitable for your blanket. Fill a large bathtub or sink with cold or lukewarm water, and add a small amount of mild detergent—make sure it’s bleach-free and skip the fabric softeners to protect the fabric and filling. Submerge the entire blanket, ensuring it’s fully covered, and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes. If you notice any stains or dirty spots, gently scrub them with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush.
Once the blanket has soaked, drain the tub and rinse thoroughly with cold water until all soap is gone. Carefully lift the blanket out, supporting its weight to avoid stretching the fabric or seams. Lay the blanket flat on a clean surface, making sure the weight is evenly distributed, and let it air dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight and high heat, as these can fade the fabric or damage the filling. Depending on the thickness, air drying may take several hours or even overnight, but it’s the best way to keep your weighted blanket in top shape.
We get asked this a lot: How do you dry a weighted blanket? 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!). For best results, try laying 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—clean weighted blankets are achievable with the right care. Some weighted blankets, especially those with delicate fabrics or special fillings, are best hand washed to preserve their quality. Regular washings, following the care label instructions, will help keep your blanket fresh and in good condition.
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 for most HomeSmart weighted blankets, as they are made to be cleaned at home with simple, gentle care. However, some weighted blankets with special fillings or delicate fabrics may need to be dry cleaned to maintain their quality. The heat and chemicals from regular dry cleaning can mess with the materials, so it’s just not worth the risk unless the care label specifically says the blanket should be dry cleaned.
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.
How often you should wash a weighted blanket depends on how much you use it and what it’s made of. If you snuggle up with your weighted blanket every night, plan to wash it every 1-2 months to keep it fresh and free from body oils, sweat, and everyday build up. For blankets that only come out occasionally, washing every 3-6 months is usually enough.
The type of filling and fabric also plays a role. Weighted blankets filled with plastic pellets or glass beads can absorb more oils and odors, so they may need more frequent washes. On the other hand, blankets made from natural fibers like cotton or bamboo tend to be more breathable and might not need to be washed as often. Always check the care instructions for your specific blanket.
To keep your weighted blanket clean between washes, spot clean any stains as soon as they happen and use a removable cover to protect the blanket from dirt and spills. Regular spot cleaning and using a duvet cover can help extend the time between full washes, keeping your blanket clean, fresh, and in great condition for longer.
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.
