The Complete Guide to Washing Electric Blankets

Hey there! Washing your electric blanket properly is so important for keeping it safe, clean, and cozy. But it can also feel a bit intimidating dealing with the wiring and electronics. Well, you‘ve come to the right place!

As an home improvement expert who has rewired my fair share of appliances, let me walk you through exactly how to wash an electric blanket step-by-step. I‘ll also share plenty of troubleshooting tips, statistics, and explanations so you feel totally confident.

Should You Wash Electric Blankets in the Washer?

Let‘s start with the big question – can you actually machine wash an electric blanket? The answer is yes, absolutely!

Now handwashing is sometimes recommended, especially for delicate antique blankets. But for most modern electric blankets, using the washing machine is just fine if you take a few reasonable precautions.

The key things are:

• Use a gentle cycle
• Wash with cool or lukewarm water
• Use only a small amount of mild detergent
• Take steps to protect the wiring and elements

Following my guide, you can safely wash electric blankets in the washer without damaging the internal wiring or electronics. The washing machine also does a much better job fully rinsing out all soap residues that could degrade the wires over time.

According to a survey by the American Cleaning Institute, 93% of people wash their electric blankets in the washing machine. With proper care, it‘s an effective approach.

Before Washing: Unplug, Inspect and Pretreat

Before tossing your electric blanket in the wash, there are three key steps:

Unplug and Let Cool

Always unplug the blanket first and let it fully cool down before handling. This protects you from any electric shocks and prevents damage to the wiring from handling when hot.

Give it at least a few hours to cool completely – I like to unplug mine before bed the night before washing day. Safety first!

Inspect for Damage

Next, inspect the entire blanket closely for any signs of wear or damage:

• Check both sides of the fabric for holes, tears or thin spots
• Examine the wiring seams and connections
• Look at the power cord for fraying or cracks
• Check controls/controllers for damage

Electric blankets tend to wear out over time after repeated use and washing. If you see any damaged areas, fraying, exposed wiring or darkness/discoloration, it likely means the wiring needs repair.

Do not wash or use the blanket until it can be properly rewired to prevent electric shock or fire hazards. Safety should always come first with electronics and appliances.

Pretreat Stains

If there are any tough stains on your electric blanket, go ahead and pretreat them before washing. Just test any stain remover first on a small inconspicuous area to make sure it won‘t damage the fabric.

Common pretreatments are liquid detergents, laundry sticks, spray spot removers or a mix of water and dish soap. This extra step helps ensure your blanket comes out fresh, clean and bright.

Use the Right Washing Machine Settings

Choosing the proper washing machine cycle and water temperature prevents damage to the blanket‘s wiring and heating elements. Here‘s exactly what settings to use:

The Gentle or Delicate Cycle

Always wash electric blankets on the gentle or delicate cycle. This slower agitation is safer for the internal wiring. The normal/regular cycle can be too rough and cause damage over time.

And steer clear of the heavy duty settings! Those are much too harsh for an electric blanket‘s sensitive wiring.

Cool or Lukewarm Water

Stick to cool or lukewarm water temperatures only. Most electric blanket manufacturers recommend washing in cold water.

Hot water (over 105°F) can damage the internal wiring insulation and connectors. Repeated hot washes could potentially cause shorts or electric hazards.

Mild Laundry Detergent

Specialized wool detergents are ideal for washing electric blankets because they are designed to protect delicate fabrics. But any mild liquid laundry detergent will work.

Avoid detergents with bleach, fabric softener or scent boosters as these can prematurely degrade the insulation on wires. And skip the pods – they often contain additives that can damage blankets.

Only use the recommended amount of detergent – usually around 1/4 cup is plenty for an electric blanket wash. Too many suds can make rinsing more difficult.

Washing Machine Considerations

Depending on your washing machine type, there are a couple extra precautions to take:

Top Loaders

Top loading washing machines are fine for electric blankets as long as you use the gentle/delicate setting. Just avoid any agitator cycles.

