How to Wash & Dry an Electric Heated Blanket
There’s nothing quite like getting warm under an electric blanket on a cold evening. Electric blankets allow you to regulate the heat through a thermostat connected to inner electrical wires. Because of the heating element, you may have questioned whether or not you can wash an electric blanket.
Most electric heated blankets can be washed, but it’s important to read your blanket’s care tag before machine washing and drying or hand-washing. If it is washable, this guide can show you how to clean an electric blanket.
Can you wash a heated blanket in the washing machine?
Most newer heated blankets are machine washable, but you should always consult the care label on your blanket to confirm before washing it in the washer. If it’s not machine-washable, you may be able to hand-wash it. Whether you machine-wash or hand-wash, be gentle in cleaning it so you don’t damage the inner wiring.
Unlike using a comforter cover as a protective layer to keep your comforter clean, most electric blankets should not be used with a cover. Anything put on top may cause the electric blanket to not function properly. This is why with regular use, you’ll want to create a routine for washing your electric blanket.
How do you wash a heated blanket without ruining it?
In general, washing electric blankets in a washing machine may require a gentle, short cycle on a low-speed spin with minimum agitation because of the internal wiring. Avoid using chlorine bleach or fabric softener.
Wash your electric blanket separately from other clothing because it may require a different wash cycle than a normal wash and some hands-on time. For more tips, follow this how to do laundry guide and always defer to the care instructions for your specific heated blanket.
SUPPLIES
Mild laundry detergent
TOOLS
Washing machine
Dryer or drying rack/clothesline
Clean sponge/cloth (optional)
Step 1: Read the care label
Be sure to read the care label to see the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before you begin. Most newer electric heated blankets can be machine-washed, but it’s important to follow any specific instructions like wash temperature and cycle settings.
Step 2: Unplug it and remove controller/cord
Unplug your electric blanket and remove the controller and cord before you wash it. You don’t ever want to submerge the blanket’s controller in water or it may damage it.
Step 3: Add detergent
Pretreat any stains that are visible on your blanket. Find out more about treating stains with this laundry how-to stain removal guide.
Add a mild detergent to the dispenser or, if there isn’t a dispenser, directly into the tub. Follow the instructions on the packaging when measuring. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
Step 4: Load washer
If using a front load washer, loosely load the electric blanket in the tub. For a top load washer, evenly distribute the blanket around the center agitator, if there is one. Adding a few towels to the washer may help balance the load.
Step 5: Select wash settings
The washing machine cycle for an electric blanket may be different from a normal laundry load. Read the care tag instructions to determine the wash cycle setting and water temperature. Your electric blanket may require a gentle or delicate wash cycle on a low-speed spin in cool to warm water to preserve the inner wiring.
Can you put a heated blanket in the dryer?
Read the care tag instructions to see how to dry an electric blanket. Most blankets may require a low, cool temperature in the dryer. Learn more about tumble dry settings.
Step 6: Select dryer settings
Follow your care tag instructions as it may recommend an air only or air fluff cycle. You may want to consider a shorter dryer cycle, then remove the blanket when it’s damp.
Step 7: Air dry blanket
Finish drying it on a dry rack or hang it over a clothesline (don’t use clothespins) or shower rod. Wait until your electric blanket is completely dry before resuming use.
How often should an electric blanket be washed?
When using your electric blanket more often during the cooler months, you may want to wash it once or twice a month. Consider switching between using your dryer and air drying when washing it more frequently. This can help preserve the inner wiring to keep it operating smoothly.
Can you dry clean an electric blanket?
Unless the care label on your electric blanket recommends dry cleaning, don’t dry clean it. The solvents used in the dry cleaning process can be harsh and may damage the inner wiring. This is also why you should use a mild detergent, avoid bleach and fabric softeners and don’t iron your blanket.
Should you hand-wash electric blankets?
Most electric heated blankets can be hand-washed, but always follow the instructions on your care label first. Hand-washing an electric blanket is especially convenient if you don’t have a large capacity washer and dryer. Simply follow these steps to hand-wash your blanket:
Unplug your electric blanket and remove the controller/cord.
Fill your tub or large sink with cool to warm water.
Add a mild detergent to the water and swish it around.
Soak your blanket in the water for several minutes, then agitate the blanket.
Drain the soapy water and refill the tub.
Rinse the blanket by swishing it around in the clean water.
Drain the water again and repeat until the water is no longer soapy.
Gently squeeze the excess water out of your blanket. Don’t wring or twist it, as it may damage the wiring.
Hang dry on a drying rack, over a clothesline (don’t use clothespins) or shower rod. Wait until your electric blanket is completely dry before resuming use.
Explore Maytag® Washers & Dryers
Washing large loads of laundry, like blankets, comforters, linens or towels is convenient with Maytag® large capacity washers and dryers. If you frequently wash larger loads or want to tackle bulky items, these washers and dryers offer more room inside to easily handle heavier items, and save you trips to the laundromat.
