How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

by Alescia Ford MS OTR/L, ATP June 06, 2019

How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

When purchasing a weighted blanket, it is important to consider the overall construction and design that will affect washability. Not all outer layers of weighted blankets are created equal.

Just like you would put your down comforter inside of a fabric shell, some weighted blankets offer a washable outer layer that can be customized by fabric texture, color, or pattern. These make it easy to remove the cover and wash just the outside, as you would with a duvet cover.

When washing the outer cover of your weighted blanket, be sure to fasten velcro, snaps, zippers, or buttons before washing to avoid snags and wash with like colors.

Other weighted blankets are constructed fully sewn together, making the entire blanket washable but the cover is not removable.

Note: If you have a larger and heavier bed-sized weighted blanket without a removable cover, this could require professional laundering so you don’t max out your washer/dryer’s capabilities!

When the entire blanket needs to be washed, this is when the interior material contents are most importantly considered!

What’s Inside Your blanket?

Cotton fill, polyfill, poly pellets, glass bead, or DIY filler? The contents in your weighted blanket will affect washability and durability. Be sure to keep this in mind as you may not be able to dry some interior materials on high heat.

Some blankets are made with food, such as rice or beans, which probably won't do well in the wash!

Harkla weighted blankets can be machine washed, but make sure to use a cold water gentle cycle. You can also put both pieces in the dryer on low heat. However, do not use fabric softener with the minky outer cover!

For other weighted blankets, always consult the washing instructions that should have come with your blanket purchase. In the event that none exist, err on the side of caution and dry with low heat or lay to dry (and use the dryer as no-heat fluff option if desired).


Want to Learn More About Weighted Blankets?

Check out more articles on the Harkla Blog about weighted blankets:

Alescia Ford MS OTR/L, ATP
Alescia Ford MS OTR/L, ATP

Alescia Ford-Lanza MS OTR/L, ATP is an Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Practitioner with over 15 years of pediatric experience. She specializes in educationally-relevant interventions with a focus on sensory integration and assistive technology supports to learning.

Alescia strives to help children by fostering a love of learning and supports families with her parent-friendly, informative blog posts. Alescia founded Adapt & Learn, LLC on the mission that children of all abilities can play, learn, adapt, and develop with the right therapeutic, family, and educational supports.

You can get more information on Alescia and her practice at www.adaptandlearn.com.


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