Because of its many medical uses and capacity to enhance the quality of sleep, weighted blankets have become very popular. These blankets, which are commonly filled with glass beads, provide light pressure that helps reduce tension, anxiety, and sleeplessness. But in order to keep a weighted blanket useful and long-lasting, cleaning it needs extra attention. In this article, we will explore the nuances of cleaning a weighted blanket loaded with beads, particularly glass beads. We’ll go over machine and hand washing techniques as well as the essential procedures for effective drying.
Recognizing Beaded Weighted Blankets
Prior to beginning the washing procedure, it’s essential to comprehend how a weighted blanket with beads is put together. To maintain constant pressure, the beads—which are often made of glass—are spaced equally across the blanket’s divisions. Weighted blankets are distinguished from conventional ones by their distinctive design, and it is essential to preserve this balance during washing.
How to Hand Wash a Weighted Blanket with Beads
Cleaning your weighted blanket by hand is a delicate but efficient way to keep the fragile beads intact. Take heed to these detailed recommendations to guarantee a complete but cautious hand-washing procedure:
Check for Stains
Before starting the washing process, inspect the blanket for any stains or spots. If you spot any, pre-treat them with a mild stain remover or a mixture of water and gentle detergent.
Fill a Bathtub or Large Basin
Fill a bathtub or a large basin with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the fabric and affect the integrity of the beads.
Use a Gentle Detergent
Add a small amount of gentle detergent to the water. Make sure it is suitable for delicate fabrics and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that could harm the beads.
Submerge the Blanket
Gently submerge the weighted blanket into the water, ensuring that it is fully immersed. Allow the blanket to soak for 15-20 minutes to loosen any dirt or oils.
Gently Agitate the Water
Carefully agitate the water with your hands, ensuring that the detergent is evenly distributed. Avoid excessive rubbing or wringing, as this can cause stress on the seams and compromise the bead compartments.
Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water and refill the tub or basin with clean, lukewarm water. Rinse the weighted blanket thoroughly until all detergent is removed.
Press Out Excess Water
Gently press out excess water from the blanket. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can lead to uneven distribution of the beads.
Dry Flat
Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry towel. Smooth out any wrinkles and reshape the blanket to its original size. Allow it to air dry completely before using or storing.
How to Machine Wash a Weighted Blanket with Beads
While hand washing is often recommended for weighted blankets, some blankets may be machine washable. Before attempting to machine wash your blanket, check the manufacturer’s care instructions and guidelines. If your weighted blanket is suitable for machine washing, follow these steps:
Pre-treat Stains
As with hand washing, check for stains and pre-treat them before placing the blanket in the washing machine.
Use a Large Capacity Machine
Ensure that you have access to a large capacity washing machine to accommodate the size and weight of the blanket. Overcrowding the machine can lead to uneven washing and drying.
Choose a Gentle Cycle
Select a gentle cycle with a slow spin speed to minimize stress on the blanket’s seams and bead compartments. Use cold or lukewarm water to prevent damage to the fabric and beads.
Use a Mild Detergent
Add a small amount of mild detergent to the washing machine. Choose a detergent that is free from harsh chemicals and additives.
Place the Blanket in a Mesh Bag
To protect the weighted blanket during the wash cycle, place it inside a large mesh bag. This extra layer helps prevent damage to the fabric and minimizes the risk of beads escaping.
Avoid Fabric Softeners
Skip the use of fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue on the blanket and affect the texture of the fabric.
Inspect After Washing
Once the machine wash is complete, carefully inspect the blanket for any damage or loose beads. If any beads have escaped, repair the seam before proceeding to drying.
How to Dry a Weighted Blanket with Beads
Proper drying is as crucial as the washing process to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your weighted blanket. Follow these steps to dry your blanket safely:
Air Dry Whenever Possible
The best way to dry a weighted blanket is by air drying. Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry towel, smoothing out any wrinkles. Ensure that the blanket is evenly spread to maintain the balance of the beads.
Avoid Hanging
Avoid hanging the weighted blanket to dry, as this can put stress on the seams and cause uneven distribution of the beads. Hanging may also result in a misshapen blanket.
Rotate Periodically
During the air-drying process, periodically rotate the blanket to promote even drying. This helps prevent any potential clumping of beads in specific areas.
Use Low Heat in the Dryer (If Necessary)
If air drying is not feasible, use a large capacity dryer with low heat settings. Place the blanket inside the dryer along with clean, dry towels to absorb excess moisture.
Monitor Regularly
Regularly check the blanket for dryness to prevent over-drying, which can affect the fabric and the beads. Remove the blanket from the dryer as soon as it is fully dry.
Fluff the Blanket
Once the blanket is dry, fluff it gently to redistribute the beads evenly. This step ensures that the blanket maintains its original weight distribution.
Conclusion
Carefully cleaning a beaded weighted blanket is necessary to maintain its long-term therapeutic effects. It’s crucial to follow the right procedures whether you decide to hand wash or machine wash to protect the fabric and preserve the uniform distribution of glass beads. Furthermore, meticulous drying is essential to maintain the integrity of the beads and the blanket’s overall efficacy. You may continue to benefit from your weighted blanket’s comfort and therapeutic qualities for many years to come if you follow these care instructions.