Otis Singleton
Electric blankets are a cosy way to keep warm, but they need to be washed with care. Most electric blankets can be washed, but it's important to check the care tag first and follow any specific instructions. Hand or machine washing an electric blanket requires a gentle approach to avoid damaging the inner wiring. Electric blankets should be washed separately from other clothing and may require a delicate cycle with cool to warm water. It's also important to unplug the blanket and detach the power cord and controller before washing. With the right care, you can keep your electric blanket clean and cosy all year round.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once or twice a month |
| Wash cycle | Gentle, short cycle |
| Spin speed | Low speed |
| Water temperature | Cool to warm |
| Detergent | Mild detergent |
| Stains | Pretreat with detergent and a toothbrush |
| Drying | Air dry, tumble dry on low |
| Cord and controller | Unplug and detach before washing |
| Overloading | Avoid overloading the machine |
| Large blankets | Wash separately |
| Bleach and fabric softener | Avoid |
| Dry cleaning | Avoid |
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What You'll Learn
Electric blanket care instructions
Most electric blankets can be washed, but it is important to read the care tag instructions before washing or drying. The care label will also tell you whether your blanket can be hand-washed or machine-washed, and the specific cycle and water temperature to use.
Machine-washing
If your electric blanket is machine-washable, unplug it and disconnect the power cord and controller before you wash it. Make sure not to submerge the cord and controller in water as this may damage them. If your blanket has stains, you can pre-treat them by wetting the stain and dabbing it with a mild detergent. Let the detergent sit for 20 minutes, then pat the stain with a warm, damp cloth or gently rub it with a toothbrush until the stain is gone. Rinse the area and press with a towel to absorb excess water. Repeat this process if necessary.
When machine-washing your electric blanket, use a gentle, short cycle on a low-speed spin with minimum agitation and cool to warm water to preserve the inner wiring. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, and wash your electric blanket separately from other clothing.
Hand-washing
If your electric blanket is hand-washable, unplug it and detach the power cord and controller. Fill your tub or a large sink with cool to warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Soak your blanket in the water for a few minutes, then agitate the water by swishing the blanket around with your hands. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub to rinse the blanket. Drain the tub and repeat until the soap is removed. Gently squeeze out the excess water, making sure not to twist or wring the blanket so you don't damage the wiring.
Drying
After washing your electric blanket, it is recommended to air dry it. Lay your blanket flat and wait until it is completely dry before plugging it back in. If you choose to use a dryer, use a low, cool temperature and a short cycle. Finish drying your blanket on a rack or hang it over a clothesline or shower rod.
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Machine-washing
Most electric blankets can be machine-washed, but it is important to always check the care label on your blanket to confirm. If you don't have the care label, you can usually find the instruction booklet online. If your electric blanket is washable, follow these steps:
- Unplug your electric blanket and disconnect the power cord and controller. It is important to never submerge the cord and controller in water, as this may damage them.
- Pretreat any stains by wetting the stain and dabbing it with a mild detergent. Let the detergent sit for 20 minutes, then pat the stain with a warm, damp cloth or gently rub it with a toothbrush until the stain is gone. Rinse the affected area and press with a towel to absorb any excess water. Repeat this process if necessary.
- Use a large-capacity washer that can accommodate bulky items like sheets, towels, large blankets, and comforters. If your electric blanket is large, wash it separately to ensure it has enough room to move around.
- Add detergent to the dispenser and select the wash cycle and water temperature indicated on the blanket's care label. Electric blankets typically require a gentle or delicate wash cycle on a low-speed spin with minimum agitation in cool to warm water to preserve the inner wiring. Avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or other harsh chemicals.
- If your electric blanket is part of a top-loading washer, gently place it around the agitator or impeller to help keep the load even. If the load is unbalanced, you can add other blankets or towels to even it out.
- Once the wash cycle is complete, remove the blanket from the washer and lay it flat to air dry. Do not put it in the dryer, as excessive heat will damage the wiring. Wait until it is completely dry before resuming use.
By following these steps and consulting the care instructions for your specific electric blanket, you can safely machine-wash your electric blanket and keep it fresh and clean.
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Hand-washing
To hand-wash your electric blanket, first, fill your tub or a large sink with cool to warm water. Then, unplug your electric blanket and detach the power cord and controller. Make sure not to submerge the cord or controller in water as this may cause damage. Next, spot clean any stains on the blanket with a clean sponge or toothbrush. Pretreating stains with a mild detergent and a damp cloth or sponge is recommended.
