How many people, like me, only realized that sleep quality is a significant issue in life after entering the workplace! To improve my sleep, I bought a weighted blanket in Ruijing. It was worth the money! I can sleep better at night and have more energy the next day. Now, I can't live without it.
However, the problem also comes with washing the weighted blanket.
It is heavy and oversized, and it can't be stuffed into the ordinary washing machine at home, so it must be sent to the laundry room.
What's worse, after washing and drying, the blanket's filling becomes unevenly distributed and bumpy, losing its original comfort.
So, I decided to study how to wash and maintain the weighted blanket correctly and labor-savingly. I will share my experience with you today, hoping to help friends troubled by the "blanket washing problem" like me!
So, I decided to study how to wash and maintain the weighted blanket correctly and labor-savingly. I will share my experience with you today, hoping to help friends troubled by the "blanket washing problem" like me!
Why Is the Weighted Blanket So Challenging to Wash?
Weighted blankets are difficult to clean, mainly because of their unique structure. They are usually composed of an outer fabric and an inner filler (such as glass beads, plastic particles, or steel balls) to create a profound pressure stimulation effect because the weight is evenly distributed. But machine washing will destroy its structure.
Therefore, the key to washing a weighted blanket is to avoid using a washing machine. Yes, you heard it right. It may be more laborious, but it is worth it.
Then, how can we handy-wash a weighted blanket?
1.Refer to the washing label first, don't be lazy!
The washing label on every weighted blanket is a life-saving guide.
If your weighted blanket is filled with glass beads, the label will clearly say "not machine washable" and can only be hand washed or spot cleaned.
If unsure whether your blanket can be machine washed, please check the washing label first. Don't try blindly, like I did, and almost broke my washing machine.
2.Handwashing: Is spot cleaning a better option?
Wash your weighted blanket by hand or opt for spot cleaning in specific areas. Weighted blankets often have special fillings inside, and using a washing machine fails to clean them properly and can also damage the blanket. This will significantly reduce its lifespan & effectiveness. I've learned this the hard way—trust the experience of someone there!
My method is:
● Soak the blanket in cold or warm water (not exceeding 30℃) and add a mild detergent.
● Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the dirty areas gently, using a light touch. Don't use too much force; otherwise, the filling will shift.
● After rinsing, use a towel to absorb excess water and avoid wringing it directly.
3.If you still prefer to machine wash
Some weighted blankets have tags that indicate they can be machine-washed. While hand washing is gentler on the blanket, you can still improve the washing results with the following steps:
● Please place it in a laundry bag before tossing it into the washing machine.
● Set the water temperature below 30°C and choose the gentle cycle.
● Don't forget to remove it from the washer as soon as possible. Weighted blankets are more prone to retaining odours than regular blankets.
4.Drying is important
Don't wash it too often!
When I first started using the gravity blanket, I always felt it was easy to get dirty, and I wanted to wash it once a week. Later, I found that frequent washing will damage the structure of the blanket, especially the blanket filled with glass beads, which are easy to shift if washed too much. Now, my cleaning frequency is:
● Regularly check for stains or dirt that need cleaning. If you spot any, wipe them off with a damp cloth or use some laundry detergent for spot cleaning, then let it air dry.
● Every 3-4 months, I soak the blanket in soapy water or diluted laundry detergent for a few hours, then wash it by stepping on it in a large tub or bathtub (this method is quite common in China or Korea—try it once, and you'll see how effective and effortless it is!).
If you have someone to help, try wringing out the blanket. If not, no worries—hang it on an outdoor clothesline or an indoor drying rack to air dry. And don't forget to pick a sunny day for this! UV rays are a hundred times better than any dryer!
Maintenance Tips: Looks New Even After Long Use
1.Give it a 'clothing'
I equipped the gravity blanket with a removable cover to reduce the time it needs to be washed. The blanket cover can be machine washed, which is convenient and hygienic and protects the blanket from wear and tear.
2.Regularly exposed to the sun
Gravity blankets easily absorb moisture, so I take them to the balcony to dry them occasionally. Sunlight can not only kill bacteria but also keep the blanket fluffy.
3.Too much friction is not good
The filling of gravity blankets is very delicate, especially blankets filled with glass beads or steel beads. Excessive friction will cause the filling to break. Therefore, be gentle when washing, and avoid dragging during regular use.
Anyway, ...
Cleaning a gravity blanket is indeed a technical job. Still, as long as you master the correct method, it is not difficult. My experience is: Read the washing label more, wash less and dry more, clean locally, and treat gently. This sharing can help everyone so your gravity blanket can accompany us through every peaceful night like mine!
If you also have tips or concerns about cleaning gravity blankets, please send them to our email [Rui Jing's email], and we can solve this problem together!
