Many questions come to mind when people think about electric blankets, one of which is if they are washable because everyone loves clean blankets.
Well, the answer to this isn’t as straightforward as you’d like because if you must wash an electric blanket, there are various things to take into consideration. This article will give you a comprehensive guide on how to go about it.
How To Wash Electric Blankets
It’s always a good idea to wash your electric blanket at least once a month to ensure that your blanket stays clean and that you don’t end up with any unpleasant smells.
And the first thing to know about washing electric blankets is that not all electric blankets can be washed; however, for the ones that can be washed, you can wash them in the machine or by hand.
How To Hand Wash Electric Blankets
To safely wash an electric blanket by hand, follow these simple steps below:
Step 1: Disconnect the blanket from its power source, then take it off its frame or bed. Fill up a large sink or tub with lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, as it could damage your blanket.
Step 2: Add one tablespoon of mild detergent per gallon of water. Do not add fabric softeners because they can leave behind residue, which could cause problems with future washing cycles.
Step 3: Soak for at least ten minutes to allow any dirt or stains on your blanket to be loosened up, so they are easier to remove during washing.
Step 4: Drain out the excess water from your sink or tub, and then place your wet electric blanket into it along with one cup of white vinegar. Vinegar helps loosen stains even more than just using soap alone.
Step 5: Let your blanket sit in the solution for about 30 minutes while occasionally mixing it to allow all parts of it to be exposed to soap and vinegar.
Step 6: Remove your blanket from the solution and rinse it off thoroughly with running warm water. Leave to dry
Note: If you’re not satisfied with the results, you might need to repeat the process.
How To Wash Electric Blankets In A Washing Machine
You can wash your electric blanket in the washing machine as long as it is listed in the care tag. To safely wash an electric blanket using a washing machine, follow these simple steps below:
Step 1: Detach your electric blanket from the heating controller per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2: Place the blanket in the washer, add detergent, and fill the tub with cold water. Before running a cycle, let the blanket soak for 10 minutes so that the water and detergent can saturate the fabric.
Step 3: After 10 minutes, choose the gentle cycle and let it spin dry.
Step 4: Place your electric blanket in the dryer and select the coolest possible setting. Let the blanket gently tumble dry for 10 minutes while monitoring the machine to make sure it doesn’t get hot, as that’s one of the biggest hazards for the wires.
Step 5: Take the blanket out while it’s still damp and hang to air dry completely. Avoid folding it over a clothesline and do not use clothes pins because they could pinch the electrical wires and damage them; it’s better to spread the electric blanket out over a drying rack.
How To Clean Electric Blankets Without Washing
Having an electric blanket that can’t be washed shouldn’t stop you from having a clean blanket. There are different ways to clean your blankets without washing them. Here are the different ways below.
Spot Treatment
Treating the affected areas allows you to get the stain out when your electric blanket gets stained. Here’s how to use spot treatment on your blanket below:
Step 1: Unplug your blanket, then gently use your fingertips or a bread knife to scrape away whatever excess debris.
Step 2: Mix some mild detergent with water to form a solution. Dip a white cloth in the solution and stroke it onto the spot until the stain transfers to the white cloth.
Step 3: Dip another clean cloth in clean water, and rub it gently over the spot to remove the detergent. Repeat this until the detergent is gone.
Step 4: Lay the blanket on a flat surface and let the spot air dry completely.
Note: Do not fold or bend the electric blanket while it dries to avoid damaging the internal wires.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a multipurpose household ingredient that you can use to get odor and stains out of your electric blanket without washing. Here’s how to use baking soda to clean an electric blanket without washing below:
Step 1: Apply baking soda over the electric blanket, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum with the hose attachment.
Step 2: Continue with the opposite side of the blanket. Using baking soda to deodorize and freshen fabrics is a natural way to maintain their freshness.
Tips For Caring For Your Electric Blanket
It is essential to learn how to care for your blanket, to keep it looking and feeling fresh for a long time. Here are some tips to help you care better for your blanket below:
Do not bleach your electric blanket: Bleach can destroy your electric blanket and make it unsafe to use, especially if you have liquid bleach.
Do not iron your electric blanket: Ironing can bore holes in your blanket and make it unable to be used again.
Store properly: store your blanket in a dry and well-ventilated area where it won’t have access to direct sunlight. Be sure that you keep it stored in a way that makes it easy to remove and use whenever you need it.