Once you have treated any stains, soak the blanket in the water for a few minutes, then agitate the water by swishing the blanket around gently with your hands. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub. Rinse the blanket in the clean water. Drain the tub and repeat until the soap is removed from your blanket.
Once your blanket has been properly rinsed, gently squeeze out the excess water. Be careful not to twist or wring the blanket so you don't bend the wires. Hang your electric blanket on a drying rack, over a clothesline or shower rod. Do not use, reconnect, or plug in the controller until your blanket is completely dry.
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Stains and spot cleaning
Before spot cleaning your electric blanket, it is important to take a few preparatory steps to ensure the process goes smoothly and the blanket is not damaged. Firstly, unplug the electric blanket from its power source to prevent any electrical accidents. Then, detach the controller unit and inspect the blanket for any damages, such as frayed wires or tears. If you notice any damage, do not attempt to spot clean the blanket yourself.
Next, gather your materials. You will need a clean cloth or sponge, a mild cleaning solution (such as water and vinegar, dish soap, or a mild detergent), and a spray bottle. Ensure that the cloth or sponge you choose is gentle and will not damage the surface of the blanket.
Now, you can begin the spot-cleaning process. If using a spray bottle, gently spray the cleaning solution onto the stain. Alternatively, you can apply the cleaning solution directly to a cloth or sponge and then gently blot or wipe the stain, starting from the outside and working your way in. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, as this may damage the blanket.
If the stain is still visible, repeat the above steps until it is removed. Be patient, as it may take several attempts to fully remove the stain. After spot cleaning, allow the blanket to air dry completely before using it again. Do not use high heat to dry the blanket, as this can damage the electrical components.
In addition to spot cleaning, you may also want to pretreat any stains before washing your electric blanket in a washing machine. To do this, simply wet the stain and dab it with a mild detergent. Let the detergent sit for 20 minutes, then pat the stain with a warm, damp cloth or gently rub it with a toothbrush until the stain is gone. Rinse the affected area and press with a towel to absorb any excess water. Repeat the process two to three times if necessary.
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Drying
Remove Excess Water
Before hanging your electric blanket to dry, it is important to remove as much excess water as possible without twisting or wringing the fabric. This can be done by gently squeezing the blanket or pressing it with a towel. It is important to avoid twisting or wringing the blanket as this can damage the heating elements and internal wiring.
Hang to Dry
Most electric blankets can be hung to dry. You can hang your electric blanket on a drying rack, over a clothesline, or on a shower rod. Ensure that the blanket is spread out evenly and check for any out-of-place wiring that may have shifted during the washing process. It is important to allow the blanket to dry completely before resuming use.
Air Drying
Air drying is a recommended method for drying your electric blanket. Hang the blanket in a well-ventilated area, ensuring it is kept away from any heat sources to facilitate thorough drying. Avoid using a dryer or any heat sources as high temperatures can damage the electrical wiring inside the blanket.
Low-Heat Tumble Dry
If you choose to use a dryer, always opt for a low-heat setting. Set the dryer to a low temperature and a timer for 10 to 15 minutes. You may want to consider a shorter dryer cycle, removing the blanket when it is slightly damp, and then finish drying it by hanging it on a rack or clothesline.
It is important to ensure that your electric blanket is completely dry before using it again. The durability of your electric blanket depends on it staying dry. Moisture coming into contact with the heating element can create a hazardous situation, potentially leading to electrical shocks or short circuits. Therefore, always wait until your electric blanket is entirely dry before using it, and consider washing it once or twice a month during the cooler months when it is in frequent use.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you wash your electric blanket once or twice a month during the cooler months when it is in use.
Check the care tag on your electric blanket to confirm that it is machine washable and for specific washing instructions, such as the wash cycle and water temperature. If your blanket is machine washable, unplug it and disconnect the power cord and controller before washing. Wash your electric blanket separately from other clothing and avoid using bleach or fabric softener. If you notice any stains, spot clean them before washing the blanket.
If your blanket is not machine washable, you may be able to hand wash it. To hand wash your blanket, unplug it and detach the power cord and controller. Fill your tub or a large sink with cool to warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Soak your blanket in the water and gently agitate the water by swishing the blanket around with your hands. Drain the soapy water, rinse the blanket, and gently squeeze out the excess water without twisting or wringing the blanket.
After washing your electric blanket, lay it flat to air dry. Wait until it is completely dry before plugging it in or storing it away. While many electric blankets can be dried in a dryer on the lowest heat setting, air drying is recommended to avoid damaging the wiring.
It is not recommended to use a duvet cover or comforter on top of your electric blanket as it may cause the blanket to not function properly.
