Can You Put a Weighted Blanket in the Dryer: Essential Care Tips

Weighted blankets are a popular aid for improving sleep and reducing anxiety, but their unique construction requires careful maintenance. One common question is whether these blankets can be safely dried in a household dryer, especially heavier versions like a 20lb blanket.

This article explores the dos and don’ts of drying weighted blankets, ensuring they continue to provide comfort without causing any damage to your dryer.

Can I Put a Weighted Blanket in the Dryer?

Whether or not you can put a weighted blanket in the dryer depends on several factors including the materials used in the blanket and the manufacturer’s care instructions. Here’s what you need to consider to determine if your weighted blanket can safely be dried using a dryer:

Material Considerations:

• Fabric Type: Weighted blankets made from durable fabrics like cotton or certain polyesters may tolerate the dryer better, provided they are set to a low heat or air-only cycle. Fabrics such as minky or fleece might require special care to avoid pilling or damage.
• Filler Material: The type of filling in the blanket is crucial. Blankets filled with plastic poly pellets or glass beads generally can handle low heat, but any filler that could melt or degrade, like plastic beads, should not be exposed to high temperatures.

Manufacturer’s Instructions:

• Care Label: Always check the blanket’s care label for specific drying instructions. Some weighted blankets specify air drying only due to the nature of their materials and construction.
• Warranty Considerations: Improper care, including using a dryer when not recommended, can void any warranty on the blanket.

Can You Put a 20lb Weighted Blanket in the Dryer?

Drying a 20-pound weighted blanket in a dryer presents additional challenges due to its significant weight and density.

Capacity and Capability:

• Dryer Limitations: Most household dryers are designed to handle loads of clothes, towels, and linens that are significantly lighter than a 20-pound weighted blanket. The heavy weight can strain the dryer’s drum and motor, potentially leading to damage.
• Check Dryer Specifications: Before attempting to dry a heavy blanket, consult your dryer’s manual to verify the maximum load capacity and recommendations to avoid any potential damage.

Safety Precautions:

• Even Distribution: When drying a heavy weighted blanket, ensure it is evenly distributed within the dryer. This prevents the blanket from balling up and creating uneven weight distribution, which can damage the appliance.
• Low Heat Setting: Use the lowest heat setting or a no-heat, air-dry cycle if possible. High heat can damage both the internal components of the blanket and the dryer.
• Frequent Checks: It’s advisable to periodically check the blanket during the drying cycle. Reposition it if needed to ensure that it dries evenly and doesn’t stress the dryer.

Alternative Drying Methods:

• Air Drying: If there is any doubt about the safety or capability of using a dryer, air drying is a safer alternative. Hang the blanket in a well-ventilated area or lay it flat on a drying rack, flipping it occasionally to ensure thorough drying.

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Will a Weighted Blanket Break My Dryer?

Using a dryer for a weighted blanket poses certain risks that could potentially lead to damage if not managed properly. Understanding these risks and how to mitigate them is crucial for preserving both your weighted blanket and your dryer.

Potential Risks:

• Excessive Weight: Weighted blankets, especially those over 15 pounds, can put significant stress on a dryer’s drum and motor. This is because standard home dryers are generally not designed to handle such heavy, dense items, which can lead to mechanical failures or decreased lifespan of the appliance.
• Uneven Load: If the weighted blanket balls up or shifts to one side during the drying cycle, it can cause the dryer to become unbalanced. This imbalance can make the dryer shake violently, potentially leading to damage to the drum or the mechanical system.

Preventive Measures:

• Check the Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Always refer to your dryer’s manual for specific weight capacities and recommendations. If your blanket exceeds these recommendations, it’s best to avoid using the dryer.
• Distribute Weight Evenly: If you do use the dryer, ensure the blanket is evenly spread out to avoid unbalancing the drum. Periodically rearranging the blanket during the drying cycle can help maintain balance.

The right care of your blanket, including safe drying practices, complements the supportive and breathable nature of Puffy mattresses, providing you with a sleep setup that’s both comfortable and durable.

How to Dry a Weighted Blanket in the Dryer

If your weighted blanket is suitable for dryer use according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and your dryer can handle the weight, here are steps to safely dry your blanket:

Preparation:

• Check the Care Tag: Before proceeding, confirm that the blanket’s care instructions permit dryer use. This tag will also provide specific settings, such as temperature and cycle type, that are safe for the blanket.

Drying Steps:

1. Remove Excess Water: After washing, gently press out as much water as possible from the blanket. Do this by laying it flat and rolling it up to squeeze out water, avoiding twisting, which can damage the beads or fibers.

2. Use Low Heat: Set your dryer to a low heat or no heat/air-dry setting. High temperatures can damage the filling materials such as plastic poly pellets or glass beads, and degrade the fabric.

3. Add Dryer Balls: Place two to three wool or rubber dryer balls in the dryer with the blanket. These help to improve air circulation around the blanket, promoting faster and more even drying.

4. Periodic Re-positioning: Stop the dryer every 15 to 20 minutes to reposition the blanket. This ensures that different parts of the blanket receive direct exposure to air and heat, preventing overheating and helping the blanket to dry more evenly.

5. Final Air Dry: Even after a cycle in the dryer, it’s a good practice to air dry the blanket for a few hours to ensure all moisture is removed, especially if the blanket is particularly thick or heavy. Hang the blanket over a sturdy drying rack or lay it flat in a well-ventilated area.

Combining the therapeutic benefits of a weighted blanket with the cloud-like comfort of a Puffy Lux Mattress can significantly enhance your sleep experience, especially when both are cared for properly.

I once tried drying my 15-pound weighted blanket in the dryer without checking the care tag. Halfway through the cycle, I noticed the blanket had become extremely hot and was starting to make the dryer thump loudly.

I immediately stopped the cycle and opted to air dry the blanket instead. Since then, I always make sure to check the care instructions and use the air dry feature when available.

Conclusion

While some weighted blankets can be safely dried in a dryer, it’s crucial to follow specific care instructions and take precautions to avoid damaging both the blanket and the dryer. For those with heavier blankets or uncertain instructions, air drying is a safer alternative. Remember, proper care not only preserves your blanket but also ensures it remains a valuable part of your sleep routine.