Trystan Casey
Electric blankets require special care when cleaning due to their electrical components. Before washing an electric blanket, it is important to first remove the cord and unplug the blanket. Some electric blankets have wiring that can be disconnected from the blanket, while others have detachable remotes. If the cord cannot be removed, it should be left dangling outside the washing basin to avoid water damage. Once the cord is removed, the blanket can be washed either by hand or in a washing machine, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
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What You'll Learn
Check if the cord is detachable
To check if the cord is detachable, first locate where the cord attaches to the electric blanket. This is usually near the edge of the blanket. Some electric blankets have wiring that can be disconnected from the blanket, while others have detachable remotes. If you can detach the cord or remote, it is safe to do so before washing the blanket.
If the cord doesn't seem to disconnect easily, check the manufacturer's instructions or the tag on the blanket for specific care and washing instructions. Some older electric blankets may have cords that cannot be fully disconnected, in which case it is recommended to hand wash the blanket and avoid submerging the cord in water to prevent damage.
If you are unable to find specific instructions or if the cord cannot be detached, it is best to leave the cord and remote dangling outside the washing basin or machine when washing the blanket. This will protect the electrical components from water damage.
Remember to always unplug the electric blanket from the power source before attempting to remove or detach any cords or remotes.
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Unplug and disconnect the cord
Before you start cleaning your electric blanket, it's important to unplug and disconnect the cord and controller. This is a crucial safety step, as submerging the cord in water can damage it and even cause electrical faults, which could lead to fires.
The first step is to locate the cord's port, which is usually near the edge of the blanket. Once found, simply unplug the cord from this port. If your blanket has wiring that doesn't fully disconnect, or if it's an older model, handwashing is the best option. In this case, leave the cord and remote dangling outside the basin as you wash the blanket, ensuring they remain dry.
Some electric blankets have detachable remotes. If your blanket has this feature, now is the time to remove the remote. By doing so, you protect these components from potential water damage.
After unplugging and disconnecting the cord, you may want to pretreat any stains on the blanket before proceeding with washing or handwashing. This can be done by applying a stain-removing spray or a mild detergent to the affected area and allowing it to soak into the fibres.
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Pretreat stains before washing
Before washing an electric blanket, it is important to pretreat any stains that are visible. Begin by unplugging the blanket and removing the controller and cord. You don't want to submerge the cord or controller in water as this may cause damage.
To pretreat stains, start by wetting the stain and dabbing it with a mild detergent. Allow the detergent to sit for 20 minutes. Next, 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 any excess water. Repeat the process if necessary.
If you are spot-cleaning a stain, use an absorbent cloth to blot at the stain. Choose a powerful oxygenated laundry stain remover. Most electric blankets are made from soft materials like polyester or fleece, which are easy to clean if you catch the stain early.
Once you have treated any visible stains, you can proceed with washing your electric blanket. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines and care label before proceeding.
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Wash the blanket without the cord
Before washing your electric blanket, it is important to remove the cord and ensure it is unplugged. This is because submerging the cord in water can damage it.
Now, onto washing the blanket without the cord. Firstly, check the care label for specific washing instructions. Electric blankets have internal wiring, so it is important to follow the directions carefully to ensure the heating grid remains intact. 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 remove excess water, repeating this process if necessary.
When washing your electric blanket, it is recommended to use a delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Use half the amount of detergent you would normally use for clothing. If your washer has a soak cycle, you can let the blanket soak in the detergent water for 30-60 minutes, then run a rinse and spin cycle without adding more detergent. Select a low-speed spin if your washer has this option.
After washing, gently squeeze out any excess water from the blanket. Avoid wringing or twisting the blanket, as this can damage the wiring. To dry the blanket, it is recommended to air dry it or use the lowest heat setting on your dryer. Excessive heat will damage the wiring, so it is important to make sure the blanket is completely dry before plugging it in again.
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Reattach the cord once the blanket is dry
Once your electric blanket is completely dry, you can reattach the cord and controller. Before reconnecting, check the cord and connector for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires, melted plastic, or burn marks. If any damage is evident, do not use the blanket until it has been professionally checked or replaced.
When reconnecting the cord, be gentle and avoid forcing or yanking it out, as this can cause damage to the electrical contacts or the fabric of the blanket. Ensure that the cord is securely and properly attached to prevent any loose connections that might lead to malfunctioning.
After reattaching the cord, test the blanket to ensure it functions correctly before use. Check for any broken wires and dark spots where the blanket may have overheated. If the shape of the blanket has changed, you may need to gently reshape it by hand.
If you removed the control panel, remember to reattach it securely as well. Once the cord and control panel are reattached, your electric blanket should be ready to use again.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to unplug the blanket from the power source. Then, locate the port where the cord is attached to the blanket, which is usually near the edge, and simply unplug the cord from this port.
Removing the cord from an electric blanket before washing it is crucial because submerging the cord and controller in water can cause water damage.
After removing the cord, pretreat any stains on the blanket with a stain-removing spray or a mild detergent. Then, proceed to wash the blanket either by hand or in a washing machine, following the manufacturer's instructions.
