Learn how to wash and dry your heated blanket without using harsh chemicals in a few easy steps. We think machine washing is the easiest way, but have including hand washing instructions as well.
If you know me very well in real life you know I love my dogs! I have a chihuahua that is like my baby. My chihuahua loves car rides and goes just about everywhere with us.
The one thing I don't love about my dogs is the mess that they make. (See my trick of the easiest way to get pet hair off of furniture.)
Because of how dirty they are I end up washing things like sheets and blankets WAY more than I would if we didn't have dogs.
This also includes electric blankets.
You may not think of regularly washing your electric blanket, but it does need to be done.
What You'll Need
- Stain remover - only if you can see stains.
- Mild detergent - I recommend either Woolite or The Laundress. These are created for delicates.
Before You Start
- Most modern electric blankets will be intact and you will not have to worry. However, older electric blankets need to be inspected before washing to make sure there are no signs of damage to the electrical components.
- Use a lint roller to remove most of the debris like lint, hair, and excess dirt. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to dust it off.
Spot Cleaning
Before you wash your heated blanket, we recommend spot-treating it our some sort of stain remover. I have a homemade spray that works wonders, even on stubborn stains.
How to Wash An Electric Blanket In The Washing Machine
STEP 1: Unplug the power cord from the wall and disconnect the remaining cords from the blanket.
STEP 2: Spot treat if necessary.
STEP 3: Turn the washing machine on the delicate cycle with cool or cold water. Once the machine has filled, add a small amount of mild detergent and then the blanket.
For a front-loading washing machine, use a gentle detergent and start the washing process as you normally would versus waiting for it to fill up.
STEP 4: Let the machine agitate for a minute and then stop it and let it soak for about 5-10 minutes.
STEP 5: Once it has soaked turn the machine back on and let it run like normal. The gentle cycle will get the grime and stains out of your electric blanket without tearing up the electrical components/heating elements.
Tired of laundry stains?
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Washing Electric Blankets By Hand
STEP 1: Unplug the blanket from the power source and disconnect the other cords from the controller.
STEP 2: Spot treat if you see stains.
STEP 3: Fill the bathtub up halfway with cool water. Add a small amount of mild laundry detergent and mix it with the cool water.
STEP 4: Place the blanket in and submerge it fully.
STEP 5: Let the blanket soak for about 15-20 minutes. After at least 15 minutes, agitate it gently for a few minutes.
STEP 6: Drain the water from the tub and wring out the excess water from the blanket.
STEP 7: Fill the tub back up with clean water and swish the blanket through to help rinse out the soapy water.
STEP 8: Then, drain the tub water and gently wring the blanket again. You may want to repeat the rinsing process if you feel like there is still soap in the blanket. Once most of the water is out, move on to the drying process.
How to Properly Dry An Electric Blanket
Put the blanket into the dryer on a low heat setting. Toss in a few wool dryer balls if you have them. These help to speed up drying time, eliminates the need for fabric softener, and takes care of the static.
Check the blanket after it has been drying about 30 minutes.
Take it out, fluff it, then place it back in to continue drying. Repeat this process every 30 minutes until it's fully dry.
Why We Don't Recommend Air Drying
First of all, you can't line dry an electric blanket because you aren't supposed to use clothespins on it or fold it over a clothesline/drying rack/shower rod. Either thing can damage the electrical wiring.
I also don't recommend air drying by laying it out on a flat surface because it could take too long to dry. Anything that takes too long to dry can cause mildew.
How Often Do Heated Blankets Need Cleaning
I recommend washing it at the beginning of the season before those chilly nights hit and you put it on your bed, at the end of the season before you put it away for summer, and as needed.
I also recommend washing a new electric blanket before using it for the first time. Check the blanket's care tag to ensure that it is machine washable and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before the first use.
Can You Dry Clean Electric Blankets?
Unless the care label instructions specifically say that you can I do not recommend it. The dryer cleaning process uses more than a mild detergent which may cause damage to the electrical elements and internal wiring.
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