An electric blanket can be your best friend if you use it correctly. However, they require regular cleaning, just like any other blanket. So, how do you clean an electric blanket?
You can clean an electric blanket in the machine and dry it in the dryer as long as the label allows for machine wash. Use slow-wash settings and avoid using too much spin. Also, use special blanket detergent for the best results.
Alternatively, you can wash your electric blanket by hand, although it’s time-consuming. Washing by hand is generally safer, but the blanket will take more time to dry.
What is an Electric Blanket?
Electric blankets are the go-to solution for most people in the chilly winter months. They help you stay warm and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the night. In addition, electric blankets are energy efficient and warm up without using as much energy as when warming up the whole room.
Most electric blankets are made from a thick material with insulated wires that heat when electricity passes through them, similar to an iron and a heat control system.
The thick blanket material is designed to keep the heat in, and the temperature control system allows you to control how hot you want the blanket. Modern electric blankets also have heat sensors and will shut off when the blanket overheats, making them safe to sleep with.
Can You Wash an Electric Blanket in the Washing Machine?
Many people worry about whether it’s safe to wash an electric blanket because of the wiring. In addition, some blankets are too big for regular washing machines, and electric blankets are heavier.
You can wash most electric blankets in the washing machine as long as you follow the correct washing procedure. Electric blankets have insulated wiring, making them waterproof. The material is also washable, provided a machine that can handle heavy blankets.
Wash your electric blanket at least once a month in the winter, and more if you live near an industrial area where there’s a lot of dust and pollution. Blankets may look clean but trap in dirt and dust, making them harmful to health.
To wash an electric blanket in the washing machine:
Make Sure the Blanket is Washable
Check the electric blanket’s label to see whether it’s washable before placing it in the machine. Although some may only be washed by hand, most modern electric blankets are machine washable.
Unplug the Power Cord
Unplug the power port before washing your blanket. If your blanket is waterproof, water flowing over the wires shouldn’t be any problem. However, if water goes into the power connections, it could damage the blanket’s heating function.
Soak the Blanket in Cold Water
Before placing the blanket in the machine, it’s best to soak it in cold water. This helps the blanket wash better and makes it easier to put in the machine. However, for a faster effect, you can use lukewarm water instead.
Use Blanket Detergent
The blanket detergent helps remove dirt and soot trapped in the blanket and speed up the cleaning process. Try these blanket detergent brands for the best results:
- The Laundress New York (on Amazon)– Perfect for wool and cashmere blankets.
- Woolite Darks with EverCare Liquid (on Amazon)– Prevents fading or material damage.
- Tide Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap (on Amazon)– The perfect detergent for machine washes.
Use Slow Wash Settings
Always wash your electric blanket on slow wash settings to avoid damaging the wires. You can also enable the soak setting to allow the detergent to soak into the blanket more thoroughly. Of course, if your machine has a “blanket” setting, it’s even better.
Spin-Dry the Blanket
Most automatic machines have a spin-dry option that removes half of the material’s wetness. Set the spin-dry settings for longer when washing blankets since they retain more water. This won’t completely dry your blanket, but it won’t leave it dripping wet either.
Can You Dry an Electric Blanket?
Washing an electric blanket is quite different from drying it. Many clothes and blankets have warnings against dry cleaning, so you should always check the label to see whether they can be safely put in the dryer.
You can safely dry your electric blanket in the dryer in most cases. The general rule is that if your blanket is safe for the washing machine, it’s also safe for the dryer. However, avoid stuffing the blanket in the dryer. If the blanket is too big to fit in a dryer, take it to a dry clean professional or dry it in the sun.
If the weather is sunny, you can always dry the blanket the old-fashioned way by leaving it in the sun. Carefully stretch the blanket to its original shape and place it on a washing line to dry. Avoid leaving it in rain or snow as extreme weather can damage the electric parts.
Drying it in the sun is easy but time-consuming. Depending on the weather, you may have to wait for two or three days before your blanket is completely dry. Never use a wet electric blanket as it could cause short circuits and damage the wiring. Also, avoid ironing electric blankets since it could burn the material.
How to Clean an Electric Blanket by Hand
If your blanket can’t be washed in the machine or you don’t want to risk it, you can always wash it by hand. To clean your blanket by hand:
- Disconnect the power supply and remove the power cord.
- Fill a large tub with lukewarm water. Avoid too cold water as it won’t release the full effect of the detergent.
- Add detergent to the water and mix thoroughly.
- Place the blanket in the water and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the blanket and fill the tub with clean water. Rinse the blanket in clean water and avoid scrubbing it rigorously.
- Hang the electric blanket to dry.
Washing your electric blanket by hand is slightly more difficult and time-consuming, but there’s less worry that you’ll damage the blanket’s electrical components.