Can you dry a weighted blanket

Cuddling up with a cozy weighted blanket at the end of a long day is one of life’s simple pleasures. For many, it’s not only a therapeutic tool to help relieve chronic stress and worry — it’s also an effective natural sleep aid that encourages a deeper, more restorative night’s sleep. 

Given its many uses, it’s no surprise that weighted blankets can get dirty fairly quickly. The oils and sweat from our skin can transfer over to the blanket while we sleep or seek refuge in its cozy embrace during times of stress. For this reason, most people should wash their weighted blankets once every few weeks to eliminate oil, sweat and other unwanted debris. If you have pets, travel with your weighted blanket or often wrap yourself in it while eating snacks, you may need to wash it more frequently.

Luckily, cleaning a weighted blanket is fairly simple, especially if you have an outer protective cover. (You can check out our ultimate guide to washing a weighted blanket here).

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If the care instructions don’t say anything about how to dry a weighted blanket, defaulting to air drying may be the smartest choice. Dryers can shrink or ruin certain fabrics, and hot tumble-drying can take a heavy toll on your beloved blanket. 

On top of keeping your weighted blanket in tip-top shape, air drying will:

• Save you money. Air drying a weighted blanket is much cheaper than running your dryer or taking your blanket to the laundromat. In fact, it’s free!
• Help the environment. Dryers are often the third-most energy-intensive home appliance in many households, after the refrigerator and washing machine. By taking the time to air dry your weighted blanket, you can do your part to curb emissions and reduce your household’s carbon footprint.
• Put less wear and tear on your dryer. Putting large, heavy loads in your dryer can strain the drum, belt, pulley and spindle bearings, ultimately shortening the machine’s lifespan. It also makes your dryer less efficient because heavy loads tend to block the flow of warm air inside, causing uneven drying. 

If you are unsure how to air dry a weighted blanket, here are a few failsafe tips.

1. Consider investing in a heavy-duty drying rack

Your flimsy wooden drying rack may work well for drying your clothes, but it’s probably not heavy enough to hold a sopping wet weighted blanket. For better results, consider investing in a heavy-duty drying rack made of stainless steel.

2. Try the two-chair method

If you’d rather not shell out the money for a brand-new drying rack, you can make a temporary one using two chairs. Space the chairs apart and drape the blanket over the top as though you’re making a blanket fort. The excess water will drip to the bottom and evaporate into the air. 

3. Lay it out

Another option is to lay your weighted blanket on a flat surface to dry. With this method, you’ll want to place towels underneath to absorb moisture and keep the blanket from getting dirty.

4. Flip the blanket periodically

Every few hours or so, try flipping your weighted blanket around on the drying rack. This will help speed up the drying process and ensure that the blanket dries evenly.

5. Use a duvet cover 

To make washing and drying your weighted blanket easier, consider buying a duvet cover. With a weighted blanket duvet cover, you can simply remove the weighted insert and hang the outer protective covering up to dry.

You might be asking this question if your weighted blanket is taking a long time to air dry and you want to use it as soon as possible. The good news is that most weighted blankets, including our cooling weighted blanket and top-rated Gravity Weighted Blanket, can be tumbled dried on a low heat setting. But again, be sure to check the care label first. 

If you’re drying your weighted blanket at home, follow these tips to minimize damage to both your dryer and your blanket:

• Check the dryer every so often to ensure the blanket is drying properly and you’re not overtaxing the machine.
• Set it to a slow spin to avoid overloading the motor.

Another option is to take your weighted blanket to the laundromat. Washing and drying your weighted blanket at a laundromat is convenient and will help reduce the wear and tear on your washer and dryer. 

Shop Our Gravity Weighted Blanket

To answer the original question: yes, most weighted blankets can go in the dryer — but only tumble dry low. It’s important to check the care label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before you wash or dry your weighted blanket. And when in doubt, stick to air drying! 

