The Best Way To Wash An Electric Blanket

An electric blanket can keep you cozy during the cold winter months. According to Energy Australia, running one for only 10 to 30 minutes will keep you warm for quite some time. Electric blankets are great additions to any snug living room or bedroom; however, if you use one regularly, you should know how to clean it properly. These blankets collect dust, hair, and debris like regular blankets and may have hidden stains. Because of this, Love to Know advises cleaning your electric blanket at least once a month.

You may think bringing this useful item to the dry cleaners is a good idea. However, Mr. Electric says that the chemicals used at the dry cleaners may actually damage your electric blanket. Also, cleaning it yourself isn't as difficult as it may seem, especially if you have a newer model. In fact, you may be surprised to discover that you can actually wash most electric blankets in the washing machine. Here is how to clean an electric blanket in the washing machine and by hand.

The washing machine is the most convenient way to cleanse your electric blanket. Newer models are designed to be put in the washing machine, but check your item's washing instructions to see if yours is safe to do so.

Before placing it in the appliance, first, unplug and remove all its cords. Next, Love to Know suggests shaking the blanket outside to remove any loose debris. You can also run a lint roller over it to remove hair and lint. According to Better Homes & Gardens, only use a mild detergent and cold water when cleaning your electric blanket in the washing machine, and select the shortest and most gentle setting.

You may also be surprised to discover that most electric blankets can be placed in the dryer for about 10 minutes. However, make sure to use low or no heat. After 10 minutes, you can take it out to air dry.

If you have an older electric blanket that's not machine washable, you'll need to clean it by hand. Other reasons for cleaning by hand include needing to remove tough stains or only having a small model washing machine. To begin, shake your blanket outside, remove hair and lint with a lint roller, and unplug and remove any cords. Then, according to Mr. Electric, spray tough stains with an equal mixture of white vinegar and water and allow the mixture to sit before washing. If you're dealing with oil or grease stains, spot clean with a sponge and dish soap.

To clean an electric blanket by hand, Mr. Electric says to fill a tub with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Then, submerge the blanket, but keep the power box and cord out of the water. After letting the blanket sit in the water for 10 to 15 minutes, swish it around, then remove and empty the tub. Squeeze the water out of the blanket, fill the tub with cold water, then soak the item again.

When letting an electric blanket air dry, make sure you don't place clips or clothespins on any wiring, per Love to Know. This could damage the electrical aspect of the blanket. Also, be sure to stretch out the material to fix areas that may have bent out of shape while cleaning. It may take a whole day for an electric blanket to dry fully.