Yes, a 12 lb weighted blanket can typically be washed, but the specifics can depend on its materials and the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Dos and don’ts of washin ga 12lb blanket
Dos
- Do check the care label: Always consult the care instructions provided by the manufacturer before washing your blanket.
- Do use a gentle cycle: When washing your weighted blanket in the machine, opt for the gentle cycle to prevent damage.
- Do use cold water: Cold water is usually recommended for washing weighted blankets to help maintain the integrity of the materials.
- Do use mild detergent: Harsh chemicals can damage the blanket’s fabric and the weighted filling. A mild detergent is typically a safer choice.
- Do use a duvet cover if possible: A removable duvet cover can keep your weighted blanket clean, reducing the frequency of washing the blanket itself.
- Do spot clean when possible: Instead of washing the entire blanket, spot clean small stains to extend the life of your blanket.
- Do air dry or use low heat setting on your dryer: Once washed, it’s typically best to air dry your weighted blanket or use a low-heat tumble dry setting. Check the blanket’s care instructions to confirm.
Don’ts
- Don’t use hot water: Hot water can cause shrinkage or damage to the materials in your blanket.
- Don’t use fabric softeners: They can leave a residue that makes the blanket feel scratchy and can build up over time.
- Don’t overload your washing machine: Make sure your blanket fits comfortably in your machine and doesn’t exceed its weight limit.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach: These can deteriorate the fabric and weighted materials over time.
- Don’t hang to dry: Hanging a wet, heavy blanket can cause it to stretch or put strain on the seams. It’s better to air dry it on a flat surface.
- Don’t store it while it’s still damp: Make sure your blanket is fully dry before storing it to avoid mildew or mold.
5-step guide to washing a 12 pound weighted blanket in the washing machine
Step 1
Check the Care Label
Before doing anything, always consult the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your blanket. This will let you know whether the blanket can be machine washed and will provide specific instructions if it can be.
Step 2
Prep the Washing Machine
Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle. This setting is usually the safest option for washing weighted blankets as it minimizes agitation. Ensure that your machine can handle the weight of your blanket to avoid potential damage.
Step 3
Load the Blanket and Detergent
Place your blanket evenly in the machine to balance the load. Add a mild detergent, preferably one without harsh chemicals. Avoid using hot water, instead opt for cold water which is typically gentler on the blanket’s materials.
Step 4
Wash the Blanket
Start the wash cycle. Once the cycle is complete, double-check that the blanket is clean and that no detergent residue is left.
Step 5
Dry the Blanket
After washing, you can dry your blanket on a low-heat setting in your dryer if the care instructions permit this. Alternatively, you can air dry the blanket on a flat, clean surface. Make sure the blanket is completely dry before using or storing it to prevent mold and mildew growth. Avoid hanging the blanket to dry, as its weight may strain and stretch the fabric and seams.
FAQs
Can I machine wash my 12 lb weighted blanket?
Typically, yes. But you should always check the care instructions from the manufacturer before washing your blanket.
What setting should I use on my washing machine?
Use the gentle cycle on your washing machine. This minimizes agitation and helps prevent damage to the blanket.
What type of detergent should I use?
It’s generally best to use a mild detergent, and avoid ones with harsh chemicals. Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Can I use hot water to wash my weighted blanket?
Most manufacturers recommend using cold water to wash weighted blankets to prevent shrinkage and damage to the material.
Can I dry my weighted blanket in the dryer?
It depends on the blanket’s materials and the manufacturer’s instructions. Many blankets can be dried on a low-heat setting. However, air drying on a flat, clean surface is usually a safe option.
Can I use fabric softener or bleach when washing my weighted blanket?
It’s usually best to avoid these. Fabric softeners can build up and make the blanket feel scratchy, and bleach can break down the fibers over time.
How often should I wash my weighted blanket?
The frequency depends on usage. If you use it every night, it’s recommended to wash it about once every three weeks. If you use it less frequently, washing it once every few months is usually sufficient.
Is it beneficial to use a removable duvet cover with my weighted blanket?
Yes, a removable duvet cover can help keep your weighted blanket clean, reducing the need for frequent washes. The cover can typically be washed more often and more easily than the weighted blanket itself.
Can I hang my weighted blanket to dry?
It’s generally not recommended to hang a wet, heavy blanket to dry. The weight can cause it to stretch or strain the seams. Instead, air dry it on a flat surface or use a low-heat setting on your dryer, if permitted by the care instructions.
Can my home washing machine handle a 12 pound weighted blanket?
Most home washing machines should be able to handle a 12 lb blanket, but it’s always a good idea to check your machine’s maximum load capacity in the manual to be sure.
Final thoughts ðŸ’
Typically, 12 pound weighted blankets can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Using a removable duvet cover can help keep the blanket clean, reducing the frequency of full washes. Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, and fabric softeners as they can damage the blanket.
After washing, the blanket can be dried on a low-heat setting in a dryer or air-dried on a flat surface, but it’s not recommended to hang it due to its weight. It’s important to ensure the blanket is fully dry before using or storing it. Always verify that your home washing machine can handle the weight of your blanket. The frequency of washing will depend on usage but usually ranges from once every few weeks to once every few months.
Next check out: Can you wash a 25 lb weighted blanket?
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