Washing your blankets keeps them fluffy and helps you sleep better. Some blankets require special attention, though, and you may be wondering if you can wash an electric blanket. Will the water and laundry soap damage the electrical components? The good news is that most electric blankets are washable. Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing helps homeowners in Tucson and surrounding areas with all of their electrical needs. Here are some tips for how to wash your electric blankets.
Are Electric Blankets Waterproof?
The primary concern with washing an electric blanket is exposing the wires to water. Believe it or not, electric blankets are waterproof to some degree. This is because they are designed to withstand the effects of perspiration and small spills. Electric blankets are not designed to be submerged in water for long periods of time.
Laundering Your Electric Blanket
As has already been mentioned, it’s quite likely that your electric blanket is washable. However, you do want to be careful with the procedure. Consider the steps below.
1. Check the Tag
The first place to start is by checking the tag on your electric blanket. If the tag is missing, you can look at the booklet that came with the blanket or check with the manufacturer. It will indicate if the blanket can be placed in a washing machine or needs to be hand washed. Additionally, it will give some general instructions about how to wash the blanket, such as using a gentle cycle and cold water. The tag may also say that you should use a lighter laundry detergent.
2. Remove the Controller and Power Cord
If the manufacturer’s tag or booklet indicates that the electric blanket can be washed, remove the controller and plug from the blanket. Check for any holes or tears around the port where the controller plugs into the blanket. If you notice any damage, don’t wash the blanket. In fact, you may want to replace the blanket.
3. Wash the Electric Blanket on the Delicate Cycle
The best approach to washing an electric blanket is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Companies that make electric blankets have in-depth knowledge about the fabrics and electrical components, and they can provide the best way to clean them. In general, electric blankets should be washed on a gentle cycle with cold water. On the delicate or gentle setting, the washing machine lets the blankets soak for a brief period of time. The blanket is then quickly rinsed. A spin cycle removes any excess water, so the blanket dries faster.
4. Dry the Electric Blanket
Before you start using your electric blanket, it needs to be completely dry. You can either air dry the blanket or put it in the dryer on a low heat setting. You can also use a cool setting on your dryer. Make sure that your dryer is large enough to hold the blanket. It needs to tumble freely in the drum. Don’t try to stuff the blanket in a dryer that is too small. This may damage the blanket and cause hot spots during the dry cycle. Overheating the blanket will damage the electrical components. If the blanket doesn’t fit your dryer, air dry it.
Can You Dry Clean an Electric Blanket?
No, you cannot dry clean an electric blanket. Dry cleaning uses chemicals rather than water and laundry detergent. The chemicals damage the wiring in the blanket. You should also avoid using commercial dryers for your electric blankets. The high heat can melt the casing on the wires and damage the blanket. Hand washing is a better alternative to machine washing the blanket.
How to Hand Wash an Electric Blanket
There are times when hand washing an electric blanket is better than machine washing it. If your washer and dryer are too small for the blanket to move freely, hand washing is the best option. Not having a gentle cycle on your washer or a low heat setting on your dryer is another reason hand washing would be best. To hand wash your electric blanket, fill your bathtub with cold water. Add a gentle laundry detergent. Put the blanket in the tub, and make sure that it sits below the surface of the water. Let the blanket soak for 15 minutes. Drain the tub and gently wring out the excess water. Be careful not to twist the blanket too tightly. Hang the blanket to dry completely.
How to Spot-Clean an Electric Blanket
If you spill something on your electric blanket, soak up the excess moisture with a clean, soft cloth. Follow this with a light spray of mild laundry detergent and water. Rub the solution into the fabric gently. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove the detergent from the fabric, and let the blanket air dry.
Should You Wash an Electric Blanket Before Using It?
When you get an electric blanket, you may notice that it feels stiff and rough. Washing the blanket before using it helps to relax the wiring and fluff up the fabric. It also removes any dust and other particles from the manufacturing process. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing the blanket.
How Often Can You Wash an Electric Blanket?
When you carefully follow the instructions on the electric blanket, it is safe to wash it every two weeks while you are using it. The experts at Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing recommend that Tucson homeowners wash their electric blankets before storing them away in the spring. Make sure that the blanket is completely dry before you pack it away. Any moisture creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew. You should also wash the blanket before you use it in the winter.
Is It Safe to Use a Damp Electric Blanket?
You should never use a damp electric blanket. Running electricity through a blanket that has moisture in it is a safety concern. After washing your electric blanket, make sure that it is completely dry. Don’t plug in the blanket to dry it, either. Also, check for any signs of moisture in the port where you plug in the controller. If you aren’t sure if the blanket is dry, let it air dry for an additional 24 hours before using it.
Can You Iron an Electric Blanket?
You should never iron an electric blanket. Even on a low setting, the heat from the iron will damage the plastic casing around the wires. If your blanket is wrinkled or creased, spray it lightly with water. Use your hand to even out the wrinkles, and let the blanket air dry.
Can an Electric Blanket Be Repaired?
It is possible that the controller and plug for your electric blanket can be repaired. Damage to the internal electrical wiring is more challenging because the fabric has to be removed. If the internal wiring is damaged, we recommend that you simply replace the blanket. You will spend more on trying to repair it.
Professional Electrical Services
Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers professional electrical services for homeowners in Tucson and surrounding areas. We can help with your electric blankets, as well as all your other electrical components. We also offer AC/Heat and plumbing services to keep your family safe and comfortable. Call us today for all your electrical needs.
