Umair Gaines
Electric blankets are a great way to stay warm, especially during winter. However, due to their electrical components, they require special care when cleaning. Before washing an electric blanket, it is important to read the manufacturer's care instructions to ensure that you are following the correct steps for that specific blanket. In general, electric blankets with removable controls and cords can be machine-washed, while others may require spot cleaning or hand washing. When washing an electric blanket, it is crucial to unplug the blanket and disconnect the power cord and controller to avoid damaging the electrical components. Additionally, most electric blankets should be washed on a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water and mild soap to preserve the inner wiring. After washing, electric blankets can be dried in a dryer on a low, cool temperature or air-dried by laying them flat or hanging them over a clothesline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash with other clothes | No |
| Wash cycle | Delicate or gentle cycle |
| Water temperature | Cool to warm water |
| Spin speed | Low speed |
| Pretreat stains | Yes |
| Detergent | Mild detergent |
| Bleach | No |
| Fabric softener | No |
| Iron | No |
| Dryer | Yes, on a low, cool setting |
| Air drying | Yes |
| Frequency of washing | Once or twice per season |
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What You'll Learn
Machine-washing electric blankets
Consult the Manufacturer's Instructions and Care Label:
Before washing your electric blanket, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions, user manual, or care label. These sources will provide specific guidelines for washing your electric blanket, including any special requirements or restrictions.
Disconnect the Power Cord and Controller:
Unplug your electric blanket from the power source and disconnect the power cord and/or controller. It is crucial to ensure that these components do not come into contact with water, as submerging them can cause damage.
Pretreat Stains:
If there are any stains on the blanket, pretreat them by wetting the affected area and gently dabbing it with a mild detergent. Allow the detergent to sit for a while, and then use a warm, damp cloth or a soft toothbrush to gently remove the stain.
Select the Appropriate Wash Cycle and Water Temperature:
Refer to the blanket's care label to select the recommended wash cycle and water temperature. Electric blankets typically require a gentle or delicate wash cycle with a low-speed spin in cool to warm water to protect the inner wiring.
Load the Blanket into the Washing Machine:
When loading the blanket into the washer, avoid balling it up to prevent an unbalanced load. Place the blanket evenly around the agitator or impeller in a top-loading washer or lay it out flat in the washer drum of a front-loading machine. Use a large-capacity washer if possible, and avoid overloading the machine.
Add Detergent and Wash the Blanket:
Add the recommended amount of detergent to the dispenser, following the care label's instructions. Start the washing machine and allow the blanket to wash for a few minutes, as per the manufacturer's recommended duration. Most electric blankets do not require a full wash cycle.
Rinse and Spin:
After washing, put the blanket on a rinse cycle with cool or lukewarm water for a brief period, typically around one minute. Then, proceed with a standard spin cycle to remove excess water. Remember not to twist or wring the blanket to avoid bending the wires.
Drying:
When it comes to drying your electric blanket, air drying on a rack or clothesline is the safest method to prevent damage to the wiring. If you choose to use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and dry the blanket for a short duration. Ensure the blanket is completely dry before use or storage.
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Hand-washing electric blankets
To hand-wash an electric blanket, you should first check the manufacturer's instructions on the care label. It is important to follow these directions carefully to ensure the heating grid remains intact. If your blanket has visible stains, treat these areas first by gently blotting them with a blend of mild detergent and water. Make sure not to immerse the entire blanket, to avoid harm to the wiring.
Next, fill a bathtub or large sink with cool to warm water, depending on the manufacturer's instructions, and add a small amount of mild detergent. Dunk the blanket into the water, being careful not to submerge any electrical cords. Agitate the water with your hands to disperse the detergent, then leave the blanket to soak for 5-15 minutes. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water. Rinse the blanket in the clean water, then drain and repeat until the soap is removed.
Once your blanket has been properly rinsed, gently squeeze out the excess water, being careful not to twist or wring the blanket, as this can damage the wires. Hang the blanket on a drying rack, clothesline, or shower rod, and make sure it is completely dry before plugging it in again. While some electric blankets can be dried on a low, cool setting in a dryer, air-drying is generally recommended as the safest method.
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Air-drying electric blankets
Air-drying is the safest method for drying an electric blanket. Excessive heat will damage the wiring, so it's best to opt for air-drying over machine-drying.
To air-dry your electric blanket, first, gently squeeze out any excess water, being careful not to twist or wring the blanket, as this may bend the wires. You can then hang the blanket over a clothesline or shower rod, ensuring the weight is distributed evenly. If you have access to a fan or dehumidifier, placing the blanket in front of this will speed up the drying process without using heat.
If you don't have access to a clothesline or shower rod, you can lay the blanket flat over a couple of drying racks. Again, using a fan to gently blow air over the blanket will help it dry evenly without any risk of damage.
It is extremely important to wait until an electric blanket is fully dry before plugging it back in and/or using it again.
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Detaching cords and controllers
Before washing your electric blanket, it is important to detach the cords and controllers. This is because the cords are what allow electricity to travel from the outlet to the blanket, and submerging them in water can cause damage and malfunction.
To detach the cords and controllers, start by unplugging the electric blanket from the power source. Then, locate the controller and cord, which are usually attached to the blanket. Gently detach them by pulling or unscrewing them from the blanket. Be careful not to pull or twist the cords too forcefully, as this could cause damage. Once removed, set the cords and controllers aside in a safe place where they will not be exposed to water during the washing process.
It is crucial to ensure that the cords and controllers are completely dry before reconnecting them to the power source. Allow them to air dry naturally and avoid using a dryer or any other heat source, as this could damage the electrical components.
Some electric blankets may have specific requirements for detaching the cords and controllers, so it is always recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or the care label on the blanket before proceeding.
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Stain removal
To remove stains from your electric blanket, you should pretreat them before washing. First, shake your blanket outside to get rid of any pet hair and dust, then check both sides for stains.
To pretreat stains, you can use a solution of one cup of cool water and one tablespoon of liquid dish soap or a mild natural detergent. Apply this solution to the stain and use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub it in. Let the solution sit for around five minutes, then rinse with a clean, damp sponge or cloth.
If the stain persists, you can try using a stain remover. Apply it to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before proceeding with the washing process.
When washing your electric blanket, always use a gentle or delicate cycle with cool to lukewarm water to avoid damaging the inner wiring.
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Frequently asked questions
Always read the care instructions on the label of your electric blanket before washing it. If your blanket has a removable plug, it is likely washable. If it is machine washable, wash it separately from other clothing on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. If it is not machine washable, hand wash it in a tub of cool to warm water with a mild detergent.
Check the care label on your electric blanket to see if it can be dried in a dryer. If it can, dry it on a low, cool setting. If it cannot be dried in a dryer, lay it flat to air dry.
Yes, you should always unplug your electric blanket and remove the controller and power cord before washing it. Submerging the cords in water may cause damage.
As a general rule, wash your electric blanket when you think it needs it. If you use it nightly, you may want to wash it each time you wash your other bedding. If you plan to pack your electric blanket away, wash it before putting it into storage.
No, you should avoid using bleach or fabric softener when washing your electric blanket. You should also avoid ironing your electric blanket and dry cleaning it, as the chemicals used in the dry cleaning process can damage the electrical components.
