Molly Ayala
Electric blankets require special care when cleaning due to their internal wiring. Before washing, it is important to check the care label for specific instructions. Most electric blankets can be washed in a washing machine, but some older blankets may need to be carefully hand-washed. To machine-wash an electric blanket, start by removing the cord and soaking the blanket in cold or warm water for 10-15 minutes. Then, set the machine to a delicate cycle with cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent. After washing, put the blanket on a rinse cycle and finish by drying it on low heat for 5-10 minutes. If hand-washing, fill a tub or sink with cool to warm water, add a mild detergent, and soak the blanket for several minutes. Drain the water, refill the tub, and rinse the blanket by swishing it around in the clean water. Gently squeeze the excess water out and hang the blanket to dry.
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What You'll Learn
Check the care label
The care label on your electric blanket will provide important instructions, so it is crucial to follow them closely. Before you put your electric blanket in the washing machine, check the care label for specific instructions and confirm that it can be hand-washed or machine-washed. Most electric heated blankets can be washed, but it is important to read your blanket's care tag before washing and drying or hand-washing. The care label may recommend an air-only or air-fluff cycle.
If you are drying your electric blanket in a dryer, the care label on your electric blanket will specify the heat setting. Most electric blankets can go in a dryer on a low, cool temperature. If the care label recommends a low-heat setting, opt for air-drying instead. Lay the blanket flat to dry or drape it over a clothesline or a shower curtain rod. Make sure not to twist or wring the blanket so you don't bend the wires.
If you are hand-washing your electric blanket, the care label will specify the water temperature. Fill your tub or large sink with cool to warm water as per the instructions on the care label. Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water and mix to dissolve. 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. Rinse the blanket in the clean water. Drain the tub and repeat until the soap is removed from your blanket.
If you are machine-washing your electric blanket, the care label will specify 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. Use a mild liquid detergent and the delicate cycle. Using your machine's most gentle wash settings, such as little to no spin and one to two rinses, will limit agitation.
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Remove the power cord
Before attempting to remove the power cord from your electric blanket, it is important to take a few safety precautions. Firstly, always ensure that the electric blanket is turned off before unplugging. This simple step can prevent any electrical sparks that might occur if the blanket is unplugged while still powered on. Next, check the temperature of the blanket and the plug. If either feels unusually hot, allow it to cool down before proceeding as this could indicate an electrical issue.
Once you have confirmed that the blanket is turned off and has cooled down sufficiently, you can locate the connections by finding where the power cord attaches to the blanket. This is usually at the foot of the blanket but may vary depending on the brand and model.
If you are simply unplugging the power cord from the wall socket, then the above steps are sufficient. However, if you wish to completely remove the power cord from the blanket, you will need to carefully cut the wires inside the blanket. To do this, make a small cut at the top and bottom of the blanket where the wires end, then grab the wires carefully and pull them out, along with the thermostat. If the thermostat is difficult to remove, you can make another cut to help get it out. Finally, close the cuts with a stitch or two to seal them.
By following these steps, you can safely remove the power cord from your electric blanket, whether for cleaning, maintenance, or storage purposes. Remember to always consult the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the longevity of your blanket.
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Wash on a gentle cycle
When it comes to cleaning your electric blanket, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure both your safety and the longevity of the blanket. One crucial step in this process is washing the electric blanket on a gentle cycle. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this task effectively:
Before initiating the washing process, carefully detach the electric blanket's connector and controller. These components are typically not designed to be washed and should be stored safely away from water and moisture. It's also advisable to refer to the manufacturer's manual or their
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Dry on a rack or clothesline
When it comes to drying an electric blanket, it is imperative to exercise caution and follow the manufacturer's instructions. While modern electric blankets are designed to be washed and dried in standard residential washers and dryers, the blanket should be removed from the dryer while it is still damp. This is to prevent damage to the wiring from high heat.
To dry an electric blanket on a rack or clothesline, start by partially drying it in the dryer for a short duration, such as 5 to 20 minutes, on a low-temperature setting. Then, remove the blanket from the dryer while it is still damp and hang it on a drying rack or clothesline to finish air-drying. Ensure that the blanket is completely dry before resuming use.
When hanging the blanket, avoid using clothespins as they can leave indentations or marks on the fabric. Instead, drape the blanket over the clothesline or drying rack. If you are using a shower rod, simply drape the blanket over the rod, allowing gravity to smooth out any wrinkles.
It is important to note that the blanket should not be plugged in or used until it is entirely dry. Before using the blanket again, carefully inspect it for any signs of damage, especially to the electrical wires and heating grid. If there is any visible damage or exposed wiring, do not use the blanket and dispose of it according to safety guidelines.
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Avoid high heat
Electric blankets are convenient, especially during the colder months. However, it is important to be cautious when drying them. Here are some tips to avoid high heat when drying your electric blanket:
Firstly, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the care label. Some electric blankets may require a brief dryer "pre-heating" period, while others may specify a drying time of 5-10 minutes. Unless instructed otherwise, always set your dryer to the lowest heat setting. It is important to remove the blanket from the dryer while it is still damp.
Secondly, avoid using a tumble dryer or any other form of high heat to speed up the drying process. High heat can damage the wiring of your electric blanket, rendering it unsafe and unusable. Instead, opt for air-drying your blanket. Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface, such as a drying rack, a clothesline (without clothespins), or a shower rod. To speed up the air-drying process, you can place a fan near the blanket or hang it in the airflow path of a heating vent.
Additionally, when storing your electric blanket, avoid basements, garages, or any places with high humidity as it may lead to mildew growth. Choose a well-ventilated area, such as a bedroom closet or living room cabinet, to ensure a controlled environment. It is recommended to loosely roll or fold the blanket in large loops to prevent potential damage to the internal wires.
Remember, safety should always come first when dealing with electric blankets. Taking the time to care for your electric blanket properly will ensure its longevity and your comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check the care label for specific instructions. Then, remove the power cord and soak the blanket for 10-15 minutes in cold or warm water. Next, set your machine to "delicate" and add a small amount of mild detergent. After washing, put the blanket on a rinse cycle for 1 minute, then spin. Finally, dry the blanket on low heat for 5-10 minutes, then finish air-drying on a rack.
First, check the care label for specific instructions. Then, unplug and remove the controller/cord. Fill a tub or sink with cool to lukewarm water and add a mild detergent. Soak the blanket for 5-15 minutes, then agitate it in the water for several minutes. Drain the water, then rinse the blanket by swishing it in clean water. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the blanket, then hang it on a drying rack or clothesline.
Dry your electric blanket on low heat for 5-10 minutes to remove excess moisture, then finish air-drying on a rack. Do not dry your electric blanket for too long or at a high temperature, as this can damage the wiring.
Wash your electric blanket every couple of weeks or once a month during the cold season.
