Here's How To Wash an Electric Blanket
There's nothing quite like crawling into a warm, toasty bed on a chilly winter night. Electric blankets remain a go-to item as temperatures drop (and a perfect gift for people who are always cold), but what should you do when they need some TLC? Knowing how to wash an electric blanket isn't as intuitive as washing a comforter or standard sheets (in your organized laundry room, of course). Electric or heated blankets require a more careful approach to prevent damage to the fragile system inside the blanket. Here, we have a few guidelines to help you make sure your electric blanket is fresh, clean, and plug-in ready when those temperatures start to drop.
Can you wash an electric blanket?
Of course you can! However, the cleaning process may differ depending on the type of blanket and the year it was made. First and foremost, make sure to check the manufacturer's tags and any other information that came with the blanket (like that instruction booklet you carefully stashed in a safe place, right?). If washing instructions are listed, your best bet is to follow those, but if you're in need of additional how-tos, we're here to help!
Can you put an electric blanket in the washing machine?
First things first: Unplug and disconnect the blanket from all electrical or power sources. As long as "machine washing" is listed as an option on the manufacturer's tags, you're good to load it up. Be sure to test how the blanket fits inside your washing machine; if it reaches the top of the machine or barely fits, you're better off taking it to your local laundromat, where they'll likely have larger commercial machines available.
Set your washing machine to the "gentle" or "delicate" cycle, and use a mild detergent. While you could simply let the cycle run, some recommendations suggest a special soaking period after the machine fills with water and detergent. Simply off turn the machine when full, and let the blanket sit in the soapy water for about 15 minutes. Make sure to finish with a rinse and spin cycle.
Can you put an electric blanket in the dryer?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to set the dryer to a low heat setting and set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, take the blanket out to hang dry on a drying rack or clothesline. Take care to spread out the blanket evenly and check for any out-of-place wiring that may have shifted around during the cleaning process. (If your dryer does not have a low heat setting, just hang-dry the blanket from the start! High temperatures can damage the electrical wiring inside the blanket.)
Can I dry clean an electric blanket?
Unfortunately, this is a no-go. The dry cleaning process employs chemicals that can damage the blanket's wiring and heating system, so it's best to avoid dry cleaning, despite its convenience factor!
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