How To Wash Your Electric Blanket The Right Way

If you live in an area that experiences cold, snowy winters, then you probably already know about the many merits of owning an electric blanket! A heated blanket can help keep you snug and cozy all night long, even in the most frigid of conditions.

But even those who live in more temperate regions can benefit from having an electric blanket at home. Wrapping yourself up in one can help soothe away aches and pains, like taking a warm bath without the water.

Related: How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

Understandably, one of the most common questions people have about their electric blanket is how to keep it clean. Especially since we’ve been taught our whole lives that anything that runs on electricity shouldn’t get wet!

Can I Wash An Electric Blanket?

Yes, you can wash an electric blanket, because the heating element inside modern electric blankets is completely encased in fireproof and waterproof insulation. That means that as long as your electric blanket has a removable power cord, you should be able to wash it without any problems!

However, that doesn’t mean you should just toss it in your washing machine as usual! It’s important to wash your electric blanket gently, in order to prevent unnecessary wear and protect the internal wiring from damage.

(Avoiding unnecessary wear also means you should make sure to wash your blanket only as needed. Washing it too often may shorten its lifespan!)

How To Wash An Electric Blanket

There are two ways to wash an electric blanket: hand wash and machine wash. Hand washing it in lukewarm water in your bathtub is the safest option, but machine washing can be gentle too if you can control or fine-tune the wash cycle!

If the blanket has any stains, you can pretreat them as usual before washing your electric blanket according to either of the sets of washing instructions below. (Just be sure to unplug the blanket before you start your stain treatment!)

Wash It By Hand

1. Remove the power cord and controller from the blanket, then shake it out to remove any surface dirt and debris.
2. Fill a bathtub with enough lukewarm water to be able to fully submerge your blanket. (Hot water and cold water can both damage the wires in your blanket, so use lukewarm water only.)
3. Add about 2 tablespoons of your regular mild detergent to the water, then give the water a stir.
4. Place the blanket in the water, submerge it completely, and let it soak for about 15 minutes.
5. Remove the blanket from the tub, rinse it thoroughly under clean lukewarm water, then gently squeeze to remove excess water. (Don’t wring the blanket to avoid damaging the wires.)
6. Hang your blanket up or lay it out flat on a drying rack, and leave it alone until it’s completely dry. (This could take overnight or up to 24 hours if you live in a humid climate.)

Wash It In Your Washing Machine

1. Remove the cord and controller from the blanket, then shake it out to remove any surface dirt and debris.
2. Place the blanket in the drum of your washing machine, loading it loosely to help distribute the weight evenly, and add a small amount of mild laundry detergent to your detergent dispenser.
3. Select the cool water setting, and don’t add any fabric softener or chlorine bleach, which could damage the wires.
4. Select the shortest, gentlest cycle your washing machine offers, such as the delicate or gentle cycle. If you can adjust the speed of the spin cycle, set it to the slowest speed.
5. Start the cycle and allow the blanket to agitate for 2-3 minutes, then skip to the rinse cycle or cancel the cycle and start a separate rinse and spin cycle. (This is important, because it will minimize wear on the blanket. A few minutes of agitation is more than enough to clean your blanket!)
6. Once your washer has finished rinsing and spinning, dry the blanket either in your dryer on the “air dry” or “no heat” setting, or hang it up or lay it out flat to dry.(If you are drying it in your dryer, take it out while it’s still damp and give it time to air dry the rest of the way.)

6 More Tips For Caring For Electric Blankets

1. Don’t Iron It

As I mentioned previously, excessive or high heat isn’t good for the internal wiring of electric blankets. That includes heat from an iron, so it’s definitely a step you want to skip!

2. Don’t Dry Clean It

Dry cleaning can be a safer option for cleaning some items, but definitely not a heated blanket. The chemicals used for dry cleaning can damage the protective insulation surrounding the wires.

3. Don’t Get The Cord Or Controller Wet

In order to safely wash an electric blanket, you have to be able to remove the cord and/or controller. You definitely don’t want to get them wet!

4. Don’t Use Sprays On It

Avoid using mothball sprays and other types of spray treatments on your electric blanket.

5. Roll It Up For Storage

Once your electric blanket is clean and ready to tuck away, roll it up loosely instead of folding it. Folding the blanket could crease and weaken the inner wires, but rolling it up should keep the wires crease-free.

You should also unplug the cord and controller from the blanket and loosely coil them. Store the rolled blanket and coiled cords together in a cloth bag or plastic storage container to protect them from dust and dirt.

6. If It’s Damaged, Don’t Use It

And finally, if you notice your electric blanket is ripped, frayed, or otherwise damaged (especially if the damage affects the wiring or electrical components), stop using the blanket altogether. When it comes to electric items, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Now that you know how to wash your electric blanket safely and effectively, you can use it without fear of getting it dirty or ruining it! Instead, feel free to break it out and enjoy its comforting warmth whenever you like. :-)

Do you use an electric blanket at home?