How to care for your weighted blanket? 5 Rules to extend its lifespan
Quick guide: 3 most important rules
✓ Removable cover = wash every 2-4 weeks
✓ Inner blanket = only when needed, max 2x yearly
✓ Temperature = maximum 85°F, delicate cycle
1. Washing the cover: Your weekly ritual
How often?
Every 2-4 weeks or more frequently if:
- You have allergies or asthma
- You sweat at night
- A child uses it
- Pets have access
Step-by-step instructions
Before washing:
- Unzip internal zipper
- Unfasten all 8 attachment loops
- Gently remove blanket from cover
- Turn cover inside out
Washing:
- Temperature: max 30°C
- Cycle: delicate/cotton
- Detergent: mild, no bleach
- Spin: low speed (max 800 rpm)
- Never: fabric softener, chlorine, bleach
Drying:
- Best: air dry, hung up
- Dryer: low heat if necessary
- Avoid: direct sunlight (color fades)
2. Cleaning inner blanket: Only when necessary
When to clean?
The inner blanket rarely needs washing – the cover protects it. Clean only when:
- You spilled liquid directly on blanket
- After illness (as precaution)
- Once every 6-12 months for freshness
Spot cleaning (Best option!)
For small stains:
- Damp cloth + mild detergent
- Gently wipe stains
- Blot with towel
- Leave until completely dry
Machine washing (Last resort)
Check first:
- Can your washer handle the weight? (minimum 15-17 lb capacity)
- Does the blanket label allow washing?
If yes:
- Cold water ((max 30°C)
- Extra delicate cycle
- Double rinse (remove all detergent)
- Low spin
Drying:
- Lay flat horizontally
- Flip every few hours
- Ensure filling is dry (prevents mold)
- May take 24-48 hours
Dry cleaning: Safest option
For 20+ lb blankets or valuable models, trust professionals. They have proper equipment.
3. Daily habits that protect your blanket
Morning routine (2 minutes)
- Air out blanket – spread for 10-15 min
- Shake gently – distribute filling evenly
- Don't cover immediately with pillows – let it breathe
Weekly
- Vacuum cover with soft brush
- Check zippers and loops – everything working?
- Rotate blanket – top/bottom for even wear
Monthly
- Air outside (in shade!) – 2-3 hours
- Check seams – nothing coming apart?
- Check filling – evenly distributed?
4. Storage: When not in use
Daily basis
Fold and place:
- In dry location
- Not in vacuum bag (damages filling!)
- Away from sharp objects
Longer term (Seasonal)
- Wash cover
- Clean blanket
- Completely dry (crucial!)
- Place in cotton bag (not plastic)
- Keep in dry, ventilated space
Never:
- Hang on hanger (deformation)
- Pack wet/damp
- Leave in humid basement
5. Mistakes you must avoid
❌ Top 5 blanket destroyers
1. Hot water = Cover shrinkage, seam damage
2. Fabric softener = Coating on filling, blanket loses properties
3. Too high spin = Filling clusters in one place
4. Washing too often = Accelerated fabric and seam wear
5. Insufficient drying = Mold, unpleasant smell, damage
Troubleshooting
Problem: Filling clusters in one spot
Solution: Lay blanket flat, gently redistribute by hand, shake. Check for damaged internal compartments.
Problem: Unpleasant smell
Solution: Air for several hours outdoors. If doesn't help – wash according to instructions.
Problem: Cover coming apart
Solution: Repair immediately! Small tear easy to sew. Larger = cover replacement.
Problem: Cover color change
Solution: Avoid direct sunlight and bleach. Once faded color won't return – consider new cover.
When to replace your blanket?
Even with ideal care, blankets have a lifespan. Replace when:
- Filling permanently clusters despite fixing
- Seams come apart in multiple places
- Cover is torn and difficult to repair
- Blanket loses therapeutic properties
Average lifespan: 3-7 years with proper care.
Summary: 3 Golden rules
- Cover often, blanket rarely – removable cover is your protection
- Gentleness above all – low temperature, mild products
- Dryness is key – moisture is blanket's biggest enemy
Proper care will extend your Pandreamora blanket's life by several years!