How to wash a weighted blanket? And how to stroke it

The weighted blanket is a useful product for the home that improves the quality of life of thousands of people, normalizes their sleep and the state of the nervous system. The deep touch pressure method is widely used in the treatment of anxiety, ADHD, autism, insomnia and depression. A heavy blanket is not cheap, but we recommend that you consider it as a kind of investment in your health and sound sleep. In order for the blanket to serve you for a long time, you need to properly care for it. Certain requirements apply to washing. nine0003

Since the weight blanket is used regularly, perhaps daily, it will need to be washed from time to time. If a weighted blanket is used over a sheet or other comforter, washing it several times a year is enough. If it is in contact with the body, it will have to be done much more often. nine0003

Weighted duvet includes dozens of pockets containing weights. The latter can be polygranules, glass beads and even rice.

Features of care of a blanket depend on a filler. The fabric also matters: when sewing, fleece, satin, flannel, polyester, cotton are used.

To maintain the performance of the fabric and weighting, it is important to follow the washing instructions.

Weighted blanket in washing machine

How to wash a weighted blanket?

First of all, it is worth remembering that the weighted blanket is washed in cool water, separately from other things.

The standard washing machine can hold a product weighing up to 12 kg. Washing machines in laundries are larger than household appliances, so blankets that are too large will have to be taken to the laundry.

Use only mild detergents without bleaches and dyes, do not use washing powders that are marketed as intensive cleansing products. nine0003

Drying a weighted blanket must also follow certain rules. The best option is natural drying. The high temperatures in the dryer can damage the fabric or warp the filling.

We dry the weighted blanket in natural conditions

Taking care when drying this product will prolong its life and help keep the duvet in a usable condition for a long time.

When drying on a regular clothesline, make sure that the heavy blanket hangs neatly and evenly, otherwise it will lose its shape. Too damp blanket can be dried on the edge of the tub. nine0003

Most washing machines have a spin function. Sometimes a heavy blanket requires two spin cycles to help remove excess water.

If, after removing the item from the washing machine, it is too wet, you will need to wring it out by hand before hanging it on a clothesline or placing it in the dryer.

Washing a weighted blanket in the laundry

If the blanket weighs more than 12 kg, you will have to wash it in the laundry. They have large and roomy washing machines that are suitable for such things. nine0003

If you live far from the laundry, it can be inconvenient to take a blanket there all the time. In this case, we recommend using the product together with a duvet cover. This greatly simplifies care: just send the duvet cover to the machine, having previously studied the requirements for washing.

However, even with a duvet cover, a weighted duvet needs care. Hang it outside on a sunny day and leave it in the fresh air: the ultraviolet will destroy the bacteria.

If heavily soiled, the weighted blanket will need to be washed. In this case, strictly follow the instructions from the manufacturer, consider the weight of the product. nine0003

What should I avoid when caring for a heavy duvet?

As we mentioned, use only mild detergents without bleach or abrasive particles. It is not recommended to use conditioners, the components of which can accumulate in the fibers of the fabric and make the blanket "prickly".

Chlorine-based bleaches gradually break down the fibers of the material, causing the weighted blanket to become unusable quickly.

Remember that the weighted blanket is specific, which means that it must be washed in a special way. nine0003

Can the weighted blanket be ironed?

Do not iron this product. Many people are accustomed to ironing bed linens so that they do not look wrinkled. However, such care is not suitable for a weighted blanket.

Even if the fabric is iron resistant, the filling will most likely not withstand high temperatures. The plastic beads will melt and the glass beads will be difficult to move on the ironing board due to their heavy weight.

Cotton duvet cover can be ironed, but polyester and fleece do not withstand high temperatures. nine0003

The duvet cover should be washed according to the manufacturer's instructions, but even in this case it is better to avoid aggressive bleaches.

Care instructions for certain types of fabrics

Here is a list of the most common materials that are used in the manufacture of a weighted blanket, as well as the rules for caring for these materials.

Cotton

This is an inexpensive fabric that is easy to care for. Cotton is great for creating an all-weather blanket or a model with a cooling effect. nine0003

Wash the weighted cotton duvet separately in cold water. Other items in the washing machine will cause excessive fabric friction and wear.

