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Posted By: Meredith O'Connor
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Posted On: 11/20/2025
Weighted blankets may seem like they can handle anything, but they’re actually quite delicate. Depending on the material, whether there’s fill and what it’s made of, washing a weighted blanket the wrong way can easily result in clumping or shifting fill, torn fabric, and an overall less comfortable blanket. That’s why it’s so important to wash a weighted blanket with care—and make sure you’re using gentle, non-toxic laundry products to clean it.
Not all weighted blankets are made the same, and their care instructions aren’t uniform, either. So the most crucial step when it comes to washing a weighted blanket is looking at the care label to find out if it’s machine washable, must be hand washed, is spot clean only, or is dry clean only.
Plastic pellets: Wash in cold water, air-dry only
Steel shot beads: Hand or machine-wash, air-dry only
Smooth pebbles: Hand wash only, air dry only
Organic material (corn, beans, rice): Do not wash, spot clean only
Sand: Do not wash, spot clean only
Micro-glass beads: Hand wash only, air-dry only
Before you wash your weighted blanket, look for any spots or stains and pre-treat them. Avoid using conventional laundry stain removers that contain harsh ingredients like formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic fragrances, and artificial dyes—all of which can damage weighted blanket fabrics and put your health at risk.
Instead, opt for gentle, non-toxic stain removers that are free of these harmful additives. Use this quick guide to choose the right Truly Free Home stain remover for every type of stain.
Best for: organic stains like wine, coffee, or blood.
How to use:
Best for: stubborn or set-in stains. Do not use on delicate fabrics.
How to use:
Best for: grease-based stains like makeup, cooking oil, butter, or salad dressing.
How to use:
Cleaning a weighted blanket doesn’t have to be complicated; you just have to make sure you’re doing it properly. Follow these simple instructions for how to machine wash a weighted blanket and how to hand wash a weighted blanket to keep yours fresh, cozy, and in great shape.
If your weighted blanket is machine washable but over 20 pounds, take it to the laundromat. Your washing machine at home isn’t equipped to handle that type of weight, and ignoring this guidance could seriously damage your washer.
Step 1: Place weighted blanket in the washing machine, making sure that it’s spread out as evenly as possible to ensure a thorough clean.
Step 2: Add a ¼ to a ½ cap of Truly Free Home Laundry Wash to the laundry detergent dispenser, depending on the size and weight of your weighted blanket, along with a ¼ to a ½ cap of Truly Free Home Softening Rinse.
Step 3: Wash on a cool, gentle cycle.
If your weighted blanket can’t go in the washer, don’t worry. These simple steps will show you how to hand wash it safely and effectively.
Step 1: Fill a bathtub or large basin with cool water.
Step 2: Add a ¼ to a ½ cap of Truly Free Home Laundry Wash to the water, depending on the size and weight of your weighted blanket.
Step 3: Gently swish the water and laundry detergent with your hand to mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Add weighted blanket to the water. Let the weighted blanket soak for at least an hour.
Step 5: Remove weighted blanket from the tub, allowing excess water to drip out.
Step 6: Drain the tub and refill it with cold water.
Step 7: Place the weighted blanket back in the tub and squeeze to remove lingering laundry detergent.
Step 8: Repeat until all suds are gone and the water is clear.
There are times when your weighted blanket might need a good refresh, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be washed (like when the pets have taken it over as their own). For situations like this, simply give your weighted blanket a spritz with Truly Free Home Odor & Stain Eliminator. This non-toxic deodorizer uses natural enzymes to digest odors at the source, no toxic chemicals involved.
Drying is just as important as washing when it comes to keeping your weighted blanket in good condition. The safest method for drying a weighted blanket is always to air dry. Lay the blanket flat on the floor or on a large drying rack in a well-ventilated area—good airflow prevents moisture from getting trapped, which can lead to mildew or lingering odors.
Once the blanket has dried a bit, give it a gentle shake to redistribute the fill and ensure it dries evenly. Depending on the weight and fabric, full drying can take several hours, but patience is key. Skip the shortcuts. Air drying helps preserve both the material and the integrity of the weighted fill.
How frequently you wash a weighted blanket really depends on how often you use it. If it’s part of your nightly routine (or you’re someone who never watches TV without it), aim to wash it about every three weeks.
If you use it more sparingly—only on weekends, during colder seasons, or whenever you need extra comfort—you can stretch that to every three to four months. And don’t forget: deodorizing between washes with Truly Free Home Odor & Stain Eliminator helps keep your blanket fresh without overwashing.
A few common laundry habits can cause serious damage to a weighted blanket. Here’s what to steer clear of:
1. Fabric Softener: Traditional fabric softeners leave behind a silicone coating that can break down fabrics, trap odors, and expose you to unnecessary toxic chemicals. Instead, use Truly Free Home Softening Rinse, which softens the water—not your blanket’s fibers—so you get a cozy, clean finish without the toxic residues.
2. The Dryer: Even on low heat, many weighted blanket fillings can melt, clump, or lose their shape. Tumble-drying can also strain stitching and weaken the blanket over time. Air drying is the safest option every time.
3. Hot Water: Hot water can shrink, warp, or stress delicate fabrics. Always use cool or cold water to protect the fibers and preserve the blanket’s weight distribution.
4. Direct Sunlight: It’s fine to dry outdoors in the shade, but avoid placing your weighted blanket in direct sunlight. UV rays can fade fabrics and weaken fibers over time.
