Do you remember the last time you cleaned your weighted blanket? If you're like me, probably not. I've owned mine for over six years, and since moving out on my own, I haven't had the courage to lug it to the laundromat to clean it. But now I think the time has come...
There are two factors that play in to how you should be caring for your weighted blanket: how much it weighs and what it's filled with.
We tapped cleaning expert Rechelle Balanzat to explain everything you need to know to clean your weighted blanket, as well as sleeping experts Dr. Janet Kennedy and Dr. Maja Schaedel to provide insight on the benefits of picking the right one. Plus, we rounded up a list of the best weighted blankets, accessories and cleaning products to shop now ahead of winter, including a couple of must-have Shop TODAY Sleep Award winners.
Is there a simple way to wash a weighted blanket?
First things first: check the care label! It'll keep you from guessing the right care instructions and potentially damaging your blanket, according to Balanzat.
If it's machine-washable, Balanzat says using a commercial washing machine (like one at a laundromat) is best. She also recommends using gentle settings and a mild detergent — no bleach or fabric softeners to avoid damage to the blanket.
If your weighted blanket isn't machine-washable, Balanzat suggests two different methods: spot cleaning and hand-washing.
- Spot cleaning: "For small stains, use a mild detergent and a damp cloth," she says. "Dab the area gently to avoid over-saturating the filler."
- Hand-washing: In this case, Balanzat recommends using your bathtub as a mock washing machine — kneading the blanket while washing. Then, rinse it out thoroughly and press excess water out — do not wring it out.
How should you dry a weighted blanket?
Again, check the care label to see if your weighted blanket can be dried in the dryer. And if it can, Balanzat recommends using "a low-heat setting if the care label allows, but avoid high heat to protect fillers like glass beads or poly pellets."
When air drying a weighted blanket, find a surface large enough for it to be laid out, then let it sit for an appropriate amount of time. For even drying, Balanzat suggests flipping it every so often.
Owners of weighted blankets should also be mindful of their contents. Certain types of fill (rice, sand, beans and other organic filling) are more absorbent than other types of fill, like beads or pellets. Because of this, they can become moldy if not left to dry properly.
The best weighted blankets to shop
If you're interested in one that has more of a traditional blanket look and feel, opt for this pick from Target. It also comes complete with loops on the inside for tucking it securely in place under a duvet cover.
Casper recommends selecting the blanket that's 10% of your body weight for the most optimal use, a.k.a. the goal of getting a good night's sleep.
The brand also says the fabric was inspired by "performance outerwear," hoping not to trap heat and implementing a quilted, coat-like design.
Associate editor Allie Wise tested this budget-friendly weighted blanket as part of the Shop TODAY Sleep and Bedding Awards.
“I don’t know how I’ve gone this long in life without using a weighted blanket, as this one helped me wind down better than a good book or cup of tea,” Wise previously told us. “This budget-friendly blanket is super soft, durable and comes in a variety of colorways. Also, as someone who moves around a lot in their sleep, this trusted blanket helps me stay in one place.”
This weighted blanket can double as décor, thanks to its hand-knit design. Whether you choose to drape it over a blanket ladder or keep it as a layer on your bed, it's available in different weights that make it safe for the entire family to use.
This weighted blanket is well-loved by multiple Shop TODAY editors, who praise the lightweight feel of the fabric, its weight distribution and the way it still manages to look stylish draped over a bed or couch.
“I’ve been using this weighted blanket for over a year now and whenever I sleep somewhere that’s not my own bed, I find myself missing it,” says writer Emma Stessman. “The weight isn’t overly heavy, but it provides a comfortable pressure that basically feels like a big hug and is ultra comforting as you sleep.”
Both Stessman and associate editor Kamari Stewart named this blanket their favorite. “I used to only sleep with it in the summertime because the material is good for then, but I now sleep with it all year long because this one really hits different,” Stewart says.
The best cleaning products to shop
For spot cleaning, our editors trust Miss Mouth's. It's been known to get coffee stains out of white tees, wine stains out of the couch and can surely get small stains out of any weighted blanket.
"I have been using this detergent for years and it has never steered me wrong," says Wise. I have sensitive skin, and this detergent keeps my clothes soft and doesn't make my skin itchy or red."
Other weighted sleep accessories to shop
This kid-friendly plush disguises itself as a stuffed animal, but weighs three pounds to help give them a calming feeling as they're winding down for a nap or a good night's sleep.
"I never really liked traditional eye masks — I’d never tried one that completely blocked out light," says writer Danielle Murphy. "However, since this one is weighted, it does a great job keeping any source of light out of sight. The weighted feature is really comfortable and helps me get into a more relaxed state."
Similar to the weighted plush, give this pillow a squeeze whenever you need a simple soothing feeling. Not only will the weight prove to be calming, but the fabric itself is soft to the touch and oh so cozy.
With a pocket in the middle that both warms your hands and makes this pillow easy to hug tight, it also includes a bag that allows you to take it on the go.
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How we chose
The inspiration behind this article came from a topic we were naturally curious about, as many editors on our team own weighted blankets — and they could use a good cleaning, if we're being honest. We interviewed cleaning and sleep experts to ask our burning questions, knowing there are others who also need them answered.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on how to clean weighted blankets. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Rechelle Balanzat is the CEO and founder of Juliette, a laundry service based in New York City.
- Dr. Janet Kennedy is a clinical psychologist and the founder of NYC Sleep Doctor.
- Dr. Maja Schaedel is the co-founder and director of The Good Sleep Clinic.
- Our top picks
- Is there a simple way to wash a weighted blanket?
- How should you dry a weighted blanket?
- The best weighted blankets to shop
- The best cleaning products to shop
- Other weighted sleep accessories to shop
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?
- How we chose
- Meet the experts