Woman Washes Blanket For The First Time In 6 Years, 'Shocked' By The Result

Newsweek - Mar 30th, 2025

Cloey Wendling, a college student from Michigan, went viral on TikTok after washing her beloved 25 lbs weighted blanket for the first time in six years. In a video posted under the handle @cloeywendling1, Wendling showed how the water turned a dark color, revealing the dirt that had accumulated over time. This surprising discovery, despite the blanket not appearing dirty or having any smell, prompted Wendling to share her experience as a cautionary tale for others who might neglect cleaning large household items due to time constraints or fear of damage.

The video, viewed over six million times, has sparked significant online discussion and criticism, with Wendling receiving mostly negative comments. However, she stands by her decision to share her experience, emphasizing that many people might be similarly unaware of the necessity of regularly cleaning such items. The story highlights a broader issue, as evidenced by the American Cleaning Institute's 2024 National Cleaning Survey, which found a significant percentage of Americans avoid cleaning large items like linens. Despite her busy schedule as a college student, Wendling has pledged to maintain a regular cleaning routine, using her viral moment to raise awareness about home hygiene practices.

Tik Tok Viral Video Cloey Wendling Weighted Blanket Cleaning American Cleaning Institute Household Hygiene

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article effectively captures a personal narrative that resonates with many readers, particularly through its focus on relatable themes like procrastination and personal hygiene. It is well-written, with clear language and logical structure, making it accessible and engaging. However, the story would benefit from greater balance and source variety, as it primarily relies on a single individual's experience without incorporating expert opinions or additional perspectives. While the story is timely and has the potential to engage readers, its impact is limited to personal influence rather than broader societal change. Overall, the article is informative and engaging but could be enhanced by more comprehensive sourcing and balanced viewpoints.

Accuracy

The story's factual accuracy is largely supported by the details provided, such as Cloey Wendling's experience with washing her weighted blanket and the subsequent social media reaction. Wendling's account of the cleaning process and the surprising results seem credible, though some claims, like the exact weight of the blanket and the specific details of the TikTok video engagement, would benefit from additional verification. The inclusion of the American Cleaning Institute's survey results adds a layer of credibility, though the survey's methodology and context should be examined to ensure accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily presents Wendling's perspective, focusing on her personal experience and reactions. While it does mention the broader context of cleaning habits through the ACI survey, it lacks alternative viewpoints, such as expert opinions on cleaning practices or additional perspectives from individuals who have faced similar challenges. This results in a somewhat one-sided narrative that could be enriched by including more diverse voices.

Clarity

The article is written in clear, accessible language, making it easy for readers to follow Wendling's story and understand the key points. The structure is logical, with a chronological recounting of events and a clear focus on the main narrative. The tone is neutral, allowing the facts to speak for themselves without unnecessary embellishment.

Source quality

The story relies heavily on Wendling's personal account, which is a primary source but lacks corroboration from other authoritative sources. The use of the ACI survey provides some external validation, yet the article would benefit from consulting cleaning experts or psychologists to discuss the psychological benefits of weighted blankets and the importance of regular cleaning. This would enhance the reliability and depth of the reporting.

Transparency

The article is transparent about Wendling's motivations and experiences, offering direct quotes and a clear narrative of events. However, it lacks detailed explanation of the ACI survey's methodology and does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the article's credibility and reader trust.