Wiktor Wise
Electric blankets are a great way to stay warm, but they can be tricky to care for. While most newer electric blankets are designed to be machine washable, it's important to take extra care when drying them to avoid damaging the wiring. In this guide, we will focus on how to dry a Cannon electric blanket, covering topics such as machine drying, air drying, and important safety precautions to keep your blanket in good condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dryer size | Large enough for the blanket to tumble freely |
| Dryer settings | Low temperature, partial drying |
| Air drying | Recommended to finish drying |
| Dry cleaning | Not recommended |
| Ironing | Not recommended |
| Wrinkles | Hang the blanket and let gravity remove wrinkles |
| Storage | Dry, climate-controlled, insect- and rodent-free space |
| Cords and controls | Loosely coiled, unplugged, stored in a bag or container |
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What You'll Learn
Wash your electric blanket by hand or machine
Before washing your electric blanket, always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Most modern electric blankets are machine washable, but not all of them. Older blankets, in particular, may need to be hand-washed only, so it's important to check the advice of the care label.
Machine washing your electric blanket
If you're washing your electric blanket in a machine, first unplug it and remove any controls or cords. Then, shake out the blanket to get rid of as much loose debris as possible. Next, pretreat any stains by gently working in a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can harm the fabric and wiring.
When you're ready to wash the blanket, place it loosely in the machine, selecting a gentle cycle and sticking to cold or lukewarm water. For high-efficiency washers, load the blanket in loosely. For standard washers with a central agitator, spread the blanket evenly around the drum, adding a couple of non-lint-producing towels or sheets to balance the load if necessary. Wash the blanket with your regular detergent, using cool to warm water. If your machine has an extra rinse cycle, use it to ensure every bit of detergent is washed away.
Hand washing your electric blanket
To hand wash your electric blanket, first, unplug it and remove the control unit. Then, spot-clean any stains by gently rubbing a soft cloth dabbed with a mild detergent into the affected area. Fill your sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent. Submerge the blanket and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Do not wring the blanket.
Drying your electric blanket
The safest way to dry an electric blanket is to let it air dry. Lay your blanket flat on a clothes drying rack or a clean, dry surface in a well-ventilated space. Avoid hanging it from the edges, as this can stretch the fabric and damage the internal wiring. Flip it occasionally to ensure even drying. If the care label says it's safe, you can tumble dry your electric blanket, but do so on the lowest heat or delicate setting for no more than 10-15 minutes. Finish drying the blanket flat on a rack to avoid overheating or distorting the shape.
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Dryer settings: use a low temperature and remove before fully dry
When drying your Cannon electric blanket, it is important to use a low temperature setting. Set your dryer to "low" and remove the blanket before it is fully dry. This is because the high temperatures used in commercial dryers can damage the wiring.
If your dryer is not large enough for the blanket to tumble freely, use a laundromat dryer set on cool or air-dry only. Alternatively, consider air-drying your blanket. Drape it over a clothesline or shower rod that can bear its weight. If you do use a dryer, be sure to remove the blanket while it is still damp. Finish drying it on a dry rack or hang it over a clothesline.
It is extremely important to wait until an electric blanket is fully dry before plugging it back in and using it again. To speed up the drying process, you can stretch the blanket after laundering. This will be easier when the blanket is still slightly damp. Stand across from another person, with both of your arms reaching along opposite edges of the blanket, and gently pull the blanket until it is back to its normal size.
To preserve the inner wiring of your electric blanket, consider switching between using your dryer and air-drying. This will help to keep the connections in good shape.
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Air drying: finish drying on a rack, clothesline or shower rod
Air drying your electric blanket is a great way to finish off the drying process and preserve the inner wiring. It is recommended to use a combination of drying methods, alternating between air-drying and machine-drying, to keep the interior connections of the blanket in good shape.