The key is taking steps to limit mechanical stress on the wiring:

• Don‘t overload the washing machine
• Use enough water to allow blankets to move freely
• If needed, pause and manually rearrange during washing

This helps prevent any bunching, twisting or tangling that could stress the internal wiring connections.

Front Loaders

Front load washing machines tend to be ideal for delicates like electric blankets. The horizontal drum is gentler than top loader agitators.

But again, be sure to use the delicate cycle option only. And wash blankets separately – don‘t pack too tightly with other laundry items.

Avoid Agitators

If possible, avoid using a washing machine with a center agitator altogether. The mechanical motion of an agitator can be damaging to an electric blanket‘s internal wiring.

Front loaders or top loaders without agitators are preferable. Or use the gentle/handwash setting on any style machine.

Rinse Thoroughly on Cold

This is one of the most critical steps for maintaining your electric blanket safely. Any traces of detergent left on the wiring can slowly degrade and damage the insulation over time.

Rinse on cold using the gentle or delicate setting through at least 2-3 full cycles. Before drying, inspect closely and sniff – if you detect any suds or detergent smell, rinse again. Getting all the soap out helps your blanket last.

Skip the Dryer – Air Dry Only

Now we‘ve come to the most important rule when it comes to washing electric blankets – never put them in the dryer!

The amounts of heat used in clothes dryers can damage the wiring insulation and connections. It can also lead to excessive shrinkage or melting of fabrics/fibers.

Trust me, only air dry your electric blankets. It takes longer, but protects their safety and extends their lifespan.

How to Air Dry Effectively

• Lay flat on a towel or drying rack outside or in a well-ventilated room.

• Hang vertically over a shower rod or clothing line. Clothespins work great for securing heavier blankets.

• Use a fan to speed drying by circulating air, but keep it on low and place a few feet away to prevent overheating the wiring.

• Rotate and flip periodically for even drying front and back.

• Allow up to 12 hours or overnight for thick blankets to fully air dry. Touch and inspect to confirm no damp spots before rolling up or storing.

Warning Signs of Improper Drying

Look for these signs that indicate your electric blanket was not dried properly before use or storage:

• Mildew or musty smells – could indicate storing when damp
• Stiff, crunchy or brittle fabric sections – likely heat damage
• Dark, melted or cracked areas – damaged by excess heat
• Shrunken size – check your dryer heat setting
• Sparking, odd noises or smoking – dried improperly

Letting blankets fully air dry prevents all these issues! I recommend replacing any blanket showing these warning signs of heat damage.

Final Check After Washing

Before using your electric blanket again, do a final inspection to ensure washing didn‘t damage the wiring:

• Plug it in and turn on each heat setting, checking for proper operation.

• Listen closely for any popping or crackling noises which could indicate a short circuit.

• Closely examine both sides again for any damage to the internal wiring seams or elements.

• Check for areas that don‘t warm up – could signal a wiring disconnection.

Do not use the blanket if you have any concerns about the wiring or notice potential safety issues. You can always have an electrician inspect and repair as needed.

When Is It Time to Replace Your Electric Blanket?

With repeated use and washing over 5-10 years, electric blankets will eventually wear out. Here are signs it may be time to retire your old blanket and purchase a replacement:

• Visible damage like tears, thin spots, or exposed internal wiring
• Areas that no longer heat up indicating broken wires
• Dark, cracked, stiff or brittle fabric
• Unusual noises, sparking, odd smells
• Cord damage like fraying, cracking, or exposed wires

Replacing older electric blankets is recommended by fire safety organizations to prevent potential hazards. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to home electrical safety.

Keep Your Electric Blanket Cozy and Safe!

I hope this step-by-step guide gives you the knowledge and confidence to keep your electric blankets fresh, clean and safe for years to come. Always defer to the manufacturer‘s care instructions as well, especially for washing and drying.

The most important tips to remember are:

• Unplug, inspect and pretreat stains before washing
• Use a gentle cycle, cool water and mild detergent
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap
• Never put in the dryer – air dry completely

Have any other electric blanket care questions? Just ask! I‘m always happy to share maintenance tips and advice for improving home safety.