Crucial Mistakes To Avoid When Washing Your Heated Blanket

There are few things more comforting than settling in for the night underneath a toasty electric blanket during the icy winter weather. They warm us on chilly nights and even soothe away aches, yet after multiple uses, it's only natural that your blanket could use a refresh. Just like any well-used item, it accumulates dust, dirt, and pet hair. Washing it is easier than you may think. However, there are some laundry mistakes to avoid when washing a heated blanket, including using high temperatures, bleach, or dry cleaning.

Whenever washing an electric blanket, safety always comes first. Every electric blanket is unique so start by checking the care label attached to your blanket. It'll hold the key to washing instructions specific to your model. Some heated blankets should be hand-washed only, while others can handle a gentle spin in the washing machine. Ignoring the label could lead to a blanket shorting-out.

Though you may like using hot water to get your clothes clean, you should avoid washing heated blankets with it. Hot water can damage the internal wiring and insulation, potentially causing electrical malfunctions or causing it to be damaged beyond repair. It is best to stick to cool or lukewarm water.

You also want to steer clear of using harsh chemicals. Bleach, fabric softeners, and strong detergents can also damage the wiring and fabric. Incidentally, this is also the reason you should never send your blanket for dry cleaning as that can break it permanently. Keep your blanket safe by using mild laundry detergent. Gentle soaps are formulated without harsh chemicals, making them perfect for protecting the delicate components of your electric blanket.

Also, never soak or wash the control unit or cords, as electrical components and water don't mix. Disconnect and store them safely before washing the blanket. Likewise, don't wring twist the blanket: Rough handling can damage the delicate wires inside. Gently swish or squeeze the blanket when hand-washing, and be as gentle as possible.

One of the best ways to wash an electric blanket is to opt for a delicate or gentle cycle with cold or warm water in a large-capacity washer. If you have a top loader, make sure the blanket is evenly distributed around the agitator so it won't bunch or get lopsided. Even with a front-loading machine try not to bunch it up but rather distribute it as evenly as possible. Then choose a low-speed spin cycle to minimize water retention and stress on the wires.

To hand wash, fill a bathtub or large sink with cool or lukewarm water, and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the heated blanket and gently swish it around. Avoid wringing or twisting the blanket, and let it soak for 15-20 minutes to help loosen any dirt or grime. Drain the soapy water and refill with clean water. Rinse the blanket thoroughly until all the soap is gone.

Once your blanket is clean, it's time to dry it. Air drying is always the safest option, but some newer models can tolerate a tumble dry session on low heat so check your label. To air dry, hang the blanket over a clothesline or drying rack in a well-ventilated area. If permitted, use the low heat or delicate setting on your dryer. Never plug in your electric blanket until it is fully dry.