An electric blanket, otherwise known as a heated blanket, is every summer person’s best friend when the colder weather sets in. There’s no better feeling than climbing into a preheated bed and tucking yourself in for the night with that warmth surrounding you. As convenient and terrific as they are for warmth, they do gather dirt and dust like the rest of your bedding.
If you are wondering how to wash an electric blanket, or if you are able to even clean electric blankets to begin with, we’re here to help. Follow along as we take you through the methods and techniques for washing and caring for electric blankets so that they can keep you warmer for longer.
Can You Wash An Electric Blanket?
This is a good question posed by so many people because of what an electric blanket is made from. As with all electrical items, it’s important to be careful and ask as many questions so that the necessary precautions are taken. The simple answer to this question is yes, most modern electric blankets can be washed and cleaned. How do you clean an electric blanket at home? Before looking at the different techniques, let’s note some important cleaning tips.
Tips For Washing An Electric Blanket
These important tips will ensure your safety and help you do the best possible job when cleaning your electric blanket:
- If your electric blanket has any tears in it exposing wires or electrical components, it shouldn’t be used again.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions and take note of any pointers they might have for your specific blanket.
- Make sure that the power source is disconnected from the blanket before beginning the cleaning process.
- Don’t ever dry-clean your electric blanket as the chemicals could damage the wire insulation.
- If your washing machine isn’t large enough, you can hand-wash it in your bathtub – the technique for hand-washing is listed below.
- And lastly, make sure you’re careful when washing your electric blanket. Follow instructions carefully to keep the heating grid from getting damaged.
Cleaning An Electric Blanket In The Washing Machine
Can you put an electric blanket in the washing machine? Now that we’ve clarified that washing an electric blanket is doable, you can most certainly clean it in the washing machine. Let’s look at how it’s possible using these 6 simple steps:
- Remove the control and cords – This is a very important step to ensure your safety during the washing process.
- Shake out the blanket – To get rid of as many hairs and debris as possible.
- Pre-soak the blanket – Do this for 15 minutes in cold water with a mild amount of soap mixed in.
- Add the blanket to the machine – Only use a good quality detergent, and don’t add other cleaning chemicals.
- Wash on a “gentle” cycle – Do this using cool to warm water (no high temperatures) for 2 – 3 minutes before changing to the “rinse” cycle.
- Air-dry the blanket – Once the detergent is completely rinsed out, remove the blanket from the machine and set it out to air-dry.
Cleaning An Electric Blanket By Hand
If you would prefer to clean your heated blanket by hand, you can do so. Use these 5 easy steps to restore the clean state of your blanket:
- Remove the control and cords – As you would before machine washing, do this to ensure your safety.
- Shake out the blanket – To get rid of as many hairs and debris as possible.
- Soak the blanket – Place it in lukewarm water with mild laundry detergent mixed into it, and let it soak for 15 minutes.
- Carefully rinse the blanket – Be careful not to twist it. Rinse, then gently squeeze so as not to damage the wires.
- Air-dry the blanket – Remove the blanket and set it out to air-dry.
Conclusion
You’re now well-versed in the cleaning of an electric blanket and no longer need to question if it’s even possible. Share these cleaning tips with others so that they too, can have their questions answered. If you’re looking for a professional cleaner to take care of the rest of your house, look no further than the expert cleaning services of SweepSouth.
