Beatrice Lang
Electric blankets are a great way to stay warm during the winter months. However, due to their electrical components, they can be tricky to clean. It's important to always check the manufacturer's instructions and care labels before washing your electric blanket. Most electric blankets can be washed in a machine or by hand, but some may require spot cleaning or dry cleaning. If you're going to machine wash your electric blanket, it's recommended to use a gentle or delicate wash cycle on a low-speed spin in cool to warm water to preserve the inner wiring. When hand washing, fill your tub or sink with cool to warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Be sure to gently squeeze out the excess water and avoid twisting or wringing the blanket to prevent damage to the wires. Always make sure your electric blanket is completely dry before plugging it back in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash by hand or machine? | Most electric blankets can be washed in a machine or by hand. |
| How to wash | Consult the manufacturer's instructions, unplug, and disconnect the power cord/controller. If handwashing, fill a bathtub with cool to warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. If machine washing, use a gentle or delicate wash cycle on a low-speed spin in cool to warm water. |
| Drying | Hang the blanket on a drying rack, over a clothesline, or shower rod. Do not plug in the controller until the blanket is completely dry. Most electric blankets can be put in a dryer on a low, cool setting, but air drying is recommended. |
| Stains | Pretreat stains by spot cleaning with a mild detergent. |
| Frequency | Wash your electric blanket at least once or twice per season, or once or twice a month if used frequently. |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry, climate-controlled, insect- and rodent-free space. |
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What You'll Learn
Machine washing electric blankets
Next, pretreat any stains by gently blotting them with a mild detergent and water solution. Allow the detergent to sit for a few minutes, and then gently work on the stain with a damp cloth or a toothbrush until it is removed. If your blanket has visible wires or damage to the cord or plug, it is best to discard it and not wash it in the machine.
When loading the blanket into the washing machine, be careful not to ball it up, as this can create an unbalanced load. Place the blanket around the agitator or impeller in a top-loading washer, or lay it evenly in the washer drum for a front-loading machine. If your machine has a large capacity, you can add other blankets or towels to balance the load. Use a mild detergent and select the appropriate wash cycle and water temperature as indicated on the blanket's care label. Electric blankets typically require a gentle or delicate wash cycle on a low-speed spin with cool to warm water to protect the inner wiring.
After washing, gently squeeze out the excess water without twisting or wringing the blanket, as this can damage the wires. Instead, gently press and squeeze the blanket to remove the water. Finally, hang the blanket on a drying rack, clothesline, or shower rod to air dry. While some electric blankets can be dried in a dryer on a low, cool temperature, air drying is generally recommended to avoid damaging the wiring. Always ensure the blanket is completely dry before plugging it in and using it again.
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Hand washing electric blankets
Hand-washing an electric blanket is a convenient option if you don't have access to a large-capacity washer and dryer. It is also a good option for older electric blankets that may not be suitable for machine washing. Before you start, check the manufacturer's instructions and the care label for specific instructions.
First, disconnect and unplug the electric blanket. Remove any controllers or detachable cords. Next, pretreat any stains. To do this, use a blend of mild detergent and water to gently blot at the stains, being careful not to immerse the entire blanket, which could harm the wiring.
After stain removal, fill your bathtub or a large sink with cool to warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Swish the water around to disperse the detergent, then submerge the blanket and gently agitate the water. Allow the blanket to soak for several minutes, then drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water. Rinse the blanket in the clean water, then gently squeeze out the excess water. Make sure not to twist or wring the blanket, as this can damage the wires.
Finally, hang the blanket to dry. Hang it on a drying rack, over a clothesline, or on a shower rod. Make sure the blanket is completely dry before resuming use. Do not use, reconnect, or plug in the controller until the blanket is completely dry.
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Drying electric blankets
Drying your electric blanket is a crucial step in the washing process, as improper drying can damage the wiring and render the blanket unusable. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to safely dry your electric blanket:
Remove Excess Water
Gently squeeze the blanket to remove excess water. It is important not to twist or wring the blanket, as this can damage the wiring.
Hang to Dry
Hang your electric blanket on a drying rack, over a clothesline, or on a shower rod. Ensure you do not use clothespins, as they may leave marks or indentations on the blanket.
Air Drying
Allow your electric blanket to air dry completely before resuming use. This is the safest method of drying, as excessive heat can damage the wiring. If you live in a warm climate, air drying can be a quick and easy option.
Machine Drying
While most electric blankets can be tumble dried on a low setting, it is crucial to consult the care label before machine drying. The label will indicate whether your blanket can be machine dried and what settings to use. If you choose to machine dry, be sure to only do so on a low, cool temperature setting.
Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is not recommended for electric blankets, as the chemicals used can damage the electrical components.
General Tips:
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying your electric blanket.
- Do not use, reconnect, or plug in the controller until the blanket is completely dry.
- Depending on the care label, you may need to finish drying the blanket on a rack or clothesline after a short dryer cycle.
- When in doubt, air drying is the safest option to protect the electrical components of your blanket.
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Removing stains from electric blankets
To remove stains, start by wetting the stain and gently dabbing it with a mild detergent. Allow the detergent to sit for 20 minutes, then pat the stain with a warm, damp cloth. If the stain persists, gently rub it with a toothbrush until it is gone. Rinse the affected area and press with a towel to absorb any excess water. Repeat this process two to three times if necessary.
If you are hand-washing the entire blanket, fill your bathtub or a large sink with cool to warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the blanket and let it soak for several minutes, then gently agitate it in the water. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water to rinse the blanket. Drain the water again and gently squeeze out any excess water. Be careful not to wring or twist the blanket, as this can damage the wiring.
If your care label indicates that your electric blanket is machine washable, you can wash it in the washing machine following the instructions on the care label. Be sure to wash electric blankets separately from other clothing, as they require special care.
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How often to wash electric blankets
Electric blankets should be washed at least once or twice per season. However, during the cold season, it is recommended to wash your electric blanket every couple of weeks or at least once a month. This is because electric blankets are used more frequently during colder months.
If you don't use your electric blanket regularly, you can wash it less often. However, it is still important to wash your electric blanket regularly to keep it fresh and clean.
When washing your electric blanket, it is important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Most electric blankets can be machine-washed or hand-washed, but some may have specific requirements, such as spot cleaning. It is recommended to check the care label on your electric blanket to confirm that it is machine-washable and for specific washing instructions, such as the wash cycle and water temperature.
Before washing your electric blanket, it is important to unplug it and disconnect the power cord and controller. Submerging the cord and controller in water may cause damage. It is also recommended to pretreat any stains before washing.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check the manufacturer's instructions and the blanket's care label. If it's machine-washable, set your machine to a gentle or delicate wash cycle on a low-speed spin in cool to warm water. If you don't have access to a large-capacity washer, hand-washing is a good option. Simply fill your tub with cool to warm water, add a small amount of mild detergent, and soak the blanket for a few minutes.
Air drying is the safest method. Hang your electric blanket on a drying rack, over a clothesline or shower rod. If you must use a dryer, set it to the lowest heat setting. Make sure the blanket is completely dry before plugging it in again.
It is generally recommended that you wash your electric blanket at least once or twice per season, depending on its usage. Be sure to wash and dry your blanket before storing it away for the warm weather.
