Can You Wash An Electric Blanket In Washing Machine?

Electric blankets help you to stay warm in the colder months, but just like any other blankets they too get dirty and require regular care.

Washing an electric blanket is no different than washing any other blanket, the only risk of washing an electric blanket is the risk of ruining the electrical components.

For this reason, some people don’t wash their electric blankets when they clean their bedsheets. Instead, they tend to leave their old blankets in the bed.

However, this doesn’t seem like a great idea.

In order to maintain hygiene, just like any other blankets, the electrical blankets can and should be washed regularly if the care label allows you to do so.

The Electrical Blankets can be Machine Washed, Hand Washed OR Dry Cleaned depending on the fabric type and the instructions outlined in the care label.

In this article, we will walk through the steps of washing an electric blanket safely and effectively.

Here is a quick rundown of the subjects this page covers.

What Is an electric blanket?
How Often should you Wash An Electric Blanket?
Items Required to Wash
Ideal Settings to Wash in the Washing Machine
Washing Instructions
Drying Electric Blanket
How to Get rid of Wrinkles?
How to Store the electrical blankets?
When Should you not Wash an electric blanket?
Final Thoughts

Let’s dive right into it.

What Is An Electric Blanket?

The term “electric blanket” refers to a blanket with built-in electrical heating wires. They are made up of durable material and include a built-in wiring system that radiates heat through coil wires.

So, In laypersons language, it basically means a blanket that heats up when you turn on the electrical switch.

Throws, duvets, overblankets, and under blankets are a few different types of electrical blankets that are commonly available and used.

The majority of reputable brands include blankets with at least three heat settings: low, medium, and hot, therefore, allowing you to adjust the heat level to your liking.

Some electrical blankets also include an attached remote control that allows you to adjust the heat settings by simply pressing a button.

How Often should you Wash An Electric Blanket?

There is no hard and fast rule on the frequency of washing your electric blanket. Just wash them as and when it gets dirty.

Having said that as a general rule of thumb, washing your electric blanket once a month should suffice.

However, if you have pets at home, then you may need to increase the washing frequency.

Items Required to Wash Electrical Blankets

You don’t need any special items to wash an electric blanket.

Washing an electric blanket is just like washing any other blanket.

It’s just that you need to be careful not to damage the wires in the washing process.

So, let’s take a look at the items required to wash an electric blanket.

Washing Machine
Mild Detergent
Clothesline
Dryer (Optional)
Stain Remover (Optional)

Once you have the above items handy, you can start the washing process.

Ideal Washing Machine Settings

In order to wash an electric blanket safely, it’s important to get the wash settings right.

Here are the ideal settings to wash the eclectic blanket.

Wash Type: Delicate OR Gentle
Soil Level: Low (Can be increased to Normal)
Spin Speed: Low
Water Temperature: Cold
Pre-Wash: Not Needed is Pre-treated
Dryer Settings: Tumble Wash on No Heat Settings
Preferred Drying Method: Dry on a Clothesline
Detergent Type: Mild Detergent
Fabric Softener: Not recommended

Now that you know what an electric blanket is and the ideal washing machine settings to wash them, let’s take a quick look at the washing process.

Washing Instructions

Here are the easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions to wash your electric blanket safely.

Step 1: Read the Care Label

Even though the majority of electric blankets are machine washable, it’s always a good thing to read and abide by the care label instructions as not all blankets are made the same.

Some may be machine washable but may have some special instructions whereas some can be washed as usual.

So, always read the care label before washing any fabric.

Step 2: Remove the Cords and control

It is imperative that you always unplug the power connection from your electric blanket before putting it in the washing to clean it.

Your electric blanket has a control cord that draws electricity from a wall plug.

If you need any help in unplugging the cord, you may refer to the manual that came with the blanket.

Step 3: Pre-Treat the Blanket

Once the Power Cord is unplugged, and you have removed the covers, the next step is to pre-treat the blanket.

Pre-treating is important because it helps to loosen the dirt and stains that may have accumulated on the fabric.

In order to pre-treat your electric blanket, start by removing as much loose debris as you can by shaking the blanket well. Next, spot clean the stains with either a detergent solution OR a suitable stain remover.

You can make a stain-removing solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water OR you can simply mix mild detergent in a bowl of water and mix it thoroughly.

Once the solution is prepared, pour the solution on the stain-affected area and rub it around for a while.

Next, blot the stained areas with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Step 4: Put your blanket in the Washing Machine

Once the pre-treating process is complete, you can place the blanket in the washing machine.

Just make sure that the blanket is placed evenly in the washing machine so that the risk of getting tangled is reduced.

Step 5: Add detergent

The next step is to add detergent to the washing machine’s detergent dispenser.

Before adding the detergent, make sure that the detergent is compatible with the fabric of the blanket (the care label will be helpful in deciding this).

Step 6: Set the Right Washing Machine Cycle

Now set the wash settings as below:

Delicate Cycle
Cold Water Settings
Low Spin Speed
Low OR Normal Soil Level
Cycle Durations: Short Cycle

Step 7: Start the Wash Cycle

Simply hit the start button and let the washer complete the wash cycle followed by the final rinse cycle.

Step 8: Dry the Blanket

The final step is to dry the blanket.

In order to dry the blanket, remove it from the washing machine and place it on the clothesline to air dry naturally.

Alternatively, you can use a dryer to dry the blanket on Air-dry settings.

Do not use heat to dry the blanket in the dryer.

Also Read: How to Wash Alpaca Blanket? (Comprehensive Guide)

Drying Electric Blanket

It’s best to Air Dry the blankets naturally by either hanging them on the clothesline or by laying them flat.

If you are using a dryer, it is highly recommended to only partially dry your blanket for about 15 minutes, and then remove the blanket while it is still damp.

Next, allow it to air dry completely on a clothesline or drying rack.

What is the drying time for an electric blanket?

It should not take more than 20 minutes to dry an electric blanket in a dryer.

However, air drying naturally by hanging them on a clothesline can take longer depending on the type of fabric and the environment.

Air-Drying is considered to be safe for your electrical blanket.

How to Get rid of Wrinkles?

In order to get rid of wrinkles without damaging the fabric, it’s best to hang them in a way where it stretches themselves using their own weight.

It’s best not to iron OR stretch the blankets manually as it may damage the internal wires and coil, thereby damaging the blanket.

How to Store the electrical blankets?

If you have used the blanket, let it cool down before folding.

And If you are just folding them post wash, then no need for any prep work.

If you have just used it, make sure the controls and cords are unplugged carefully.

They need to be stored separately, so do not fold them directly without removing the controls and cords.

Next, Carefully coil the cords without crimping or pinching them and place the cords in a soft cloth bag or plastic container.

Once the cords are placed in the bag, the next step is to fold the blankets.

Simply, place the blanket in a cool, dry area after loosely folding or rolling it in a towel or plastic bag.

Lastly, Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of the blanket when storing it.

When Should you not Wash an electric blanket?

In most cases, electric blankets are washer friendly, but there is and always will be an exception as not all fabrics are the same and each one of them has its pros and cons.

So, when you read the care label, you should be able to figure out the right method to wash your blanket.

In a lot of cases, you will find that even spot cleaning is not recommended and the only option that you have is to dry clean them.

So reading the care label and following the instructions in the user manual is the only way to solve the mystery.

You need to be very sure of the right approach to wash your electric blanket i.e. Hand Wash, Machine Wash, or Dry Clean in order to keep it in good shape.