To air dry, you can use a rack, clothesline, or shower rod. If using a rack, ensure it is a drying rack designed to hold the weight of a blanket. Do not use clothespins if drying on a clothesline or shower rod, as these can damage the wiring. Hang the blanket over the structure and allow it to dry completely. It is important to note that you should never plug in or use your electric blanket until it is entirely dry.
If you choose to air dry your electric blanket, be mindful of the weight and ensure the rack, clothesline, or shower rod can bear the load. This method may take longer than machine drying, but it is a safe and effective way to finish drying your electric blanket.
Additionally, if your blanket is wrinkled, you can hang it from a shower rod and let gravity remove the creases. This is a gentle way to smooth out any wrinkles without damaging the wiring.
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Avoid dry cleaning, ironing, and high temperatures
Electric blankets should not be dry cleaned, ironed, or exposed to high temperatures. The solvents used in dry cleaning can damage the inner wiring of the blanket, and the high heat of ironing can damage the wire insulation. Instead, if you need to remove wrinkles, hang the blanket from a shower rod and let gravity pull the wrinkles out.
If you are using a dryer, ensure it is large enough for the blanket to tumble freely. If not, use a laundromat dryer set on cool or air-dry. Partial drying at a low-temperature setting is okay, but complete the drying on a clothesline or drying rack.
If you are hand-washing your electric blanket, unplug it and detach the power cord and controller. Submerging these in water can cause damage. Fill your tub or a large sink with cool to warm water and add a mild detergent. Soak the blanket for a few minutes, then agitate the water by swishing the blanket around. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub to rinse. Repeat this process until the soap is removed. Squeeze out the excess water gently, without twisting or wringing the blanket, as this can damage the wires.
When storing your electric blanket, do not create sharp, hard folds, as these can also damage the inner wires. Instead, roll the blanket gently and store it in a dry, climate-controlled, insect- and rodent-free space.
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Inspect the blanket for damage after drying
Once your electric blanket is clean and dry, it's important to inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during the drying process. This is a crucial step to ensure that your blanket is safe to use and will continue to function properly. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the inspection process:
Begin by examining the entire surface of the electric blanket for any signs of wear and tear. Pay close attention to the fabric, looking for any tears, burns, or frayed areas, especially near the wiring. If you find any damage to the fabric, it could pose a safety hazard. You might need to repair or replace the fabric before addressing any electrical issues.
Next, check the electrical cords and plugs for any signs of damage. Ensure that the cords are not crimped or pinched or damaged in any way. Look for any melting, deformities, or other signs of electrical issues. If you notice any problems with the cords or plugs, do not use the blanket until it has been properly repaired or replaced.
After inspecting the cords and plugs, it's time to plug in the blanket and turn it on. As the blanket warms up, use your sense of smell to detect any unusual odors, such as burning plastic or overheating. These smells could indicate internal damage that isn't visible through a visual inspection.
If you suspect any electrical issues or want to be thorough, you can use a multimeter to test for continuity along the heating wires. Attach the multimeter probes to the terminals of the blanket's plug and check the resistance. A lack of continuity or infinite resistance could indicate a break in the circuit or wiring.
Finally, pay close attention to the connectors and the control unit. Look for any exposed wires, scorch marks, or other signs of wear and tear in these areas. If you find any issues with the connectors or control unit, specialized knowledge or replacement of components might be necessary.
Remember, regular inspections and proper care of your electric blanket are essential to ensure its safe use and prolong its lifespan. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific instructions and safety precautions.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash your electric blanket every couple of weeks or once a month during the cold season.
It is recommended to dry your electric blanket at a low temperature setting in the dryer, removing it while it is still damp and allowing it to air dry the rest of the way.
No, do not dry clean your electric blanket. The chemicals used in dry cleaning can damage the insulation around the heating elements.
It is recommended to wash your electric blanket in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cool to lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent.
After ensuring your blanket is clean and completely dry, roll it gently, being careful not to create sharp, hard folds. Store in a dry, climate-controlled, insect- and rodent-free space.
