03 Jan The Best Way to Wash Weighted Blankets and Specialty Bedding

Weighted blankets and speciality bedding require extra care during cleaning to ensure they remain functional, comfortable, and long-lasting. With the proper techniques, you can maintain the integrity of your bedding while keeping it fresh and hygienic. Here is the best way for washing weighted blanks and specialty bedding.

Why Proper Care Matters

Weighted blankets and specialty bedding are not like regular blankets or sheets. Their unique construction and materials require a tailored approach to cleaning. For instance, weighted blankets often contain fillers like glass beads or plastic pellets, which can shift or get damaged if washed improperly. Similarly, specialty bedding, such as silk sheets or memory foam pillows, can lose their softness, structure, or durability when handled carelessly.

Proper care ensures that your investment lasts longer while maintaining its comfort and functionality. Clean bedding also promotes better hygiene, which is essential for a healthy sleep environment. Dust, allergens, and bacteria can accumulate over time, especially in heavily used items, making regular and appropriate washing crucial.

By dedicating time to learn the correct washing techniques, you not only preserve the quality of your bedding but also save yourself from the frustration of costly replacements. In short, taking care of your bedding is an investment in both its longevity and your sleep quality.

Washing Weighted Blankets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning your weighted blanket doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple steps, you can keep it fresh and functional without causing any damage.

Step 1: Check the Care Label

Always start by reading the care label attached to your weighted blanket. It contains essential details about washing instructions, such as whether the blanket is machine washable, safe for hand washing, or requires professional cleaning. Ignoring these guidelines can lead to unnecessary wear and tear.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

Inspect the blanket for any stains or spots. Use a gentle, non-toxic stain remover and a soft cloth to pre-treat stains. Test the remover on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t discolour or damage the fabric.

Step 3: Choose the Right Washing Method

• Machine Washing Weighted Blankets

For machine-washable blankets, follow these steps:

1. Place the blanket in a front-loading washing machine to prevent damage caused by agitators.
2. Select a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can weaken the fabric or shrink the blanket.
3. Add a mild detergent without harsh chemicals or fabric softeners. These can break down the fibres or affect the filling.
4. Wash the blanket on its own to allow thorough cleaning and reduce stress on the fabric.

• Hand Washing Weighted Blankets

If the blanket isn’t machine washable, hand washing is a safe alternative:

1. Fill a large basin or bathtub with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent.
2. Submerge the blanket completely, ensuring the detergent reaches all areas.
3. Gently knead the fabric to loosen dirt and oils. Avoid wringing or twisting the blanket, as this can cause the filling to shift.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all detergent residues.

Step 4: Dry the Blanket Properly

Proper drying is essential to maintain the shape and structure of your weighted blanket.

• Air Drying: Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface, such as a drying rack or a clean towel on the floor. Flip the blanket every few hours to ensure even drying and prevent mould or mildew.
• Tumble Drying: If the care label allows, use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting. Add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer drum. These help distribute the weight evenly and prevent clumping of the filler material. Avoid hanging the blanket, as this can cause the weight to shift and distort the blanket’s shape.

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Tips for Washing Specialty Bedding

Speciality bedding, such as silk sheets, memory foam pillows, or duvets, requires extra care to maintain quality and comfort. These unique items often have delicate fabrics or materials that can easily be damaged if handled improperly. Follow these tips to keep your speciality bedding in excellent condition.

Pillows and Duvets

• Use a Large Washer: If your duvet or pillow fits into your washing machine, use a large-capacity washer to prevent overcrowding. This ensures even cleaning.
• Choose Gentle Cycles: To avoid damaging the filling or stitching, opt for a delicate or wool cycle with cold or lukewarm water.
• Dry with Care: Use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting, and add dryer balls to prevent clumping. For natural down duvets, thoroughly dry them to avoid any damp odours or mould.

Silk or Satin Bedding

• Use a Special Detergent: Wash silk or satin sheets with a detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Regular detergents can strip the fabric’s natural sheen and softness.
• Cold Water Only: Always use cold water, as heat can shrink or damage these materials.
• Air Dry Flat: Lay silk or satin bedding flat to air dry, as hanging can lead to stretching or misshaping.

Memory Foam Bedding

• Spot Clean Only: Memory foam cannot be fully immersed in water without risking damage to its structure. Instead, use a damp cloth with mild detergent to clean stains.
• Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: Gently blot stains instead of scrubbing to preserve the foam’s integrity.
• Freshen Up: Sprinkle baking soda on the surface and vacuum it off after a few hours to remove odours.

Weighted Duvet Covers

• Wash Separately: Wash duvet covers separately to prevent other fabrics from tangling with the ties or buttons.
• Gentle Detergent: Use a mild detergent to avoid damaging the material or fading colours.

Electric Blankets

• Disconnect Cords: Before cleaning, remove all cords and controls. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the blanket is washable.
• Gentle Cycle: Use a delicate wash cycle with cold water.
• Air Dry Flat: Allow the blanket to air dry completely before reconnecting the electrical components.

General Tips for All Specialty Bedding

• Wash in Small Loads: Avoid overloading your machine to ensure thorough cleaning.
• Close Zippers and Ties: Before washing, fasten zippers and secure ties to prevent snagging.
• Rotate and Fluff: During drying, rotate items to ensure even drying and prevent damp spots.

Read More:

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How Often Should You Wash Weighted Blankets and Specialty Bedding?

Regularly cleaning weighted blankets and speciality bedding is essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring they remain comfortable and functional. However, over-washing can wear out fabrics and fillings, so finding the right balance is key.

Washing Weighted Blankets

The frequency of washing weighted blankets depends on how often you use them and whether they have a removable cover:

• With a Duvet Cover: Wash the cover weekly or biweekly, similar to regular bedding. Clean the inner weighted blanket every 1 to 2 months or sooner if spills or stains occur.
• Without a Cover: If your blanket doesn’t have a protective cover, aim to wash it every 2 to 4 weeks, mainly if it’s used daily.

Pro tip: Use a duvet cover to minimise the need for frequent washing and to protect the inner blanket from stains and wear.

Specialty Bedding

The type of speciality bedding you own will determine how often it should be cleaned:

• Silk or Satin Sheets: Wash these delicate materials every 1 to 2 weeks to maintain theirness and cleanliness.
• Pillows: Wash pillow covers weekly, but clean the inner pillow every 3 to 6 months. Check for odours or stains and adjust the frequency as needed.
• Duvets: Clean duvet covers weekly, but wash the inner duvet every 2 to 3 months unless it’s heavily used or stained.
• Electric Blankets: Spot clean as necessary, but wash them 2 to 3 times a year, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Memory Foam Items: Spot clean memory foam pillows or mattress toppers as needed. Refresh them with baking soda and vacuuming monthly to eliminate odours and dust.

Factors That Affect Cleaning Frequency

• Pets and Allergies: If pets sleep on your bed or suffer from allergies, wash your bedding more frequently to remove allergens, pet hair, and dander.
• Spills or Stains: Clean any affected bedding immediately to prevent permanent stains or odours.
• Seasonal Use: At the start and end of the season, give items like weighted blankets that are used more in colder months a thorough wash.

Final Thoughts

Washing weighted blankets and speciality bedding doesn’t need to be daunting. With proper preparation, the right cleaning products, and a little care, you can keep your bedding clean, fresh, and as good as new. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the best results.

Implementing these tips can extend the life of your bedding and ensure a cosy, hygienic sleeping environment for years to come.