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Winter nights are infinitely cozier when you are wrapped in the comforting, consistent warmth of a heated blanket. However, just like your favorite sweaters, sheets, and comforters, an electric blanket will eventually accumulate dust, sweat, pet dander, and occasional late-night snack spills. If you are staring at your bedding right now and wondering exactly how to wash a heated blanket without ruining its internal wiring or creating a dangerous fire hazard, you have come to the right place.
Many people are understandably intimidated by the thought of mixing electricity and water. Fortunately, modern heated blankets are specifically designed to be washed safely at home. By following the proper techniques, utilizing the right temperatures, and avoiding harsh agitation, you can keep your cozy companion fresh, hygienic, and perfectly functional for years to come.
Why You Need to Know How to Wash a Heated Blanket Properly
Before diving into the exact washing process, it is important to understand what makes a heated blanket different from standard bedding. Heated blankets—often referred to as electric blankets—contain an intricate network of thin, flexible, insulated heating wires interwoven directly into the fabric. These internal wires connect to an external control unit and a power cord that plugs into your wall outlet.
Manufacturers design the internal insulation to withstand some moisture and mild agitation. However, aggressive washing, high heat, and harsh chemicals can degrade this insulation, leading to broken wires, localized hot spots, or a blanket that simply refuses to turn on. Learning the proper methods ensures you protect your investment while prioritizing your household’s safety.
How Often Should You Wash a Heated Blanket?
Unlike your regular bed sheets or pillowcases, which should be laundered every week or two, an electric blanket requires a much more conservative washing schedule. Excessive laundering can unnecessarily wear down the internal electrical components over time.
Ideally, you should aim to wash your heated blanket only a few times a year. A standard best practice is to wash it once at the beginning of the cold season when you pull it out of storage, and once at the end of the season before you pack it away. If you use the blanket heavily every single night, you might consider washing it once a month. To extend the time between washes, try using a standard top sheet or a thin blanket between yourself and the electric blanket to act as a protective barrier against sweat and body oils.
Crucial Preparation Steps Before Washing
Proper preparation is arguably the most critical part of learning how to wash a heated blanket. Skipping these steps can lead to permanent damage.
Disconnect All Power Cords and Controls
First and foremost, completely detach the blanket from the electrical wall outlet. Next, locate the connector on the blanket itself and disconnect the control cord. Never, under any circumstances, place the control unit or the power cord in the washing machine or submerge them in water. Set these electronic components safely aside in a dry place.
Inspect the Blanket for Damage
Lay the unplugged blanket out flat on your bed or floor and carefully inspect both sides. You are looking for any exposed wires, scorch marks, melted spots, or significant tears in the fabric. If you find any visible damage to the internal wiring system or the protective fabric housing it, do not attempt to wash it. A damaged electric blanket is no longer safe to use and should be discarded and replaced immediately.
Pre-Treat Spills and Stains
If you notice any localized stains, such as coffee spills or dirt patches, it is best to pre-treat them before submerging the entire blanket. Apply a small amount of mild, liquid laundry detergent or a gentle, enzyme-based stain remover directly to the spot. Gently massage the detergent into the fabric using your fingers or a very soft-bristled brush. Let the treatment sit for about ten to fifteen minutes to break down the stain. Avoid using harsh chemical solvents or chlorine bleach, as these can eat away at the wire insulation.
How to Wash a Heated Blanket in a Washing Machine
Most modern heated blankets are safe for machine washing, but they require a delicate touch. You cannot simply toss an electric blanket into the washer on a heavy-duty setting and walk away.
Step 1: Pre-Soak the Blanket
Place your detached, pre-treated blanket loosely into your washing machine. Add an appropriate amount of mild, liquid laundry detergent. Fill the machine drum with cool or lukewarm water. Once the blanket is submerged, let it soak undisturbed for about 10 to 15 minutes. This vital soaking period helps lift embedded dirt, sweat, and body oils without relying on the mechanical agitation of the washing machine.
Step 2: Choose the Right Detergent and Water Temperature
Always use a gentle, mild liquid detergent. Avoid powdered detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, or any other harsh laundry additives. Fabric softeners can leave a residue that degrades the wire insulation, while bleach will permanently damage the internal components. Furthermore, the water temperature should never exceed lukewarm (roughly 85°F to 90°F). Hot water is a major enemy of electric blankets, as it can shrink the fabric and melt the internal wire insulation.
Step 3: Utilize the Gentle Cycle
After the 15-minute soaking period has concluded, set your washing machine to the “delicate,” “hand wash,” or “gentle” cycle. Allow the machine to agitate the blanket for an extremely short amount of time—no more than two to three minutes. Extended agitation will twist, pull, and ultimately snap the delicate heating wires inside the fabric.
