Common Mistakes When Washing Weighted Blankets

Common Mistakes When Washing Weighted Blankets (And How to Avoid Them)

Washing your weighted blanket might seem straightforward, but there are common mistakes when washing weighted blankets that can lead to damage. Whether it’s using the wrong detergent, setting the water temperature too high, or not drying it properly, these errors can reduce the lifespan of your blanket and compromise its quality. The good news? All of these mistakes are avoidable with the right knowledge! 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common mistakes people make when washing weighted blankets—and how to avoid them.

1. Using Hot Water

One of the most frequent mistakes is washing your weighted blanket in hot water. While it may seem like a good idea for sanitizing, hot water can shrink certain fabrics, cause colors to fade, and even damage the weighted filling.

Solution: Always wash your blanket in cold or warm water, depending on the care label. Cold water is safer for most materials, helping preserve the fabric’s integrity while still effectively cleaning the blanket.

Learn more about proper washing in our guide on How to Wash a Weighted Blanket.

2. Using Harsh Detergents

Another mistake is using harsh or regular household detergents. Weighted blankets are often made with delicate fabrics that need mild, hypoallergenic detergents. Harsh detergents can cause the fabric to break down over time or irritate sensitive skin.

Solution: Choose a gentle detergent specifically formulated for sensitive fabrics or hypoallergenic needs. This will help preserve your blanket’s softness and durability.

Check out our recommendations for Best Detergents for Washing Weighted Blankets.

3. Ignoring the Care Label

Each weighted blanket is made from different materials and has unique care instructions. Ignoring the care label is a sure way to damage your blanket, as the manufacturer’s recommendations are specific to the fabric and filler used.

Solution: Always read and follow the care label instructions to avoid damaging your blanket. Whether it suggests hand washing, machine washing, or avoiding certain detergents, the label is there to guide you.

4. Overloading the Washing Machine

A common mistake is stuffing your weighted blanket into the washing machine with other laundry. The extra weight, especially when wet, can cause strain on both the machine and the blanket, leading to uneven cleaning or even damage to your washer.

Solution: Wash your weighted blanket alone in a large-capacity machine to avoid overloading. If your washer isn’t large enough, consider using a commercial laundromat with industrial-size machines.

5. Using Fabric Softener

While fabric softener may seem like a way to keep your blanket extra cozy, it can actually damage certain fabrics or leave a residue that makes the blanket feel greasy or less breathable.

Solution: Skip the fabric softener. Instead, opt for a mild detergent and rely on air drying or tumble drying with dryer balls to keep the blanket fluffy.