Most weighted blankets are filled with plastic pellets and glass beads.
Well, today, I’m going to share how to wash a weighted blanket with glass beads inside it.
Weighted blankets are big trendy items today. Some of these blankets are filled with glass beads while others have plastic pellets inside them. Despite their proven benefits, there is usually a big problem: how do you clean weighted blankets, especially those that have glass beads inside?
It’s undeniable that after a while, the weighted blanket will get stinky and need some washing.
But how in the world do you wash a 20-30 pound blanket with glass beads inside it?
Washing a Weighted Blanket in the Machine
- Use cold water
- Set machine to gentle cycle
- Use a mild detergent, such as Tide
- Avoid bleach
- Keep off fabric softeners too
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket with Glass Beads
The following are the steps for washing a weighted blanket that contains glass beads:
Step 1: Check the Manufacturers Tag
The first step you always want to do is to have a look at the manufactures tag to confirm that indeed, the blanket is filled with glass beads.
Some manufacturers also indicate the weight of the blanket on the tag.
Also, look out for any ripped parts. If you find tears, mend them before putting the weighted blanket into the washing machine.
That will prevent further damage.
Step 2: Remove Stains Using Stain Remover
You need to consider pre-staining based on how dirty the blanket is.
If the weighted blanket has stains on it, just spray a bleach-free stain remover and rub it with a brush before beginning your washing.
This step is not necessary if you have been using a duvet cover.
Step 3: Check the Capacity of Your Machine
The washing machine’s capacity is really important. What is the load capacity of your washing machine?
Make sure that the pound capacity of the washer is above the weight of your blanket.
Capacity of washing machine: Some weighted blankets weigh more than 20 pounds. In that case, use a commercial-size washing machine at a laundromat.
A laundromat service will save your small washing machine from potential damage caused by the heavy blanket.
Water temperature: Fortunately, for blankets with glass beads that normally don’t melt, you can clean in warm cycles.
Step 4: Add a Mild Detergent
Mild detergents are recommended for weighted blankets because you want to minimize wear and tear.
An example of detergent we recommend is Tide Gentle.
Harsh chemicals are usually abrasive to the fabric.
Since each fabric has its own instructions, always check the instructions from the manufacturer.
Step 5: Air-dry the weighted blanket
Surprisingly, weighted blankets made of glass beads dry very fast.
The speedy drying is because the pellets do not absorb any water during washing. Build a strong shower bar to hang the blanket until it is dry.
If possible, dry it horizontally.
Be careful not to hang-dry a weighted blanket on one end because it can put a strain on the side.
Machine drying: You can also dry the weighted blanket in a machine but at a low-heat cycle.
Step 6: Hide Wrinkles using a Duvet Cover
A duvet cover that fits your weighted blanket would be awesome as a way of taking care of the blanket.
Glass beads do not melt and therefore, you can iron them at low heat.
You should not iron a weighted blanket because it could melt under too much heat.
Ironing might also cause the pellets on the inside to shrink, especially if they are made of plastics.
Pro Tips for Washing Weighted Blankets
- This article is not about how to wash a duvet cover. If your weighted blanket has a duvet cover, simply pull it and wash just like a duvet cover.
- Confirm that indeed what’s inside the weighted blanket is glass beads. The good news is that if it is filled with glass beads, then it is machine-washable.
- Blankets with steel shot beads cannot be washed inside the machine. Steel fillings are very heavy and could rip the fabric during washing.
- Don’t wash the weighted blanket that has organic materials such as corn and rice because you run the risk of mold and bacteria.
How Many Times Should You Clean a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket should be cleaned 2-3 times a year.
If it is in a duvet cover, do not exceed two times. However, all these depend on the types of stains and how dusty your room is.
Excessive washing, like 4, 5, 6 times a year will cause wear and tear and affect its softness.
Do Weighted Blankets Need Duvet Covers?
Yes, you should use a duvet cover with your weighted blanket.
One of the best ways to maintain your weighted blankets is to use a duvet cover.
Removable duvet covers will protect your blanket from ugly stains and awful smells. That way, you will not have to go through all the troubles of washing the weighted blanket too often.
Besides, it is much easier to clean a duvet cover even in a washing machine with a small load capacity.
How to Hand Wash a Weighted Blanket
The benefits of handwashing include minimizing damage for your machine and reducing wear and tear.
If you happen to be interested in making your weighted blanket with glass beads to last longer, these are steps you can take to hand wash it:
- Fill your bathtub (or any water container) with cold or lukewarm water.
- Next, pour in your laundry detergent and make sure to distribute it evenly.
- Place your pretreated weighted blanket into the mixture of water and laundry detergent.
- Start kneading your weighted blanket using your hands.
- After several minutes of kneading, replace the water with fresh water.
- Remove the weighted blanket from the water container to drain it.
- Lastly, take some time to carefully wring any excess water out of your blanket.