It’s important to wash blankets and bedding to keep your home clean and fresh. Your electric blanket is no exception. If you’re wondering how to wash an electric blanket, you aren’t alone! In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to clean and dry your trusty electric blanket without damaging it.
Everyone loves clean bedding, fresh pillowcases, and crisp sheets. But there are other parts of your bed you might not think of washing as often, like the mattress pad, comforter, and of course, the electric blanket. After all, what do you do with the power cord when the electric blanket goes in the washer?
Well, fear not because when electric blankets are used as a warm layer under other blankets (and above the sheets), they usually require less cleaning than other bedding. However, they’ll still need washing at some point. (Everything gets dirty, right?!) In years past, the only safe option was to take the blanket to be dry cleaned, but now modern electric blankets are purposely designed to be machine washable at home.
Most electric blankets will have washing instructions included with them. They may have a regular washing tag with full care instructions sewn onto the blanket itself. The manufacturer’s instructions on how to wash an electric blanket should tell you everything you need to know. If the instructions are missing from your electric blanket or if there’s no tag at all, you may want to check the blanket manufacturer’s website, which may have helpful advice.
No idea who made your electric blanket? Keep reading and we’ll walk you through how to wash an electric blanket at home.
How to Wash an Electric Blanket at Home
Knowing how to wash an electric blanket can be a bit confusing. Do you air dry it? What do you do with the control cord or the power cord? Does it go in cool water? How do you dry an electric blanket once it’s clean?
When washing an electric blanket, the most important guideline is to do everything gently. The wiring within the blanket’s structure can be damaged from excessive agitation or high heat. So the spin cycle and hot dryer can be very bad for your electric blanket.
The efficiency and accuracy of washing machines vary greatly depending on their age and make. Of course, you know your washing machine best. If your washing machine is lower capacity, you may wish to take the blanket to the laundromat to use a commercial washer. However, getting the bulky, wet electric blanket home can be a challenge. You should never put your electric blanket in a commercial dryer, which offers even less control over heat and agitation.
If you’re ready to wash your electric blanket, the first step is to unplug and disconnect any removable parts. Many newer electric blankets are designed to be washable, but sometimes the power cord needs to be removed first.
Once you have disconnected the blanket from the main cords (if possible) and taken off any removable parts, it can be placed into a normal washing machine. Be sure to wash the blanket using nothing higher than a warm water setting. Warm or cool water and the gentle cycle will keep the electric blanket from sustaining any damage during the wash.
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Steps to Take When Washing an Electric Blanket in a Washing Machine
- Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle or delicate cycle.
- Detergents can be added but, again, these need to be mild.
- Once the blanket has finished washing, it can be gently spun in the machine but not for prolonged periods.
How to wash your electric blanket by hand
Due to the size and possible effects of the washing machine, some people prefer to wash their electric blankets by hand. Washing an electric blanket by hand in a large utility sink or in a bathtub ensures that the water temperature and agitation of washing can be fully controlled.
When washing your electric blanket by hand, you’ll want to fill a bathtub with warm water. Add a small amount of laundry soap and gently move the blanket around the tub in a swishing motion. If there are any dirty spots, you can rub them out carefully. Once you feel that the blanket is clean, drain the tub. Rinse the electric blanket under cool running water to remove the soap. Gently wring out any excess water (again, being careful not to squeeze the electric components of the blanket too tightly) and then allow the blanket to dry.
Should You Put Your Electric Blanket in the Dryer?
Once your blanket is finished with the wash cycle, it’s tempting to toss it in the dryer. It’s important to remember that excessive heat and agitation will damage and ruin your electric blanket. Check your electric blanket’s label for drying instructions. Unless the manufacturer’s guidelines specifically state it’s safe, tumble-drying your electric blanket isn’t advisable.
Once you’ve washed your electric blanket, to dry or not to dry is a valid question. Remember, with the wires and electrical components of the electric blanket, it’s a good idea to hang your blanket and let it air dry naturally.
Whichever method you use to wash and dry your electric blanket, it’s important that you’re sure it’s completely dry before plugging the blanket in or putting it back on the bed. As we all know, electricity and water don’t mix, so it’s best to be extra certain the blanket has plenty of time to dry out.
After you have gone through all the instructions above, leave the electric blanket somewhere warm and dry for a few days. Airing cupboards are good for this, as long as the blanket isn’t placed directly upon a hot water tank or hot pipes.
If you plan to store your electric blanket during warmer months, it’s also important to make sure the blanket is completely dry before putting it in a storage bin or bag. Dampness can cause your blanket to mildew and will ruin the electric components for next year’s use.
How do you dry a Sunbeam electric blanket?
When it comes to electric blankets, many people have a favorite type or brand. One brand that seems to be quite popular is the Sunbeam brand of electric blanket. Sunbeam brand electric blankets can be washed and dried using the same instructions as outlined above.
To machine dry your Sunbeam electric blanket, you’ll simply need to read the tag and follow along with the directions from the manufacturer. Sunbeam blankets are well-made, so they do hold up to washing and drying, but it’s very important to follow the instructions. This electric blanket can be dried in the dryer, but for a very precise, short amount of time.
Electric blankets are cozy and luxurious. Everyone loves a nice heated blanket when the weather gets chilly. Ensure your electric blanket stays in top shape for years to come. By washing your electric blanket carefully—whether using the washing machine or by hand—you’ll prolong its life, so it continues to work safely.
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