Updated at: 26-07-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

It’s hard to beat the warmth of an electric blanket on a cold night, whether you’re curling up on the couch or snoozing in bed. To acquire the precise amount of warmth on demand, the electric wires placed between the blanket’s fabric layers can be changed.

In addition, it should be cleaned on a regular basis, just like other types of bedding like comforters and pillows. According to Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab, an electric blanket should be washed a few times every season depending on the use. For this reason, you could worry whether or not it’s safe to wash an electric blanket. However, most electric blankets may be washed in the machine without causing any harm.

We do a lot of laundry at the Good Housekeeping Institute, whether it’s to locate the best washers and dryers or to test the best comforters. Keeping an electric blanket clean can be difficult, so we’ve put together this tutorial to show you how to do it right.

Products you’ll need:

  • Tide’s Hygienic Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent is recommended by our experts.
  • Need a new one for your laundry room? Look no further. During our tests, we found that the Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator performed admirably, even when faced with a heavy blanket or comforter.
  • A simple folding drying rack will do the job. Customers love the Amazon Basics Foldable Laundry Rack, which has received a lot of positive feedback.

How To Wash Your Electric Blanket

How to Wash an electric blanket in a washing machine:

Step 1. Check and follow the care label.

You should always verify and follow the care label directions before washing or drying an electric blanket.

Step 2: Make sure the cords are unplugged.

When using an electric blanket, the heat emanates via a cord or control panel that can be removed. Before washing the blanket, make sure that all of its cords are disconnected.

Step 3: Use a large capacity washer and dryer.

In order to avoid damaging the wires, you should select a front-loading or top-loading washing machine without an agitator, such the GH 2021 Best Cleaning Product Award winner Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator. There are no particular directions on your blanket, so simply wash it in cool or warm water on the delicate setting.

Step 4: Dry gently.

The blanket’s drying directions should be followed. Tumble dry it on the lowest heat setting if there are no instructions provided. Before using the blanket, make sure it is thoroughly dry.

How to Safely and Properly Wash an Electric Blanket - The Sleep Judge

How to wash an electric blanket by hand:

Hand washing the electric blanket is an option if machine washing isn’t an option or preferred.

  • Fill the bathtub with cold water and a tiny bit of mild detergent, and then remove all of the cords.
  • Then use your hands to gently agitate the water, after letting it soak for a few minutes.
  • Fill the tub back up with fresh, clear water after draining the old, sudsy one. Rinse the blanket by swiping and squeezing it.
  • In order to remove all the soap, repeat as many times as necessary.
  • Take care not to bend the wires by carefully squeezing out excess water and using towels to absorb any remaining moisture.
  • Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat.

Additional tips on caring for an electric blanket:

  • Do not dry clean an electric blanket or use bleach or other strong chemicals, unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer, as these can harm the wiring.
  • The dryer’s low heat setting or drying the blanket on a rack away from radiators or heaters are better options if you want to avoid damaging the wiring.
  • Immediately cease using the blanket if you discover any brown patches, broken or exposed wires, or if the blanket has overheated, resulting in burnt regions.

CAN YOU WASH AN ELECTRIC BLANKET?

A few types of electric blankets are machine washable, but many others are not. This is where we tell you which is which so that you may extend the life of your heated blanket and keep it in good condition.

WHEN YOU CAN WASH AN ELECTRIC BLANKET

The care label on an electric blanket, like that on pillows and other bedding, should specify that it is safe to wash it in the washing machine.

A “product care” label, a pamphlet in your blanket’s packing, or even the box itself should provide the manufacturer’s washing instructions,” suggests Nick Woodward, founder of Essential Living (opens in new tab).

When it comes to washing an electric blanket, specialists at the Sleep Foundation recommend that you remove the plug and controller before doing so, so that the blanket can be washed in a washing machine (opens in new tab). In order to deal with the sweat and moisture created when sleeping, their internal wiring needs to be waterproof. Owners typically remove the plug and control device prior to washing, making the operation straightforward. Although it is important to read all instructions thoroughly before cleaning, and especially before putting the electrical components back together,’

If you’ve got an older electric blanket, you’ll need to use a special washing machine or dryer to clean it. Washing a fresh electric blanket in the washing machine is also recommended prior to use.’

HOW TO WASH AN ELECTRIC BLANKET

Follow these instructions to wash your electric blanket safely:

It is essential to disconnect the power cord before washing your electric blanket, says Nick Woodward of Essential Living. ‘Your electric blanket features a control cord that provides electricity through a wall plug, and it is crucial you disconnect the power cord whenever you want to clean your blanket’ ‘ Remove the blanket by turning it off and unplugging it. Never submerge the control cord into water.

In addition to following the manufacturer’s washing recommendations, experts at Bedsure recommend washing and tumble drying electric heated blankets on low heat on a moderate, cold cycle (opens in new tab). Most manufacturers advocate soaking the blankets for five to fifteen minutes, as does Nick Woodward. Also, a variety of water temperatures will likely be recommended. If there aren’t any, try a 15-minute soak in cold water.’

When washing an electric blanket, ‘Nearly all modern electric blankets can be laundered in your washing machine, however most manufacturers do not advocate a complete wash cycle’ says Nick Woodward. The “soft” or “gentle” cycle on your washer should be sufficient for most blankets. After that, a quick rinse and spin cycle was performed.’

In order for the heated blanket to dry, it must be able to freely tumble. If your dryer does not have enough room to tumble-dry your blanket, consider air-drying it instead,” Nick Woodward concludes. Remove it while it’s still wet so that it may complete drying in the open air. Make sure the temperature is set to “cool.” This will assist keep it in its current form.

Avoid damaging the wiring in your electric blanket by over-spinning or over-heating it in the washer or dryer, or by cramming it into a drum that is too small for it. Look to wash it by hand in the bathtub instead. Without a certain, the wires in an electric blanket will be damaged if you try to iron it.

You can’t dry-clean an electric blanket.

HOW OFTEN TO WASH AN ELECTRIC BLANKET?

Every time you wash your bedding, you should wash your electric blanket as well. At the very least, wash it every two weeks. Before putting an electric blanket away for the summer, make sure it is completely dry and rolled up, with the wire and controls unplugged, to prevent the blanket from becoming moldy or causing damage to the wiring.

6 Basic DIY Steps On How To Clean Heated Blanket - Krostrade

A softer hand wash and air drying may be the best way to proceed if you feel your blanket is being pushed out of shape or your wiring is broken after washing and drying. As little garbage as possible.. Remove all cords and controls before putting the electric blanket in the washing machine.

Conclusion

An electric blanket is a useful item to have in your home. If you know how to clean a heated blanket, you can keep it in excellent condition.