You must agree when living in freezing climates; an electric blanket saves the day. But washing an electric blanket is that even possible. It is an interesting question to ask as your blanket needs cleaning from all the use. Yet, as it works with power, how do you prevent it from damaging. Find all the ins and outs about these weighted blankets that work with electricity here.
Table of Contents
Removing Stubborn Stains and Odors
If you find your electric blanket has an odor or stubborn stains, it helps to pre-treat it with your hands before washing. Here is a gentle alternative compared to using harsh chemicals:
- Fill a spray bottle using equal parts water and distilled vinegar.
- Spray the solution on the soiled spots and leave it for several minutes to do its works.
- For removing grease stains, you can use a little bit of dish soap on a damp sponge to rub it gently before washing.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket Using Electricity?
Snuggling in your electric blanket on a chilly evening one cannot beat. Yet, all bedding needs occasional cleaning. Luckily you can clean your electric blanket, and pretty simple. The best part is you need not head out to a dry cleaner costing a fortune.
Secondly, it is a good thing you do not take it to the dry cleaners. The chemicals used in the process are harsh and can damage the wiring insulation with heating elements. So what is the next best thing?
You can wash your weighted blanket, but it also depends on how old your blanket is. Older blankets you might need to wash by hand and not use your washing machine. Whether you wash it by hand or in your washing machine, you still need to take extra care.
The care you need to take care of is the interior wiring with heating components not to damage them.
Can You Wash Electric Blankets?
Washing Electric Blanket in Machine
The easiest way to keep your electric blanket clean is using a washing machine. One thing is sure it will not smell like stale popcorn or old socks. For doing this, you need a commercial-type machine. These machines do not constrict the blanket and also refer to your manufacturer’s blanket care instructions.
- Start by disconnecting the power cord/control box from your blanket. If it does not have a power cord that detaches, refer to washing your weighted blanket by hand.
- Check if the blanket has fraying where the wires might stick through before washing it.
- Take a lint roller to remove any hair on the fabric or debris.
- Set your machine on a pre-soak to soak it in cold water for up to 15-minutes. Doing this helps loosen any stains before washing.
- To wash your blanket, do it on a short cycle or gentle/delicate wash. Use a mild detergent without bleach or other chemicals.
Washing Your Blanket By Hand
If you need to wash your electric blanket by hand, try not to immerse your power cord/control box into the water. If you can remove the power cord, do it and never leave your blanket plugged in.
- Fill the bath with cold water and some mild detergent.
- Submerge your blanket very carefully into the water while keeping the power cord out of the water.
- Please leave it to soak for ten minutes and, with mild pressure, switch it around under the water. Pay special attention to those stubborn stains.
- Drain the water and squeeze out your soapy water and rinse it using fresh cold water.
- Only use mild pressure to squeeze the excess water out.
Drying Your Blanket
Now that washing electric blankets are out of the way, how do you dry them? You can partially dry it in your dryer but be cautious if you have a commercial dryer. These dryers run at higher temperatures.
Yet, your machine also needs to be huge enough to tumble dry freely without twisting the wires. Set it on low heat and dry for 15-minutes. Remove the damp blanket and drape it over a shower curtain rod or strong clothesline.
Please leave it to dry and only connect it to power once completely dry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can wash it in your machine, but it needs caution. Remove the power cord or box and place it in your device. Use a gentle detergent and first pre-soak it for 15 minutes. Then, use the delicate cycle for two minutes, wash it in cold water and spin dry.
Yes, in most cases, you can wash the latest types of blankets working with power. This is because many of them come with a detachable power cord you can remove. But if you do not have a removable power cord, you need to wash it by hand without the wire getting wet.
You can, but use the lowest heat setting on a timer for up to 10 minutes. Then, remove the blanket and hang it open over a drying rack, shower rod, or washing line. During this time, you can check to see if any of the wirings is out of place to shift them back.
Never use water such as a hot-water bottle in bed with your blanket powered on. If it happens to get wet from water falling on it, power it off and put it out of the wall. Dry it out well according to the instructions. Having dampness or spills on the blanket can result in electric shock if that blanket is faulty.