Step 4: Keep the Spin Cycle Short
Allow the washing machine to transition into a cool water rinse cycle to flush out the soap. However, you must pay very close attention to the final spin cycle. Keep the spin cycle as brief as possible, ideally stopping it after just one minute. High-speed, prolonged spinning exerts tremendous centrifugal force on the blanket, which can severely damage the internal heating grid.
The Hand-Washing Method for Delicate Electric Blankets
If you own an older blanket, a particularly delicate micro-plush model, or if you simply want to exercise maximum caution, hand washing is a fantastic and incredibly safe alternative to the washing machine.
To hand wash your electric blanket, make sure the bathtub is completely clean. Fill the tub with cool or lukewarm water and pour in about two tablespoons of mild liquid laundry detergent. Submerge the disconnected blanket into the soapy water, gently pressing it down so the fabric becomes completely saturated. Let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
Instead of scrubbing, twisting, or wringing the fabric, gently knead the blanket and squeeze the soapy water through the material. Once you have cleaned the blanket, drain the soapy water from the tub and refill it with clean, cool water to rinse. You may need to drain and refill the tub two or three times until all the soap suds are completely gone. To remove excess water, gently press the blanket against the side or bottom of the bathtub. Never wring or twist the blanket, as this will immediately break the heating elements.
How to Dry a Heated Blanket Without Damaging It
Drying an electric blanket requires just as much vigilance as washing it. High heat and rough handling during the drying process are common culprits for ruined blankets.
Air Drying (Highly Recommended)
The absolute safest and most highly recommended method for drying your heated blanket is air drying. Drape the heavy, damp blanket over a sturdy indoor clothesline, a shower rod, or a large drying rack. Make sure the weight is distributed evenly. Do not use standard clothespins to secure the blanket, as the pinching mechanism can crimp and damage the internal wires.
While the blanket is still damp, gently pull on the edges to stretch it back to its original shape and size. Ensure that the blanket is 100% completely dry before you even consider plugging it back in. Even a small amount of trapped moisture can be incredibly dangerous when mixed with electricity.
Machine Drying (With Extreme Caution)
If you do not have the space to air dry your blanket or you are short on time, you can use a standard home tumble dryer—but you must do so with extreme caution. Set your dryer to the lowest possible heat setting or, preferably, the “air fluff” (zero heat) setting.
Tumble dry the blanket for a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes. Do not attempt to dry it all the way through in the machine. Remove the blanket while it is still slightly damp and allow it to finish drying completely by draping it over a drying rack or clothesline. High heat from a dryer will shrink the blanket’s fabric, displace the wiring, and melt the insulation, so avoid prolonged dryer exposure at all costs.
What Not to Do: Common Mistakes to Avoid
When mastering how to wash a heated blanket, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do. Here is a quick list of crucial mistakes to avoid:
- Do Not Dry Clean: The harsh chemical solvents utilized in the commercial dry-cleaning process will eat away and destroy the insulation surrounding the internal heating wires.
- Do Not Iron: Never apply a household iron to an electric blanket. The intense, direct heat will easily melt the internal wiring and permanently scorch the fabric.
- Do Not Use Commercial Laundromat Dryers: The industrial dryers found in public laundromats operate at significantly higher temperatures than residential dryers, even on their lowest settings. They are far too hot and aggressive for electric blankets.
- Do Not Wash with Cords Attached: This cannot be emphasized enough. Water and plugged-in electrical cords are a lethal combination. Always detach the controller before water touches the fabric.
Post-Wash Care and Storage Tips
Once your blanket is freshly washed and entirely bone-dry, proper storage will ensure it is ready for the next cold snap. Instead of folding the blanket tightly, gently roll it up. Rolling the fabric prevents the creation of sharp, hard creases that might pinch or snap the internal wires over time.
Store the control units and power cords loosely coiled in a separate small bag, or place them gently alongside the rolled blanket in a cool, dry closet. Avoid stacking heavy boxes, books, or other weighty items on top of the stored blanket, as the sustained pressure can crush and damage the heating elements.
Maintaining the cleanliness and safety of your electric bedding does not have to be a stressful chore. Now that you understand exactly how to wash a heated blanket, you can confidently keep your winter bedding fresh, hygienic, and wonderfully warm. Prioritize gentle washing, minimal agitation, and low-heat drying, and your heated blanket will continue to provide comforting, cozy warmth for countless chilly nights ahead.