Molly Ayala
Electric blankets require special care when cleaning due to their electrical components. Before washing an electric blanket, it is crucial to remove the control cord and power cord/controller to prevent damage to the electrical components. The blanket can then be washed in a washing machine or by hand, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. If washing by hand, fill a bathtub or large sink with cool to warm water and add a mild detergent. Soak the blanket for a few minutes, then gently agitate the water by swishing the blanket around. Rinse the blanket with clean water and gently squeeze out the excess water, being careful not to bend the wires.
Characteristics and Values Table for Washing Electric Blankets with Cords
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Unplug the blanket | Turn off the blanket and unplug it from the wall |
| Remove the cord | Disconnect the power cord/controller |
| Check for damage | Check for exposed wiring, scorched areas, rips, or tears |
| Pretreat stains | Wet the stain, apply a mild detergent, wait 20 minutes, then pat or gently rub with a damp cloth or toothbrush |
| Wash | Soak in cold or warm water with mild detergent, then agitate with hands or on a gentle machine cycle |
| Rinse | Rinse with cool or lukewarm water, spin, and repeat until soap is removed |
| Dry | Tumble dry on low heat, hang on a rack, or lay flat |
| Storage | Ensure the blanket is completely dry, then roll gently, do not fold, and store in a dry, climate-controlled, insect- and rodent-free space |
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What You'll Learn
Remove the power cord and controller
Before washing an electric blanket, it is crucial to remove the power cord and controller. This is because the electric blanket's cords are what allow electricity to travel from the outlet to the blanket. If the cords are damaged, the blanket could malfunction or stop working.
To remove the power cord and controller, start by turning off the blanket and unplugging it from the wall. Then, carefully disconnect the control cord from the blanket. The control cord is the cord that provides power to the blanket through a wall plug. It is important to note that the control cord should never be submerged in water. Once the cords are removed, loosely coil them, being careful not to crimp or pinch them. Place the cords in a soft cloth bag or plastic container to protect them from dust while the blanket is being washed.
If your electric blanket has an older control cord that is not detachable, it is recommended to hand wash the blanket, taking care not to submerge the control cord. In this case, you can carefully wash the blanket by hand, dunking it into a tub of cold water and mild detergent, being sure to keep the control cord dry.
By removing the power cord and controller before washing, you can help ensure that your electric blanket is not damaged during the cleaning process.
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Pretreat any stains
Before washing an electric blanket, it is important to pretreat any stains. Start by shaking your blanket outside to get rid of pet hair and dust, then check both sides for stains.
To pretreat stains, you can use a solution of one cup of cool water and one tablespoon of liquid dish soap or an enzyme-based laundry detergent. Apply the solution to the stain and use a soft brush to gently scrub it in. Let the pretreatment sit for at least five minutes.
Next, wet the stain and dab it with a mild detergent. Allow the detergent to 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 affected area and press with a towel to absorb any excess water. Repeat the process two to three times if necessary.
If you are using a top-loading washer, gently place the blanket around the agitator or impeller to help keep the load even. For a front-loading washer, evenly place the blanket in the washer drum, ensuring that you do not ball up the blanket as this can create an unbalanced load.
It is important to note that you should always unplug your electric blanket and disconnect the power cord before attempting to treat any stains or wash the blanket.
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Wash on a delicate or gentle cycle
To wash an electric blanket with cords, it is important to first remove all connected cords to ensure the blanket is not damaged. If the cords are not removable, the blanket must be carefully hand-washed, taking care not to submerge the control cord.
If your electric blanket has removable cords, you can wash it in a washing machine. To do so, start by removing the cord from your blanket. Then, soak the blanket for 10 to 15 minutes in cold or warm water, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. To wash the blanket, set your machine to "delicate" or "gentle" and add a small amount of detergent.
Most electric blankets should be washed on a delicate or gentle cycle. This helps to prevent dislodging or damaging the wiring inside the blanket. A brief spin cycle is also recommended. Rinsing cycles can be even shorter—just one minute of rinsing with cool or lukewarm water is the standard recommendation.
If your blanket is older or the cords are not removable, hand washing is the best option. To hand wash, fill your tub or large sink with cool to warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Dunk the blanket (not including any electrical cords) into the water and swish it around for a minute or two. Let it soak for 15 minutes, then gently squeeze out the soapy water and rinse in cool water. Drain the tub and refill it with clean water. Swish and squeeze the blanket to rinse. Repeat as needed until all soap is removed.
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Rinse and spin on a brief cycle
After pre-soaking the blanket and washing it briefly on a gentle cycle, it's time to rinse and spin. Rinsing cycles are typically very short—just one minute of rinsing with cool or lukewarm water is the standard recommendation.
Most electric blankets benefit from a single standard spin cycle. If you're using a washing machine, set it to a low-speed spin with minimum agitation to protect the internal wiring. Avoid using chlorine bleach or fabric softener.
If you're hand-washing your electric blanket, gently squeeze out the excess water after rinsing. Avoid wringing or twisting the blanket, as this could damage the wiring.
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Dry on a low setting
When it comes to drying your electric blanket, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, always dry on a low setting. High dryer heat can damage the wiring of an electric blanket, so it's important to be cautious. If you're using a dryer, choose a low-temperature setting and remove the blanket before it's fully dried. Alternatively, you can dry your electric blanket on a clothesline or drying rack. This is a good option to avoid any potential damage to the wiring.
If you're hand-washing your electric blanket, make sure to gently squeeze out the excess water without twisting or wringing the blanket. This will help prevent bending the wires. You can then either lay the blanket flat to dry or use a dryer on a low setting.
When using a dryer, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Some electric blankets can be tumble-dried on a low setting, but always check the care label or user manual for specific instructions. If you're unsure, it's better to air dry your blanket to be safe.
It's worth noting that before storing your electric blanket, it's important to ensure it's completely dry. Sharp, hard folds can damage the inner wires, so gently roll the blanket instead. Store it in a dry, climate-controlled space, and always keep the controls and cords unplugged from the blanket.
By following these instructions, you can effectively dry your electric blanket while also maintaining its safety and functionality. Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations and treat your electric blanket with care during the drying process.
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Frequently asked questions
Before washing your electric blanket, always unplug it and remove the control cord. If your blanket has a non-detachable cord, do not machine wash it.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most electric blankets can be washed in a machine on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Some older blankets may need to be hand-washed.
Most electric blankets can be tumble dried on a low heat setting. Alternatively, dry your blanket on a rack, making sure it is fully dry before storing.
Wash your electric blanket when you think it needs it. If you use it nightly, wash it each time you wash your other bedding. Always wash your blanket before storing it.
