How to Wash an Electric Blanket

Can You Wash an Electric Blanket?

Electric blanket season is upon us. If you’re getting your electric blanket out of storage and realize you’ve never washed it, don’t worry. Washing electric blankets is simple. It can be done by hand, or even in your washing machine if you’re careful about it. Here’s how.

How to Hand Wash an Electric Blanket

To hand wash an electric blanket you’ll need a large bucket, lukewarm water and mild laundry detergent.

• It might seem like an obvious first step, but be absolutely sure you remove the cord from the electric blanket.
• Shake out the blanket to lose any residual dirt and dust.
• Fill the bucket with enough lukewarm water to submerge the blanket and let it move around.
• Add detergent and mix it in by hand.
• Gently submerge your electric blanket into the water, making sure that all the fabric goes underwater.
• Let the blanket soak for fifteen minutes.
• Remove your blanket from the bucket and rinse it in cold water.
• Let the blanket air dry. Do not try to forcefully wring any water out of the blanket; that could damage the internal wiring.

How to Machine Wash an Electric Blanket

You can also machine wash an electric blanket. All you’ll need is laundry detergent.

• As with hand-washing, unplug the cord.
• Shake out any residual dirt and dust.
• Fold the blanket gently into the washing machine. Don’t pack it in tightly.
• Add the detergent to your machine. Don’t use bleach, fabric softener or any other additives.
• Set the water temperature to low and put it on the shortest and gentlest cycle possible.
• Let the machine run normally for just a few minutes, then skip to the rinse cycle.
• Remove the blanket promptly when the rinse cycle is done.

How to Dry An Electric Blanket

Air drying is the way to go no matter how you washed your an electric blanket. If you’re in a hurry, you can throw your blanket into your dryer on the lowest possible setting. But electric blankets should be in the dryer no more than ten minutes, so you’ll inevitably have to air dry it the rest of the way anyway.

To air dry, lay the blanket over a clothesline or drying rack and let time run its course. Make sure your electric blanket is completely dry before plugging it in again. Using the blanket while it’s even a little wet could damage the wiring and lead to problems down the road.

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