Jul 25, 2022
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket with Glass Beads
As far as natural sleep aids go, few are as popular as the beloved weighted blanket. These cozy blankets have gained a legion of devoted followers with their habit of reducing stress and promoting deeper sleep. The seemingly unstoppable trend has also spawned additional products, including a tension-reducing weighted eye mask and a luxurious weighted robe.
If you’re already a convert, you know that, eventually, there comes a time when your weighted blanket needs to be cleaned. Weighted blankets get dirty, just like any other type of bedding. And because they have different fabrics and filler materials, they often require different washing instructions and techniques.
Thankfully, washing a weighted blanket is surprisingly easy, especially when they contain a washer- and dryer-friendly filler material, like glass beads.
Why Choose a Weighted Blanket with Glass Beads?
Glass beads are considered the gold standard for weighted blanket fillers — and for good reason. This material is whisper-quiet at night, making little to no noise when you toss or turn in your sleep. They’re also much less dense than plastic poly pellets, which means you need fewer glass beads to achieve the desired weight.
Another perk of glass beads? They retain a minimal amount of heat, making them a cooler and more comfortable choice for hot sleepers.
Best of all, they’re environmentally friendly! With plastic waste causing enormous problems around the globe, glass stands out as an eco-friendly alternative, thanks to its infinitely recyclable quality and ability to save energy.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket with Glass Beads
You may recall from a previous blog post on how to wash a weighted blanket that we recommend washing your weighted blanket by hand. While this method may be slightly more time-consuming, it pays off in oh-so-many ways. Beyond saving money on your utility bill, handwashing increases the lifespan of your weighted blanket and saves your washing machine from unnecessary wear and tear.
Here's how to wash your glass bead-filled weighted blanket by hand.
- Spot clean your weighted blanket with a sudsy mix of mild dish soap and water.
- Fill your bathtub with cool water and pour in a gentle, non-toxic detergent.
- Put your weighted blanket in the tub and swish it through the water. If the blanket is particularly dirty, consider soaking it for 30 minutes.
- Lay flat to air dry.
However, we also know there may be times when you’re in a hurry, and you just want to pop your weighted blanket in the washing machine and be done with it. So, is it safe to put a weighted blanket with glass beads in the washer?
The answer is absolutely yes! Unlike plastic poly pellets, which can melt or burn at very high temperatures, glass beads can withstand high temperatures without losing their shape or affecting their quality.
Here’s how to wash your glass bead-filled weighted blanket in the washing machine:
- Check the care instructions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some weighted blankets have an outer layer that is machine-washable, but the insert itself may be handwash only.
- Ensure that your weighted blanket doesn’t exceed your washing machine capacity. If it clocks in at 20 pounds or more, consider going the handwashing route.
- Choose a mild detergent and wash in cold water on a gentle cycle or another setting with a low spin speed. Do not use fabric softener or bleach.
- Lay flat to air dry.
How Often Do I Need to Wash My Weighted Blanket?
If the thought of washing your weighted blanket sounds like a chore, take comfort in the fact that you don’t have to do it very often — four to six times a year should do the trick.
Note that four to six times per year is the ideal washing frequency for the weighted insert only. The outer layer should be washed weekly to keep it free of germs and allergens. That’s why we always recommend getting a weighted blanket cover with your purchase. With an easy-to-remove outer cover, washing your weighted blanket couldn’t be easier!
Keep Your Weighted Blanket Fresh and Clean for a Good Night’s Sleep
While some weighted blankets can be tossed in the washer and dryer with no problem, others need a little more care and attention. Luckily, weighted blankets containing glass beads are usually a breeze to wash. Armed with these tips, you can skip another night sleeping under a dirty weighted blanket and enjoy its soothing pressure to its full extent.
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