Do you have an electric blanket? If so, you probably dread cleaning it. Washing an electric blanket can be tricky as one little mistake can have dire consequences.
So, if you don’t want to cause a fire or, worse — get electrocuted, you should learn how to wash an electric blanket without damaging it.
Don’t worry, because we’ll teach you safe and foolproof ways to wash your blanket to a squeaky clean state.
Let’s begin!
How Often Should You Wash an Electric Blanket?
Wash your electric blanket as soon as temperatures get chilly. Then, clean it once a month throughout the season as long as you’re using it daily.
Additionally, shake it frequently and spot clean it as needed in between washes. This will help you keep it clean and free of any dirt, dust, or other debris.
At the end of winter, you should rewash your electric blanket before storing it away.
Don’t avoid this task just because it sounds like risky business. With some practice, you’ll get the hang of it and be able to wash your blanket like a pro.
Before You Wash an Electric Heating Blanket
If you’re like most people, safety is your major concern when dealing with stains on your electric blanket.
The first thing you’ll need to do is check the manufacturer‘s instructions to see if the heating element can be removed. If so, remove it before washing the blanket. If the heating element is not removable, make sure to turn the power off and unplug the blanket.
Also, check for any visible damage to your blanket. If you see any tears or frayed wires, do not attempt to wash the blanket. Instead, take it to a professional for repair or simply throw it away.
Remember that investing in a high-quality electric blanket is the best way to ensure safe cleaning and drying.
Best Ways to Spot Clean an Electric Blanket
Are you wondering how to clean an electric blanket without washing it too frequently? The answer is simple — spot clean it!
The best way to spot clean an electric blanket is by using a mild detergent and a damp cloth.
The instructions are simple: rub the stained area gently with a cloth dampened in soap and water mixture. Then blot, rinse, and repeat until the stain is lifted.
Another way you can remove stains is to spray equally diluted white vinegar and water on stubborn spots and let the solution stay a few minutes before rinsing with a damp cloth.
Alternatively, you can use dish soap. Dish soap will remove any oil or grease stains your electric blanket may have.
How to Hand Wash an Electric Blanket
Hand-washing is the safest way to clean your electric blanket, of course, if you know how to do it.
Before you do it, you’ll need the following supplies:
- A large basin or tub
- Mild laundry detergent
Fill the basin or tub with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild laundry detergent. Submerge the electric blanket in the water and gently swish it around. Let the blanket soak for 30 minutes before draining the tub.
Next, rinse the blanket thoroughly with clean, cold water. Repeat it several times to remove all the detergent or soap residue.
Finally, hang the electric blanket over a clothesline or shower rod to drip dry.
Alternatively, you can use your dryer.
How to Machine Wash an Electric Blanket
If your electric blanket is machine washable, you’re in luck! Washing an electric blanket in the washer is fairly simple. Just follow these easy steps:
- Remove the control unit and unplug all the cords of the blanket.
- Place the blanket in the washing machine neatly around the drum.
- Never wash your electric blanket with garments that have hard parts, like zippers. Instead, wash it with lint-free towels and bedding.
- Turn the washer on the shortest gentle cycle with colder water.
- Add a mild detergent to the wash. Avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or similar products.
- To safely wash an electric blanket, it’s best to lower the final spin speed to the slowest level on your washer. This way, you’ll prevent eventual damage to the blanket’s inner wiring.
You should not use fabric softener when washing your electric blanket because it can damage the heating wires in your blanket and cause it to stop working.
Another thing you should take into account is the size of your washing machine. If your electric blanket is too big to fit loosely in the washing machine, you should wash it in a bathtub.
How to Safely Dry an Electric Blanket
Before you reach for your dryer and before you clean an electric blanket by hand, check your blanket’s care label. Most electric blankets are machine-washable and tumble-dry safe, but you need to make sure.
If it says “air dry only,” use your drying rack or a clothesline instead. Simply hang the blanket over the clothesline and away from direct sunlight, which can damage it.
Leave it until it dries completely.
That said, there’s a higher chance that you’ll read “machine dry” on your care label than just instructions for air drying.
If dying your blanket in the dryer is an option, there are a few rules you need to follow to do it without damaging your blanket:
- Use your dryer only in a low-heat or air-dry setting.
- Pick the shortest possible cycle of 15 to 20 minutes.
- Never tumble-dry with other clothes.
- Make sure there’s enough space for the electric blanket in the dryer.
Even though you can use your dryer on most electric blankets, if you aren’t 100% sure it’s safe to do it, hang dry your electric blanket.
Extra Washing and Care Tips
Now that you know how to clean an electric blanket make sure to take extra care of it!
Here’s what you need to do to keep your blanket in excellent working condition in the years to come.
- When you’re not using your electric blanket, don’t fold it, but roll it so that you disturb its shape as little as possible.
- Store the blanket in a cool, dry place with all cords unplugged. There are many neat and chic blanket storage ideas that you can get inspired by.
- Rats and other pests and pets can damage the blanket’s wiring. So, keep your blanket away from their reach.
- Check your blanket for any damage before each use.
- If your electric blanket has a removable cover, take it off and wash it separately.
- Don’t take your electric blanket to the dry cleaners, as the chemicals they use can damage the blanket’s structure.
- After you wash an electric blanket in the washer, remove it as soon as the wash cycle stops to prevent damage.
- Alternate between machine-drying and air-drying your blanket whenever possible. This will ensure its longevity.
- Never iron your electric blanket. Similarly to the high temperatures of some washing cycles, the heat from the iron can melt the wiring insulation. Instead of ironing, hang your blanket over your drying rack or shower rod while it’s still somewhat moist. Gravity will do the rest to remove any creases.
Conclusion
With a little bit of care, your electric blanket will last you a long, long time! Carefully washing and storing an electric blanket is the best way to extend its lifespan.
So, follow our tips, and you can enjoy snuggling up in your clean and cozy electric blanket for the years to come!
FAQ
Can you wash an electric blanket in the washing machine?
Yes, you can machine-wash most electric blankets available on the market today.
However, to be on the safe side, put them on a delicate cycle and make sure the water temperature is set to cool.
Also, avoid harsh chemicals and fabric softeners when washing your blanket.
Can you put an electric blanket in the dryer?
You can safely dry your electric blanket on short cycles of up to 20 minutes and on the lowest temperature or on the air dry setting.
Make sure your dryer is large enough so the blanket can tumble freely.
If there’s not enough space hang it on the good old clothesline.
How do you wash an electric blanket with wires?
If you’re wondering how to wash an electric blanket with wires, the first thing to do is check if some are sticking out of it. If this is the case or any part of the blanket is damaged — don’t wash it, and throw it away instead.
If everything seems okay, unplug it, detach the power cord and wash it by hand and with extra care.
Use cool water and be as gentle as possible — don’t twist and scrub under any circumstances.
Avoid using your dryer whenever you can to prevent damage.
