Weighted blankets are easy to live with when you know how to wash and dry them safely. The key is to treat the cover and the insert differently and to respect the weight limits of your washing machine. This UK care guide covers labels, laundrette options, drying methods that protect stitching, and storage so your blanket feels and smells fresh all year.
Deep pressure comfort comes from weighted blankets with breathable covers.
Check the label and construction
Start by reading the care tag. Many blankets have a removable cover that washes easily at home, while the inner insert needs extra care. Inserts are often stitched into small pockets filled with glass beads or pellets. Those pockets keep weight distributed. Aggressive spin cycles can stress the stitching and shift fill. If the care label forbids machine washing the insert, spot clean or use a larger commercial machine at a laundrette where the drum can handle the weight safely.
Can your machine handle the weight?
Home washing machines vary. A typical seven kilogram drum may struggle with a heavy insert plus water. Overloading can strain the motor and under wash the fabric. If the insert is five kilograms or more, consider a laundrette with high capacity drums. Washing covers at home and inserts at the laundrette is a common routine that keeps care simple and safe.
Washing the cover
Remove the cover, close any zips, and turn it inside out. Wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners if the fabric relies on breathability, as softeners can reduce wicking. Use cool or warm water based on the label. Dry the cover thoroughly before reattaching. Many covers can tumble on low, but air drying keeps fabrics feeling new for longer.
Washing the insert
If your insert is machine washable, choose a gentle cycle with cool or warm water and a slow spin. Do not cram other items in with it. Extra items can create uneven loads that twist the insert. If machine washing is not allowed, spot clean with a cloth and mild detergent, then air dry. Some brands allow hand washing in a bath, followed by careful pressing to remove excess water. Take care not to wring or hang the insert from one end, which can strain stitching.
Drying without damage
Dry the insert flat if possible. Lay it on a clean rack or several towels and turn periodically so moisture escapes evenly. If the label allows tumble drying, use low heat and check every fifteen minutes. Add clean tennis balls to help redistribute the fill. Stop while the insert is slightly damp and finish air drying so heat does not overwork the fabric. Ensure the insert is completely dry before putting it back into the cover to prevent musty smells.
Storage between seasons
When you put the blanket away, make sure both insert and cover are fully dry. Fold loosely and store flat on a shelf rather than hanging from one corner, which can distort the fill pockets. Keep it in a breathable cotton bag if you have one. Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture. Store in a cool, dry cupboard to protect fabrics and stitching.
Freshness and small fixes
Air the blanket on a clothes horse for an hour every week, especially in humid months. Sunlight helps freshen, but avoid leaving dark fabrics in direct sun for hours to prevent fading. If you notice a small stitch coming loose on a pocket, fix it promptly with a few neat stitches. Catching small issues early prevents fill from shifting and keeps weight distribution even.
Removable covers and easy‑wash designs feature in weighted blankets for UK homes. For balanced warmth and pressure, many pair a blanket with breathable sheets and a suitable seasonal duvet.
FAQs
Can I wash a five kilogram insert at home?
It depends on your machine. Many seven kilogram drums struggle. A laundrette with larger drums is safer for both the insert and your washer. Covers are usually fine at home.
How do I dry a weighted blanket quickly?
Use low heat in a large dryer if the label allows and finish air drying. Drying flat at home is slower but protects stitching. Avoid hanging from one end.
How often should I wash it?
Wash the removable cover every few weeks. The insert needs less frequent washing unless it is soiled. Airing weekly keeps the blanket fresh between washes.
