Beatrice Lang
Electric blankets are a great way to stay warm during the cold months, but they can get dirty and require cleaning. While it may seem like a good idea to use a duvet cover or comforter to keep your electric blanket clean, this can affect the blanket's functionality. Therefore, it is important to know how to wash your electric blanket properly. In this text, we will be discussing how to hand wash an electric blanket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Check | Check the manufacturer's guidelines on your product's care label. |
| Unplug | Disconnect the power cord and controller. |
| Pretreat stains | Saturate stains with a stain-removing spray and allow it to soak into the fibers. |
| Wash | Fill the bathtub with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Let it soak for a few minutes and then gently agitate the water with your hands. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water. Swish and squeeze the blanket to rinse. Repeat as often as needed until all the soap is removed. |
| Rinse and dry | Gently press or squeeze out excess water from the blanket. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can damage the wiring. Hang your electric blanket on a drying rack, over a clothesline, or a shower rod. Do not use, reconnect, or plug in the controller until your blanket is completely dry. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the care label
Before you start hand-washing your electric blanket, it is important to check the care label for specific instructions. Because of the internal wiring system, you need to follow the directions carefully to make sure that the heating grid remains intact.
The care label will tell you if your electric blanket is machine washable or not. If it is, it will also provide instructions on the wash cycle and water temperature. Electric blankets may require a gentle or delicate wash cycle on a low-speed spin in cool to warm water to preserve the inner wiring.
If your electric blanket is not machine washable, you may be able to hand-wash it. Again, the care label will provide specific instructions on how to do this. Hand-washing an electric blanket is a convenient option if you don't have a large-capacity washer and dryer.
It is important to note that you should never submerge the controller or cord of your electric blanket in water, as this may damage it. Always unplug and remove the controller and cord before washing. If you can't remove the cord, leave it dangling outside the basin as you wash the blanket.
By carefully following the instructions on the care label, you can effectively hand-wash your electric blanket while protecting its internal wiring system.
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Detach the power cord and controller
Before you start hand washing your electric blanket, it is important to detach the power cord and controller. This is because submerging the cord and controller in water can cause damage to the electrical components.
First, check if the electrical cord on your heated blanket is fully detachable. If it is, unplug and disconnect the cord from the blanket. If your blanket has a detachable remote, remove this too. If you are unable to remove the cord, simply leave it dangling outside of the basin as you wash the blanket.
If your electric blanket has a controller, this should also be removed before washing. The controller should not be submerged in water, so if it cannot be detached, ensure it is kept away from the water as you wash the blanket.
Once you have detached the power cord and controller, you can begin to fill your bathtub or basin with water. You should use cool to warm water, avoiding high temperatures that could damage the wiring.
It is important to always refer to the manufacturer's instructions when detaching and handling the power cord and controller of your electric blanket.
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Soak in cold water
Before you start hand-washing your electric blanket, it is important to check the manufacturer's guidelines on the product's care label. Most electric blankets are washable, but some may require dry cleaning.
If your electric blanket is washable, fill a spacious basin, sink, or bathtub with cold water and add a small quantity of mild detergent. Gently agitate the water to ensure an even distribution of soap. Then, carefully lower your electric blanket into the water, ensuring it is fully submerged. Be careful not to rub the blanket, as this may damage the heating elements.
Let the blanket soak for around 15 minutes. Try to ensure it isn't left bunched up to reduce strain on the heating elements. After soaking, drain the water and gently squeeze the blanket to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the blanket, as this can damage the heating elements.
Rinse the blanket thoroughly with clean water and gently press again to remove excess water. Repeat the process until all soap residue is removed. Hang the blanket to dry completely, ensuring it is fully spread out to allow for proper airflow. Do not reconnect or plug in the controller until your blanket is completely dry.
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Agitate the water
Agitating the water is an important step in hand-washing an electric blanket. It helps to remove any dirt, stains, or odours from the blanket. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:
Firstly, ensure that the electric blanket is fully submerged in the water. You can use a bathtub or a large sink for this step. Make sure that the water is cool to warm, as hot water may damage the inner wiring. Always follow the temperature recommendations on your blanket's care label.
Next, gently agitate the water with your hands. You can do this by swishing the blanket around or lightly rubbing the fabric with your hands. Avoid using too much force or harsh movements, as this may damage the wiring. The goal is to create enough movement to dislodge any dirt or stains without putting excessive stress on the blanket.
After agitating the water, you will need to drain the soapy water and refill the tub or sink with clean water. It is important to rinse the blanket thoroughly to remove any residual soap or detergent. Repeat this rinsing process as many times as needed until all the soap has been removed.
During the rinsing process, you can also gently squeeze or swish the blanket to help remove the soap. Be careful not to twist or wring the blanket, as this can damage the wiring. Remember to keep the movements gentle and avoid any abrupt actions that could put strain on the electrical components.
Once you have finished agitating the water and rinsing the blanket, you can move on to the next steps of hand-washing your electric blanket, such as gently removing excess water and air-drying the blanket. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and care label for specific guidelines on hand-washing your electric blanket.
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Rinse and dry
Once you've hand-washed your electric blanket, it's important to rinse and dry it properly to avoid damaging the wiring.
First, drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water. Swish the blanket around in the clean water and then drain the tub again. Repeat this process until all the soap has been removed from your blanket. It's important to ensure that the soap is completely rinsed out, as any residue could damage the wiring or affect the performance of the blanket.
Once your blanket has been properly rinsed, gently squeeze out the excess water. Be careful not to twist or wring the blanket, as this could bend or damage the wires. Instead, you can roll the blanket in towels to absorb excess moisture.
Next, you'll need to hang your electric blanket to dry. You can use a drying rack, clothesline, or shower rod. Hang the blanket so that it is flat and unfolded, and make sure that the controller is not touching any water. If you prefer, you can also lay the blanket flat to dry.
It is important to wait until your electric blanket is completely dry before using it again. This may take some time, so be patient! Do not plug the controller back in or turn it on until the blanket is entirely dry.
Some electric blankets can be put in the dryer on a low, cool temperature setting. However, it is recommended that you check the care label and follow the manufacturer's instructions before doing so. Air drying is often considered the safest method to avoid any potential damage to the wiring.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the care label on your electric blanket to see if it can be hand washed. If the care label is missing, you can try to search for the model number or brand to find out.
Unplug the electric blanket and remove the controller and cord. If the cord cannot be removed, leave it dangling outside the basin. Pretreat any stains with a stain-removing spray.
You will need a bathtub or large sink, cool to warm water, and a mild detergent.
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 with clean water. Rinse the blanket in the clean water, drain the tub, and repeat until the soap is removed.
After rinsing and gently squeezing out excess water, hang your electric blanket on a drying rack, over a clothesline, or on a shower rod. Do not use the blanket until it is completely dry.
