How to Safely Wash an Electric Blanket

Snuggling up with an electric blanket is a great way to stay cozy on a cold day. However, there comes a time where you’ll have to wash your electric blanket. If you have never owned an electric blanket, it may seem a bit difficult. Plus, removing the wires and cords can complicate the process.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to wash an electric blanket. Later, we’ll also teach you the best way to dry your blanket.

Machine Washing Electric Blankets

Machine washing your electric blanket is an easy way to keep it smelling fresh and clean. However, you need to follow a few washing instructions to keep your blanket in the best condition.

Before you place your electric blanket into the washer, unplug the cables from their power source. Be sure that wires are not exposed through the fabric to prevent any damage.

It’s also a good idea to prep your blanket for washing by removing excess debris with a lint roller. Do not shake out your blanket to remove debris since this could damage the internal wiring. Once you prep your blanket, place it in the washer and add a mild detergent. Use only a small amount of laundry detergent, and do not add bleach or any other liquids/chemicals as this could ruin the fabric.

Next, fill the washer with cold or lukewarm water. You’ll want to place your washer on a pre-soak setting and let the detergent saturate the fabric for at least 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, change the washer setting to the gentle or delicate cycle and let it spin dry.

If you can set the final spin cycle speed, reduce it to the lowest setting to prevent excess force on the blanket’s wiring.

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Hand Washing Electric Blankets

Hand washing an electric blanket may be a better option for you since it is more gentle than a washing machine. If you have an older electric blanket, it may feature a power cord that doesn’t detach. When handwashing older blankets, be mindful not to wet electrical cords while doing so. This will prevent fire hazards during the washing process or later during use.

Fill a plastic tub or bin with lukewarm water and add detergent. Carefully place your blanket in the tub and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Using mild pressure, swish the blanket underwater for a few minutes, paying special attention to any stubborn stains.

Next, drain the tub and wring out your blanket to remove excess water. Then rinse the blanket thoroughly with cold water. During this step, try your best to be gentle and avoid pinching the wires as this could cause damage. After you rinse your blanket, wring it again before letting it air dry.

How to Place an Electric Blanket in the Dryer

Typically, you can partially dry electric blankets in the dryer, but it’s essential to avoid high heat. Be especially careful if you use a commercial dryer because they run at higher temperatures than home models.

Drying your electric blanket will also require a large dryer so the blanket can tumble freely. If the dryer is too small, your blanket may get twisted and damage the wire insulation. So, it may be a good idea to use a dryer at the laundromat for more space.

Use a low heat setting and dry for no more than 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the blanket while it’s still damp and drape over a strong clothesline or a flat surface such as a clothes rack until it’s fully dry.

Alternatives to an Electric Blanket

If caring for and maintaining an electric blanket sounds like too much hassle, no worries! We have a few alternatives you can consider if you’re a cold sleeper or live in a cooler climate.

Our top suggestion would be getting a comforter or duvet. These are essentially thick, baggy blankets designed to keep you insulated. Many comforters and duvets are designed for year-round use, while others are specifically engineered to stay warm during winter. Duvets are designed to replace a typical sheet set and blanket, while a comforter can be used with a flat sheet.

Washing a comforter is usually a simpler process than washing an electric blanket, particularly if you slip your comforter inside a duvet cover. However, some comforter and duvets are dry clean only, which can make them costly to maintain.

Of course, you can choose a standard blanket to curl up underneath if you live in a milder climate. You can also invest in a small heater for your bedroom if you want to avoid directly raising your thermostat, although a space heater is less energy efficient than an electric blanket. Lastly, wearing thick, fleecy pajamas with a pair of socks when it’s cold can help you feel toasty warm in bed.

If you still want a hi-tech way to stay warm at night, we suggest a heated mattress pad. A few luxury pads even double as cooling pads for hot summer nights.

SEE ALSO: Best Blankets: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

FAQS

Can I dry clean an electric blanket?

Dry cleaning an electric blanket is not the best way to keep it clean. Dry cleaners use harsh chemicals, and these products can cause damage to insulation, wiring, and heating elements. The best way to wash an electric blanket is hand washing or placing it in a washing machine.

Can you leave an electric blanket on all night?

We do not recommend sleeping with an electric blanket all night. The number one risk with keeping your blanket on throughout the night is a potential fire. The wires in heated blankets are tiny filaments prone to damage. These can easily overheat and cause sparks and fire. This risk of overheating is why it’s crucial to turn it off before bed and before you leave the house.

How often should I wash an electric blanket?

You should wash your electric blanket every couple of weeks or once a month. When you wash your blanket, you’ll want to treat it as gently as possible. Try alternation between air-drying and machine drying as an extra measure to keep the wires in quality condition.

As a side note, bedding such as sheets and regular blankets should be washed about once a week. Electric blankets don’t need to be washed as often because they see less use than standard sheets and aren’t always in direct contact with the body.

How do I get stains out of my electric blanket?

Before spot treating a stain, make sure your blanket is unplugged. Next, dip a cloth in water and add a small amount of mild fabric detergent to the stain. Rub it gently onto the spot until debris comes up and transfers to the cloth.

Once you’ve pulled up as much stain as possible, take a new damp cloth, then rub it gently over the spot to remove any detergent. Repeat this until the detergent is gone, and let your blanket air dry completely before using it again. You can also try spot treating with white vinegar and water for stubborn stains.

Can I air dry my electric blanket?

Air drying an electric blanket is entirely safe and prevents shrinkage. Plus, it can keep the wires in your blanket from becoming damaged. However, the most effective way to dry your blanket is by placing it in the dryer for about 20 minutes on the coolest setting.

Once the cycle is completed, remove the blanket and allow it to finish air-drying on a clothesline or rack. Overall, this process takes less time than only air-drying your electric blanket.

Conclusion

It’s important to follow the correct procedures when washing your electric blanket. Remember to always remove your cords before placing your blanket in the washer. This may seem obvious, but forgetting to do so could damage your blanket.

Sometimes, handwashing and air drying your electric blanket is a better option. Handwashing your blanket will allow you to remove stubborn stains without ruining your blanket. Not to mention, air drying will keep your blanket from bunching up in the dryer.