Can you wash an electric blanket?
Electric blankets are known as the best option for keeping you warm on a cold winter’s night, but as with any bedding, they sometimes need cleaning. You do not have to worry about cleaning an electric blanket.
There’s no need to spend a lot of money at the dry cleaners for this! Furthermore, dry cleaning chemicals can cause significant damage to wires, radiators, and insulation.
Can you wash an electric blanket?
Yes, we can wash heated blankets. However, we need to be super careful during the cleaning process. New electric blankets can generally be washed in the washing machine. However, older blankets may need to be hand washed. Washing your electric blanket properly will keep it fresh and working. The wiring and heating components can be damaged by severe twisting or agitation.
People often ask questions like how do you wash an electric throw? Can you wash and dry electric blankets? Can you dry an electric blanket in the dryer?
Here are the answers.
How to machine wash an electric blanket?
- Unplug the blanket from the power source. A cord can typically be disconnected from modern electric blankets during washing. If you own an older model without an attached power cord, please see the instructions below to wash them by hand.
- Before putting the apparel in the machine, check to see that there are no exposed wires.
- Remove pet hair and debris from the fabric beforehand with a lint roller.
- In a pre-soaking setting, soak the blanket for between 10 and 15 minutes in cold water. You will be able to loosen stains this way before washing.
- Use the gentle or delicate cycle. Don’t add bleach or any other liquid or chemical to the laundry.
How to hand wash an electric blanket?
- Avoid immersing the power cord or control box in water when hand-washing an electric blanket. It is best to remove the cord if it is detachable. Don’t plug in the blanket either.
- Put some mild detergent in a large tub. Fill with cool water. Soak the blanket in water for 10 to 15 minutes, keeping the power cord out. For stubborn stains, swish the blanket for several minutes in water with gently applied pressure.
- Rinse the blanket thoroughly with cold water after carefully removing the soapy water from the tub. To remove excess water, apply very mild pressure before drying.
Heated blankets are as safe as heated mattress.
Is it possible to dry an electric blanket in the dryer?
Yes, it’s possible! The dryer needs to be set on low heat and timed for ten to fifteen minutes. Once it has lost moisture, you can hang it up to dry on a drying rack or clothesline. Ensure that the blanket is spread out evenly and look for any wiring that might have moved during cleaning.
Can heated blankets be dry cleaned?
No, you can not dry clean a heated blanket. It’s best to refrain from dry cleaning, despite its convenience factor, since dry cleaning uses chemicals that can damage your blanket’s wiring and heating mechanism.
How do you get urine smell out of an electric blanket?
We can get the urine smell out of an electric blanket easily with a vinegar wash.
- Add 1 cup vinegar to 3 cups water. Pour this solution over the urine-stained blanket and let sit for a few minutes.
- Baking soda can be used to cover the stain.
- Use cold or lukewarm water in the washing machine to wash the urine-stained electric blankets.
- Ensure that items stained with urine are air-dried.
What happens if you pee on an electric blanket?
Most probably, the blanket will absorb the moisture. There are no chances of eclectic shock when modern electric blankets are considered. However, if you have an old one, make sure the wiring has good insulation. Damaged wiring can result in an electric shock.
You can use the vinegar solution to get rid of the pee smell.
How to wash an electric blanket?
- First, check the tag on your electric blanket to make sure it is machine washable and read the instructions for any special requirements.
- Place the electric blanket into the washing machine and select a gentle cycle with cold water.
- Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, bleach or any other additives.
- Once the cycle is complete, gently remove your electric blanket from the washer and shake it out before placing it in the dryer on a low heat setting.
- Be sure to use a low heat setting as high temperatures can damage the electrical components of your electric blanket.
- When drying is complete, give your electric blanket one more shake before folding and storing it away until its next use!
What To Do If A Heated Blanket Smells?
When you smell a burning blanket, unplug it. Investigating the blanket may reveal the burning of the heating elements. Don’t use it again and contact the manufacturing company for further guidance.
Can We Iron An Electric Blanket?
Electric blankets shouldn’t be ironed as the iron’s heat may damage their insulation. The blanket will smooth out if hung from a shower rod, gently smooth it, and let gravity do the work.
Did you know that electric heated blankets and heated seats have same heating mechanism?
Conclusion
We can wash a heated blanket (Electic throw). However, we must be careful during the whole process. Make sure to use it after t has fully dried.
If an eclectic blanket is not working after washing, make sure it is plugged in properly. There is a high chance that you might have damaged the wiring. If that is the case, contact the manufacturer.
In short, electric blankets have a similar heating mechanism to heated socks, wireless gloves, and hot jackets. You can wash them easily. All you need to do is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to save the battery and heating coils.
Additional Questions
Is it possible to wash a heated blanket that contains wires?
The straightforward answer to that is a resounding yes. Yet, there are certain precautions you should observe while going about this chore. First and foremost, you must unplug the power cord that connects to the wall outlet. If there’s no way to detach this power cord, I suggest looking at the care tag on your heated blanket. This tag is usually filled with valuable cleaning instructions that ensure optimal treatment of your blanket. Over the years, I’ve found most electric blanket manufacturers are mindful of this and include removable power cords or washing instructions with their products.
Can you dry an electric blanket in the dryer?
On most occasions, the answer is yes. Electric blankets can typically be dried on the low setting in your dryer. However, instructions can vary by brand or specific product, so it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s drying guidelines. There have been instances when I’ve had to air dry blankets because the care instructions indicated that this is the best drying approach. If air drying is recommended, an effective method I often employ is sandwiching the wet blanket between two towels to initially absorb the excess water. After this, I lay or hang the blanket flat to complete the drying process.
What is the appropriate way to wash an electric blanket?
I remember the first time I washed an electric blanket. I was hesitant and unsure, but my nervousness was eased when I discovered Sunbeam’s washing protocol. Sunbeam’s guidance revolves around pre-soaking your electric blanket in a mixture of cold water and gentle soap for a quarter-hour. After this, the blanket should be gently washed in mild soapy water for around two minutes on the “delicate” or “gentle” setting. After a rinse in cold, fresh water, one can let it spin dry. Following these steps will help you take good care of your electric blanket. I’ve found these instructions useful for maintaining the longevity of other types of electric blankets as well.
Does an electric blanket get damaged if it gets wet?
A common misconception is that electric blankets will malfunction or even be ruined if they become wet. But quite to the contrary, based on my personal experience, most electric blankets can handle getting wet without any subsequent issues. Remember, these products are designed in line with high safety standards that take potential wetness during cleaning into account. However, as I mentioned earlier, always adhere to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure safety and maximum lifecycle for your electric blanket.
Annika Ramos is a physiotherapist with a passion for helping people recover from injuries and illnesses. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring her creative side through various craft projects.