Can you put a 20lb weighted blanket in the washer

Can You Put a 20lb Weighted Blanket in the Washer? Expert Advice on Care and Cleaning

As a seasoned expert in home economics and housekeeping, I often receive questions about the proper care of specialty items, and weighted blankets are certainly high on that list. The short answer to whether you can put a 20lb weighted blanket in your home washer is: it depends, but extreme caution is advised, and often, it's not recommended for standard machines. Let's delve into the details to ensure your blanket stays in pristine condition and your washing machine remains undamaged.

The Care Label is Your First Commandment

Before attempting any cleaning method, your absolute first step must be to locate and thoroughly read the care label stitched onto your weighted blanket. This label is the manufacturer's definitive guide, tailored specifically to the materials and construction of your blanket. It will specify whether the blanket is machine washable, hand washable, dry clean only, or spot clean only. Disregarding these instructions can lead to irreversible damage to your blanket, from uneven weight distribution to tearing or melting of fillers.

Understanding Your Weighted Blanket's Construction

Weighted blankets are designed with various materials, all of which impact cleaning recommendations:

• Outer Cover Material: Common materials include cotton, fleece, minky, or even bamboo. Some blankets have removable covers, which simplifies cleaning significantly.
• Inner Weight Material: This is the crucial component.
  • Glass Beads: Small, sand-like, and smooth. Generally durable but can be heavy.
  • Plastic Poly Pellets: Larger, pea-sized plastic beads. Also durable.
  • Rice, Beans, or Grains: Some DIY or older blankets might use organic fillers. These are NEVER machine washable as they will swell, rot, and create mold.

Machine Washing a 20lb Weighted Blanket: Proceed with Extreme Caution

If your care label explicitly states "machine washable," you still need to consider several critical factors, especially for a blanket weighing 20 pounds.

Washer Capacity and Strain

A 20lb dry blanket will absorb a significant amount of water, easily doubling or tripling its weight. This means your washer could be attempting to agitate and spin a load weighing 40-60 pounds.

• Standard Top-Loaders (with agitator): These are generally not suitable. The agitator can tangle and damage the blanket, and the weight can severely strain the machine's motor and suspension, potentially leading to costly repairs.
• Front-Loaders (high-efficiency without agitator): These are usually better equipped to handle heavy loads due to their tumbling action. However, a 20lb blanket is pushing the limits of even large-capacity home front-loaders. You need a machine with a capacity of at least 4.5 cubic feet, preferably larger. Just as knowing how to wash down pillows in front load washer properly protects your delicate down, understanding the unique needs and weight limits of a weighted blanket is key to its longevity and your appliance's health.
• Commercial or Industrial Washers: If your care label allows machine washing, a commercial-grade washer at a laundromat is often the safest bet for blankets this heavy. These machines are built to handle very large and heavy loads.

Recommended Washing Procedure (If Machine Washable)

If you proceed with machine washing and your machine can handle the weight:

1. Check for Damage: Inspect the blanket for any tears or loose stitching. Washing a damaged blanket can cause the filler material to leak out, potentially damaging your washer and plumbing.
2. Gentle Cycle: Always use the most gentle cycle available (e.g., "Delicate," "Bulky," or "Hand Wash").
3. Cold Water: Use cold water to prevent shrinking, fading, and potential damage to filler materials.
4. Mild Detergent: Opt for a mild, gentle detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or fabric softeners, which can degrade the blanket's materials and fillers.
5. Balance the Load: If possible, wash the blanket by itself. If your machine struggles with balance, you might add a couple of towels to help distribute the weight, but this also increases the overall load.
6. Extra Rinse: Consider an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed, especially with heavy fabrics.

The Safer Alternatives

1. Spot Cleaning

For minor spills or stains, spot cleaning is often the best first line of defense, especially if the blanket has a non-removable cover or is too heavy for your washer.

• Blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth.
• Use a mild soap (like dish soap or gentle laundry detergent) mixed with water.
• Gently dab the solution onto the stain, working from the outside in.
• Rinse the area by dabbing with a clean, damp cloth until all soap residue is gone.
• Allow the area to air dry completely.

2. Hand Washing (For Removable Covers or Lighter Blankets)

If your blanket has a removable cover, clean the cover according to its specific care instructions. For items as delicate as a weighted blanket's outer cover or even how to wash silk pillowcase by hand, a gentle touch is always paramount.

If the entire blanket must be hand-washed (and it's not excessively heavy, which a 20lb blanket might be), use a large tub or bathtub:

• Fill the tub with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent.
• Submerge the blanket and gently agitate it with your hands.
• Allow it to soak for 15-30 minutes.
• Drain the soapy water and refill with clean, cool water to rinse. Repeat until all soap is gone.
• Gently press out excess water without twisting or wringing the blanket.

3. Professional Cleaning

For large, heavy weighted blankets (especially those 20lbs and over) without removable covers, professional cleaning is often the safest and most recommended option. Dry cleaners or specialty laundry services have industrial-grade machines and expertise to handle such items without damaging them or your home appliances.

Drying Your Weighted Blanket

Drying a weighted blanket properly is just as critical as washing it, if not more so. Improper drying can lead to mildew, mold, and damage to the filler material.

• Air Drying is Preferred: Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface or use a sturdy drying rack. Ensure good air circulation. This might take several days, and you'll need to flip and rotate it regularly to ensure even drying. While you might easily learn how to iron cotton sheets on the bed for a crisp look, a weighted blanket requires a completely different approach to drying, prioritizing thoroughness over speed.
• Tumble Drying (Use with Caution): If the care label permits tumble drying, use the lowest heat setting (air fluff or extra low heat). Add dryer balls to help fluff and separate the blanket. Check frequently and redistribute the blanket to prevent overheating and ensure even drying. This can still take many hours, potentially straining your dryer's motor and heating elements.
• Ensure Complete Dryness: Never store a weighted blanket that is even slightly damp. Any residual moisture can lead to mildew and an unpleasant odor.

In conclusion, while some 20lb weighted blankets might be technically machine washable, the practicalities of doing so in a home washer are often challenging and risky. Prioritize the care label, consider the capacity of your appliances, and opt for professional cleaning or spot cleaning when in doubt. A little extra care will ensure your weighted blanket provides comfort for years to come.

More tips in the section Sleep Environment Hygiene & Closet Systems