When washing, use a mild chlorine-free detergent with a little vinegar to keep the color of the duvet bright. Air conditioning is not recommended.

Flannel

Soft fabric that is suitable for people with increased sensory sensitivity. The material can be washed in cold or warm, but not hot water, high temperatures in the dryer are also not recommended. nine0003

Immediately after drying in the dryer, remove the weighted blanket: prolonged exposure to a high temperature environment will dry out the fibers of the material.

If you have removed excess water from the blanket, you can dry it naturally.

Fleece

Weighted fleece blanket can be washed separately in warm water. If stains need to be removed, soak the product in water for 45 minutes before the main wash.

Fleece is a material that allows the use of a conditioner. Be sure to rinse your weighted blanket thoroughly after using it. nine0003

The best option for drying is outdoor drying.

Plush minky

This is a soft and durable fabric that is great for weighted duvets. Wash these duvets with a mild detergent diluted in water. If there are stains on the surface, scrub them with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water.

Avoid too hot water and high temperatures in the dryer - plush is sensitive to such influences.

Blended fabric (viscose and linen)

This is a strong and fairly light material that is often used to make weighted blankets. In the manufacture of viscose, wood fibers are used, which are chemically processed.

Viscose is easily deformed, so the weighted blanket is only dry-cleanable. Some manufacturers allow washing in a washing machine, so it is recommended that you read the instructions first. Drying is allowed only in a natural way, in the fresh air.

The appearance of a stain on a weighted blanket is far from uncommon. Here are the most common pollution and how to deal with them.

Coffee stains

To remove coffee stains from a heavy blanket, use the following instructions:

• Dissolve a small amount of laundry detergent and vinegar in water.
• Apply the mixture to the stain.
• Scrub the stained area with a toothbrush. nine0155
• Leave solution for 10 minutes.
• Wash off with water.

These steps can be repeated several times until the stain disappears completely.

Red wine stains

To remove these stains, apply vinegar to the stain and leave for 10 minutes. Then blot the stain with paper towels. If this method does not help, use an enzymatic stain remover in accordance with the instructions.

Urine stains

Urine has an acidic composition, which makes such stains very persistent. If the stain is still fresh, use soap and water. nine0003

For old stains, use an enzymatic stain remover, which can also be added to the wash water. Sometimes the unpleasant odor persists even after washing, in which case the weighted blanket can be washed several times.

Pins

Weighted blanket has a specific texture and composition, special care requirements.

Remember that 9-10 kg is the maximum weight for washing in a washing machine at home. If you're not sure if a heavy blanket can fit in your machine, it's best to take it to the laundry. nine0003

A duvet cover or protective cover is the best way to simplify the care of such products. It can be washed as often as you like according to the manufacturer's instructions.

By adhering to the washing, drying and stain removal recommendations above, you will prolong the life of your weighted blanket and maintain its useful performance.

How a weighted blanket helps get rid of insomnia

January 29, 2022 Likbez Life nine0003

You are waiting for a description of the design, advice on choosing the ideal model and care, contraindications and more.

You can listen to the short version of the article. If it's more convenient for you, turn on the podcast.

What is a weighted blanket and how it works

A weighted blanket is a blanket that is significantly heavier than a regular blanket and weighs between 2 and 13 kg.

As a rule, such products are quilted. They have many pockets, each of which is filled with a weighting agent. It can be:

• glass or metal beads;
• plastic pellets;
• buckwheat husks;
• sand.

In general, any bulk material can be used. The main thing is that it provides the right weight, is clean, hypoallergenic and does not deteriorate from moisture.

Sometimes manufacturers refer to large blankets knitted from thick yarn as weighted blankets. There is no filler in them, and they weigh less than classic models.

Who needs a weighted blanket

Presumably, such products were invented in the late nineties. The authorship is attributed either to the biologist Temple Grandin or to the entrepreneur Keith Zivalich. Grandin had an autism spectrum disorder, and the heavy blanket—she called it a "hugging machine"—was used by the scientist first on her own, and later on children with a similar diagnosis. Zivalich, on the other hand, came up with the blanket by accident: noticing that heaviness helps him calm down. He launched mass production under the brand name Magic Weighted Blanket. His products were tested by social educators on children with special needs - and were satisfied with the results. nine0003

Manufacturers of weighted blankets are now positioning them primarily as a help for people with autism spectrum disorders. Back in 1999, Temple Grandin and her colleagues found that a "cuddle machine" helped relieve anxiety in children with autism. Later, the results were repeatedly confirmed by small experiments.

