Modern electric blankets can be safely washed and dried using a typical home washer and dryer. You should even wash a newly purchased electric blanket in the washing machine before using it for the first time. Make sure you choose a short, gentle wash cycle. Also, make sure to dry the blanket on a low temperature and then take it out of the machine before it dries completely. Finally, there are some washing methods that you should avoid when washing electric blankets.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Machine Washing Electric Blankets
Step 1. Unplug the power cord before starting to wash
Electric blankets generally have a control cable for charging. Unplug this cord every time you want to wash the electric blanket. However, before removing the cable, turn off the blanket and then unplug it first. This control cable must not be submerged in water.
- Before washing the duvet, check and make sure all the heating elements are properly positioned, and nothing has come off the duvet fabric.
- If any of the heating wires come loose from the duvet fabric, or the connection points between the blanket and the control wires are damaged anywhere, do not use this blanket again.
- If you have an electric blanket with a non-removable control cord, do not machine wash the blanket. Instead, wash the blanket manually, being careful not to soak the control wires in water.
Step 2. Pay attention to the blanket manufacturer's instructions
Electric blankets should be accompanied by instructions for use that include specifically how to wash them. These instructions may be listed on the "care product" label on the blanket, the instruction manual in the blanket package, or on the blanket package itself.
You will almost always be directed to soak, wash the blanket briefly on a gentle cycle, then rinse. A short wash cycle may also be recommended
Step 3. Soak the blanket
Most electric blanket manufacturers will direct you to soak the blanket for between 5-15 minutes. In addition to specific soaking times, blanket manufacturers will also recommend different water temperatures, from cold to warm.
If neither temperature nor soaking time is specifically stated in the product care instructions, simply use cold water to soak the blanket for 15 minutes
Step 4. Gently wash the electric blanket for only a few minutes
Almost all modern electric blankets are machine washable. However, most electric blanket manufacturers do not recommend a full wash cycle. In fact, most electric blankets only need to be machine washed for a few minutes on a "gentle" or "delicate" cycle.
- Just use a small amount of mild detergent. Do not use other chemical cleaners.
- In particular, never use bleach for electric blankets.
Step 5. Rinse and twist the blanket for a while
The rinse cycle can be even shorter. The general recommendation is to rinse the electric blanket in cold or lukewarm water for only 1 minute. Meanwhile, most blankets will be cleaner if washed in 1 standard spin cycle.
Step 6. Be careful when washing the electric blanket by hand
While it may sound surprising, electric blankets are best machine washable. However, if you have an old blanket that hasn't been damaged anywhere, you can wash it by hand. For example, if the blanket's charging cord cannot be removed, the blanket must be carefully washed manually. The key is to avoid shocks to the heating element as much as possible.
To wash an electric blanket by hand, simply place the blanket (except the power cord) in a bucket of cold water and a mild detergent and then swirl it for 1 or 2 minutes in the bucket. Let the blanket soak for 15 minutes, wring out the water, then rinse with cold water before drying
Method 2 of 3: Drying the Electric Blanket
Step 1. Make sure the blanket can rotate freely
One important factor is the size of the dryer. Some small dryers may not be enough for an electric blanket. The main condition is the possibility of the blanket rotating freely. If there's not enough room for the blanket to spin in the dryer, consider just drying it out.
Step 2. Observe the manufacturer's instructions
Instructions for using the blanket should also include a specific way to dry it. Some models of blankets may even have to dry briefly in a preheated dryer, much like if you preheated the oven before baking. Otherwise, you may be directed to dry the blanket between 5-10 minutes.
- Unless otherwise stated, always choose a low temperature when drying electric blankets.
- Remove the blanket from the dryer while it is still damp.
Step 3. Stretch the blanket after washing
Depending on the manufacturer, the blanket may need to be stretched back to its normal size after washing and/or drying. When it's still slightly damp, it will be easier to reshape. For that, ask someone to help do it.
Stand far enough away from each other, with your arms stretched out close to each other to stretch the blanket as far as possible. After that, simply pull the blanket in the opposite direction
Step 4. Dry the electric blanket
To dry the blanket perfectly, or if you just want to hang it in the sun, simply hang the blanket on a clothesline or a pole that can support the weight. Note that you must wait for the electric blanket to dry completely before plugging it back into the power outlet and/or using it again.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing the Electric Blanket From Damage
Step 1. Do not dry clean the electric blanket
Many people assume that the dry cleaning process is a gentler option so use it for electric blankets. This is not the case because on the other hand, you should never dry clean an electric blanket. The chemicals used in the process can damage the insulation surrounding the blanket's heating elements.
Step 2. Do not iron the electric blanket
In general, try to keep your electric blanket clean and maintain to a minimum. In particular, never iron an electric blanket as this can damage the insulation of the wires.
Step 3. Check the electric blanket after washing and drying
If during washing and drying any of the heating wires of the blanket are shifted or damaged, do not use this blanket again. If you are in doubt about the condition of the blanket, you should not use it again.
You can check the blanket to make sure all the wires are in their proper position by stretching the blanket out in a bright spot. The heating wires on the blanket should be an equal distance apart, and not overlap
Step 4. Carefully wash the electric blanket in the washing machine
Most electric blanket manufacturers do not recommend that you dry the blanket in a commercial dryer, such as those in a laundry. The reason for this is that the heat in commercial dryers is much higher and there is a risk of damaging the blanket. However, if you can be careful and set the tumble dryer to the lowest possible setting and check the blanket frequently to make sure it doesn't dry out completely, then you can safely use most commercial dryers.
