Understanding Weighted Blankets and their Needs

What is a Weighted Blanket

A weighted blanket is a type of home-therapy tool that is designed to produce a kind of 'hug' effect. The gentle pressure spread across the body can have a calming and therapeutic effect, aiding in the reduction of anxiety and insomnia. Each blanket contains small items such as beads or pellets, which give it a certain weight. The weight of the blanket typically ranges from 4 to 30 pounds and is chosen based on the user's own weight. This type of blanket has become increasingly popular, especially for those who experience difficulty sleeping or have sensory processing disorders.

Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets are designed to contribute to better sleep and relaxation. They function based on the principle of deep pressure stimulation which can stimulate the production of serotonin, a hormone responsible for maintaining mood balance, and melatonin, which regulates sleep. People coping with disorders like autism, ADHD, anxiety, and insomnia have reported that the use of a weighted blanket helps them to feel more relaxed and improves their sleep quality.

Care and Maintenance of Weighted Blankets

While weighted blankets offer numerous benefits, they require special care when it comes to cleaning. Due to the materials used, they cannot simply be washed like regular blankets. Washing your weighted blanket properly is critical to maintaining its quality and effectiveness. Over time, natural oils from your skin, dust, and spills can dirty your blanket, leading to a decrease in its therapeutic benefits. This emphasizes the importance of washing and maintaining its cleanliness.

The Step by Step Guide on Washing a Weighted Blanket

Identifying Your Blanket’s Material

The very first step towards washing a weighted blanket involves identifying the fabric and filler materials used in it. Common materials used in weighted blankets include cotton, polyester, fleece, microfiber, and Minky, each with different washing recommendations. The filler materials are typically glass beads, plastic pellets, or organic substances like rice or barley. It's important to carefully read the care tag before attempting to wash a weighted blanket as the type of fabric and filler will dictate the washing method.

Preparation for Washing

To prepare your blanket for washing, first, check for any spots that may require pre-treatment. If there's a spill or stain, it's best to treat it as soon as possible to prevent it from setting. Apply a gentle stain remover to these spots and let it sit as recommended on the product before proceeding to wash the whole blanket.

Gentle Machine or Hand Washing Techniques

Most weighted blankets can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water, using a mild detergent. However, larger blankets may need to be hand washed or taken to a commercial laundromat with bigger washing machines. For hand washing, you'll want to fill a large tub with cold water and a mild detergent, submerging the blanket and gently agitating it with your hands.

Prolonging the Life of Your Weighted Blanket

Frequent Washing vs. Using a Cover

While it's important to keep your weighted blanket clean, frequent washing can lead to quicker deterioration of the blanket's quality. An excellent solution to avoid frequent washing is using a duvet cover. These covers, usually featuring easy-to-use ties, buttons or zip closures, can be removed and washed more frequently, thereby protecting the actual blanket.

Properly Drying Your Weighted Blanket

Drying methods can also significantly impact the longevity of weighted blankets. As a general rule, always avoid using high heat when drying. If the care tag allows, air drying is the most recommended method. Laying it flat to dry can prevent the fillers from clumping together, ensuring an even distribution of weight when it's used next.

Regular Vacuuming and Spot Cleaning

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your weighted blanket and keep it clean between washes. This includes regular vacuuming to remove any surface dirt or dust and spot cleaning to take care of stains as soon as they occur.