There are several other conditions in which a weighted blanket can be helpful. But it is important to understand that no one has yet conducted large-scale studies with a good representative sample. All scientific works on this topic are quite modest, with a small number of participants. This means that the results cannot be extrapolated to everyone, and the blanket may not have the desired effect on you. These states include:

• Insomnia. So, participants in a small study, thanks to a weighted blanket, began to fall asleep faster, their sleep became deeper, calmer and longer, the number of night awakenings, movements and twitches decreased.
• Anxiety and depression. Participants in the experiment, covered with heavy blankets, noted not only an improvement in the quality of sleep, but also a decrease in the symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders. These results are supported by another small study that looked at people with anxiety. nine0155
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The experiment showed that thanks to the weighted blankets in children with this diagnosis, sleep can improve. In addition, there are studies not with blankets, but with vests that work in a similar way. These products helped the participants to calm down, concentrate and cope better with their studies.
• Stress. So, of 32 adults who rested under 13-kilogram blankets, 78% noted that it helps them calm down. In very stressful situations, this also works: people who were nervous about the upcoming extraction of a tooth, after using a heavy blanket, were slightly less worried than the control group. nine0155

In addition, a healthy person can sleep under a weighted blanket - if he is so comfortable.

Why a weighted blanket helps you sleep better

The use of a weighted blanket is considered one of the varieties of so-called deep touch therapy, or deep pressure therapy (deep touch pressure). Its essence is to gently, but tangibly press on the human body with palms, massage it. Such actions help activate the parasympathetic system and calm the sympathetic system, that is, “switch” a person from the “fight or flight” mode that starts in stressful situations to rest mode. nine0003

Gentle pressure on the body reduces the production of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases the secretion of dopamine, the pleasure neurotransmitter.

This is the physiological side of the issue. But there is also a psychological one. In the reviews, people who use a weighted blanket say that it "grounds", creates the effect of a hug, a cocoon. As if you are protected from all sides, you are warm and calm. Something like swaddling for those who have already grown out of infancy.

Who should not use a weighted blanket

Despite the encouraging results of research, such products are not always useful and harmless. Here are the contraindications commonly listed by blanket manufacturers and physicians:

• Less than two years of age. Babies should absolutely not be covered with heavy blankets, and it is not so important that inside there are glass balls or, for example, more traditional down and feathers. It is necessary to choose only light products and blankets that will definitely not block the child’s nose and will not squeeze the chest. nine0155
• Bronchial asthma.
• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
• Claustrophobia.

If you or your child has mental disorders, chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system or respiratory organs, problems with thermoregulation, it is better to consult with your doctor before buying a weighted blanket.

It is also worth considering that such products are just salvation for some, while others are completely unsuitable. On the Internet you can find reviews from people who, on the contrary, could not sleep well: it was too hard and hot. nine0003

How to choose the perfect weighted blanket

The main thing in such a blanket is its weight. It should be 5-10% of your body weight. It is also important to choose a size that will be comfortable for you, taking into account your height.

There are additional factors to consider.

• Fabric. It is better to choose natural materials that are breathable and not too rustling, such as cotton.
• Weight. Some manufacturers use plastic pellets, which, according to advertising, adjust to human body temperature and are able to absorb or, conversely, give off heat. As planned, under such a blanket should not be hot. But really, it's hard to say. Reviews about this filler are contradictory. nine0155
• Open pockets. Some duvets have zippers in each compartment. This allows you to remove part of the weighting agent to adjust the weight, or pour out the whole thing in order to wash the product without any problems.

How to care for your weighted blanket

There are several options.

The small baby blanket can simply be washed in the washing machine and then dried flat.

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