Ever found yourself wondering, late at night, if your beloved weighted blanket will wreak havoc on your trusty dryer? If so, you’re not alone. We have embarked on a quest to unearth the answer and we’ll explain the pros and cons in a way that anyone can understand. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to handle your weighted blanket in a way that ensures its longevity and prevents potential dryer disasters.

Let’s start with a quick question. Picture your dryer. Now imagine throwing a bowling ball inside it. Doesn’t sound like a great idea, right? While a weighted blanket isn’t quite as hard or heavy, the comparison isn’t entirely off base. If mishandled, your weighted blanket can indeed place undue stress on your dryer, which could lead to trouble down the line.

But wait a minute, we hear you ask. Shouldn’t a machine designed to dry heavy, wet clothing be able to handle a little extra weight? And you’re right, it should. But here’s the catch, not all weighted blankets are created equal.

Weighted blankets, filled with materials such as glass beads or plastic pellets, can weigh anywhere between 5 to 30 pounds. The weight your dryer can handle effectively depends on its make and model. While commercial-grade dryers can withstand the upper range of that weight, your average home appliance might start to struggle at around the 15-pound mark.

But, fear not! We’re not suggesting you stop using your weighted blanket or resort to air drying it in your living room. There are steps you can take to dry your blanket safely without taxing your dryer.

First, always check the care instructions. Yes, we’re all guilty of ignoring these labels from time to time, but they are there for a reason. Many manufacturers will provide specific guidelines for washing and drying their weighted blankets.

Secondly, consider a gradual approach. Run your dryer on a low heat setting for a longer period. This method not only lessens the stress on your dryer but also protects the integrity of the blanket’s filler material.

Finally, try to balance the load. Just like a seesaw needs equal weight on both ends to work correctly, so does your dryer. If the blanket’s weight is evenly distributed, it causes less strain on the dryer’s mechanisms. How can you do this? Simple, just add in some towels or other linens to balance it out.

Now, let’s address a common myth. Can a weighted blanket catch on fire in a dryer? While it sounds like a scene straight out of a Hollywood movie, it’s highly unlikely. Modern dryers have safety measures in place to prevent overheating, and the materials used in weighted blankets are typically non-flammable. But, as always, it’s safer to stick to lower heat settings, especially when dealing with heavier items.

In conclusion, while a weighted blanket can potentially cause problems for your dryer, it won’t necessarily ‘ruin’ it. If you follow the appropriate precautions and care instructions, your dryer and weighted blanket can coexist peacefully. Your comfort doesn’t have to come at the cost of your appliances. After all, what good is a cozy evening under a warm blanket if you’re worried about your dryer’s survival? Happy laundering!