How to Dry a Weighted Blanket: Tips for Best Results

Weighted blankets have become essential for anyone seeking better sleep and anxiety relief, thanks to their comforting, evenly distributed weight. But after you’ve washed your blanket, knowing how to dry a weighted blanket the right way is critical to maintaining its softness and durability. The last thing you want is a misshaped or clumped blanket after using the wrong drying process. 

So, what's the best way to dry a weighted blanket without ruining it?

Learn more about washing your blanket in our complete guide on How to Wash a Weighted Blanket (And Keep It Soft!)

Whether your blanket is made of cotton, fleece, or bamboo, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions for both air-drying and tumble-drying, plus insider tips on keeping your blanket in top condition for years to come.

Step-by-Step: How to Dry a Weighted Blanket

Drying your weighted blanket properly depends on the fabric and filler. Here’s how to make sure you do it right.

1. Air-Drying Your Weighted Blanket

For most weighted blankets, air-drying is the safest and most reliable method. This method protects the fabric from shrinking or overheating, and it’s the best way to ensure your filler stays evenly distributed.

Here’s how to air-dry your blanket correctly:

• • • 1. Lay it flat on a clean, flat surface like a drying rack, large table, or even a dry, clean floor.
      2. Avoid hanging it from a clothesline or over a railing—this can stretch out the fabric and cause the filler to shift to one side.
      3. Rotate the blanket every few hours to ensure even drying on both sides. This is key for avoiding clumping and ensuring all moisture evaporates.

Tip: Speed up air-drying by placing your blanket in a well-ventilated room, near a fan, or in front of an open window to improve airflow. However, avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause the fabric to fade or weaken over time.

2. Tumble-Drying Your Weighted Blanket

Tumble drying on low heat is an option for many machine-washable blankets, especially those made from cotton or polyester. However, always check the care label to ensure your blanket is dryer-safe.

Here’s how to tumble-dry your blanket properly:

• • • • Use a low-heat setting to prevent fabric damage or filler clumping. High heat can cause the inner filling to break down or melt, especially with plastic poly pellets.
      • Add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff up the blanket and prevent the filler from bunching up in one spot.
      • Check on the blanket every 20-30 minutes to make sure it’s drying evenly and not overheating.

Pro Tip: If your dryer has a no-heat air-dry setting, consider using it for the final drying stage to ensure the blanket’s inner filling is completely dry without exposure to heat.

Extra Tip: If you’re unsure about how to care for your blanket’s fabric or filler, always err on the side of caution by air-drying. For more general fabric care tips, visit the American Cleaning Institute for expert guidance.

Mistakes to Avoid When Drying a Weighted Blanket

Even if you're careful, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that could damage your weighted blanket. Let’s go over some of the most frequent errors and how to avoid them.

• • • • Using High Heat: High heat in the dryer can warp the fabric and destroy the filler material, especially for blankets with plastic poly pellets. Always stick to a low-heat or no-heat setting to protect your blanket.
      • Hanging the Blanket: While it’s tempting to hang your blanket up to dry, the weight can stretch the fabric, causing the filler to shift to one side and creating an uneven distribution. Always dry it flat. For more tips on proper washing techniques, check out our guide on How to Wash a Weighted Blanket (And Keep It Soft!)
      • Overloading the Dryer: Avoid drying other items along with your weighted blanket. Its weight demands space to dry evenly, and overloading can damage both the blanket and your dryer.
      • Not Checking for Moisture: A weighted blanket might feel dry on the outside, but moisture can still be trapped inside the filler material. Make sure to check for damp spots before storing your blanket, as trapped moisture can lead to mold or mildew.

Drying Time: How Long Does It Take to Dry a Weighted Blanket?

The drying time depends on both the fabric and the filling material of your weighted blanket. Here’s a quick breakdown of how long it takes with each method:

• • • • Air-Drying: Typically takes between 24-48 hours, depending on the blanket’s weight, the fabric type, and the environment’s humidity. You’ll want to rotate the blanket periodically for even drying.
      • Tumble-Drying: Can take 3-4 hours on a low heat setting. However, check the blanket every 20-30 minutes to ensure it’s not overheating or clumping up inside the dryer.

If your blanket is particularly thick or heavy, it might need additional air-drying time after being tumble dried to ensure there’s no moisture trapped inside.

Pro Tip: For blankets filled with glass beads, always air-dry if possible, as they can handle longer drying times better than plastic poly pellets.

Fabric-Specific Drying Tips: What Works for Each Type?

Your drying method should also depend on the material of your weighted blanket. Different fabrics respond differently to heat and air-drying, so here’s how to handle the most common ones:

• • • • Cotton: This fabric is relatively easy to care for and can usually handle low-heat tumble drying. However, air-drying is still the safest option, especially for blankets with cotton covers.
      • Minky or Fleece: These soft fabrics are more delicate and prone to pilling if exposed to too much heat. It’s best to air-dry them to maintain their plush texture.
      • Bamboo: Bamboo is delicate and highly breathable but shrinks easily. Always air-dry bamboo blankets flat to prevent shrinkage and fabric damage.
      • Wool or Cashmere: Wool and cashmere weighted blankets should never be tumble dried. These luxury fabrics need to be air-dried or taken to a professional cleaner to maintain their softness and shape.

Extra Tip: If you are unsure about your blanket’s fabric or filler, always err on the side of caution by air-drying a weighted blanket.