Molly Ayala
Electric blankets are prone to damage, especially due to the wires inside them. Sunbeam® Heated Bedding products are designed to provide warmth and comfort without feeling hot to the touch. They come with a 5-year limited warranty and an automatic 10-hour auto-off feature to prevent overheating. Before washing a Sunbeam electric blanket, it is important to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions, which include disconnecting the power cord and control cord, avoiding dry cleaning and bleach, and ensuring the blanket is completely dry before reconnecting it. Presoaking and gentle machine washing with cold water and mild soap are recommended, followed by tumble drying at low temperatures.
How to wash a Sunbeam electric blanket
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pre-soak | In cold water and soap for 15 minutes |
| Wash | Gentle machine wash at 40°C max |
| Dry | Tumble dry for 15 minutes max or hang dry |
| Do not | Iron or dry clean |
| General advice | Follow the instructions that came with the blanket or check the manufacturer's website |
| Notes | Make sure the blanket is completely dry before use |
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What You'll Learn
Pre-soak in cold water and mild soap for 15 minutes
Before you start, make sure your Sunbeam electric blanket is switched off and unplugged from the wall. Detach the control cord from the blanket and check that the cords are not connected and the wires have not worn through the fabric. Do not submerge the control in water.
Now, you can begin the pre-soak. Fill a bathtub or a large container with cold water and add a mild soap. You could also use your washing machine, but make sure it's set to cold water only and on the "delicate" or "gentle" cycle. Place the blanket in the water and let it soak for 15 minutes. Do not use bleach or any other cleaning fluids, and do not use a wringer.
After 15 minutes, you can proceed to the next step: washing the blanket for two minutes.
As electric blankets are prone to damage and have a short lifespan, it's important to be very gentle during the pre-soak and washing process. Avoid scrubbing or twisting the blanket, and do not dry clean, iron, or use mothballs or sprays.
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Wash on a gentle cycle for two minutes
To wash a Sunbeam electric blanket, it is recommended to wash it on a gentle cycle for two minutes. Before you begin, make sure you have disconnected the power cord from the wall and then the control cord from the blanket. Check that the cords are not connected and the wires have not worn through the fabric. Do not submerge the control in water.
When washing, use a delicate or gentle cycle and wash for two minutes with mild soap and cold water. Do not use bleach or cleaning fluids. After the two-minute cycle, rinse the blanket in fresh, cold water and spin dry in the washing machine. Remove the blanket while it is still damp and gently shape it to its original size.
If you are concerned about the wiring in your electric blanket, you can also try handwashing it in a bathtub with mild soap and cold water. If you do choose to machine wash, do not use commercial dryers as they can get too hot and damage the wiring. Instead, preheat your dryer at home to a low temperature for two minutes, then tumble dry for 10 minutes.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when washing your electric blanket to avoid damage or safety hazards.
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Rinse in cold water
Rinsing your electric blanket in cold water is an important step in keeping it clean and well-maintained. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for this step:
Firstly, it is crucial to disconnect the power cord and control cord from the blanket before beginning the rinsing process. This is a safety precaution to avoid any electrical hazards. Check that the cords are not connected, and carefully inspect the blanket to ensure no wires are exposed or worn through the fabric.
Next, fill a tub or sink with cold water. You can also use the soaking or rinsing cycle on your washing machine if you prefer. Completely submerge the blanket in the water and agitate it gently to ensure all soap residue is removed. It is important to use only cold water for rinsing, as hot water may damage the wiring or compromise the heating elements.
The rinsing step should be done thoroughly to eliminate any soap residue, which could irritate your skin or damage the blanket's heating components if left behind. If you are rinsing the blanket by hand, swish it around in the water for a good amount of time, perhaps 10 minutes or so, to ensure all soap is removed. If using a washing machine, select the "rinse" cycle, and ensure it is set to cold water.
After rinsing, gently squeeze the blanket to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist the blanket, as this could damage the wiring and heating elements. Instead, lay it flat or hang it over a clothesline or shower rod to prepare it for drying.
Remember, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and rinsing your Sunbeam electric blanket. These instructions may vary slightly depending on the model of your blanket, so it is always best to consult the care label or the official website for specific directions.
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Spin dry and reshape
Once your electric blanket has been through the gentle spin cycle, it's time to dry it. It is important that the blanket is completely dry before you use it again. Hang the blanket over a clothesline or a shower rod to dry. Do not use clothespins. If you want to tumble dry the blanket, check the instructions on the care tag, which should specify the maximum time and temperature.
If your blanket has a detachable controller but no removable cover, you should also refer to the manufacturer's instructions. The Sunbeam website recommends that you disconnect the pad from the outlet and detach the pad connector from the control connector before drying.
If your blanket has a removable cover, only the cover should be machine-dried. The heating pad itself should be wiped with a damp cloth only, as needed, and then hung to dry. Do not dampen the cord and connector.
Make sure that your blanket is completely dry before reconnecting the power plug or control plug. All Sunbeam warming products are tested at the factory for quality and performance, so if your blanket is not heating properly, you may want to try the fold test.
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Do not dry clean, bleach or iron
When it comes to caring for your electric blanket, there are a few important don'ts to keep in mind. Firstly, do not dry clean your electric blanket. While dry cleaning may seem like a gentler option, the chemicals used in the process can damage the insulation surrounding the heating elements. These non-water solvents can corrode or chemically interact with the electric parts, causing problems or damage. Instead, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing, which may include hand-washing or machine-washing on a gentle cycle with cold water.
Secondly, avoid using bleach on your electric blanket. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage the fabric and wiring of the blanket. If you need to treat a stain, it is recommended to use a mild detergent instead. Spot treat the stain by unplugging the blanket, blotting with a towel, rubbing a small amount of detergent on the affected area, and then removing the detergent with a moist towel.
Thirdly, do not iron your electric blanket. The heat from the iron can easily damage the wires' insulation and the plastic casing around them. If your blanket is wrinkled, the best way to remove creases is to hang it on a shower rod or clothesline and let gravity pull out the wrinkles. Alternatively, you can lightly spray the blanket with water and use your hand to smooth out the wrinkles, allowing it to air dry afterward.
Lastly, always make sure your electric blanket is completely dry before plugging it in and using it again. This is important for safety reasons, as moisture can affect the internal electrical wiring. If you're unsure whether the blanket is dry, it's best to let it air dry for an additional 24 hours before use.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your Sunbeam electric blanket before its initial use. First, disconnect the power cord from the wall and then detach the control cord from the blanket. Check that the cords are not connected and the wires have not worn through the fabric. Presoak the blanket in mild soap and cold water for 15 minutes. Wash in cold water on a delicate or gentle cycle for two minutes. Rinse in cold water and spin dry in the washing machine. Then, gently shape the blanket back to its original size. Do not dry clean, bleach, iron, or use mothballs on your Sunbeam electric blanket.
After spin-drying your Sunbeam electric blanket in the washing machine, gently reshape it to its original size while it is still damp. Drape the blanket over a clothesline or shower rod. Do not use commercial dryers or dryers at your local laundromat as they can get too hot and damage the wiring of your heated blanket.
Turn off the controllers of the blanket and unplug it. Wipe the liquid off the blanket and let it dry completely before reusing. For bigger spills, follow the standard washing instructions.
