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Cleaning electric blankets


How to Wash and Care for an Electric Blanket

By

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 11/12/22

Reviewed by

Becky Rapinchuk

Reviewed by Becky Rapinchuk

Becky Rapinchuk is a natural cleaning expert, homekeeping expert, and founder of the lifestyle brand, Clean Mama. She has published 4 books.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

In This Article

Project Overview

While you may be nervous about machine-washing an electric heated blanket, most newer blankets are designed to tolerate machine washing without damage. However, the process requires some modification to avoid damaging the inner wiring. The key to successfully washing them is to have a watchful eye on the washing cycles so you can keep exposure to water and heat to a minimum.

Use a mild laundry detergent, cool or warm water temperature, and a shortened gentle cycle on your washing machine. Drying can be partially done in a clothes dryer at low heat, but should be completed by air-drying. Some older electric blankets may not tolerate machine washing—these will need to be washed by hand.

Here is a simple, proven method of machine-washing most modern electric blankets.

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Equipment / Tools

Materials

How to Wash an Electric Blanket
Detergent Regular
Water Temperature Cool or warm
Cycle Type Gentle
Drying Cycle Type Partial drying on low heat, then air-dry
Special Treatments None
Iron Settings Do not iron
How Often to Wash Every 2 to 4 weeks

How to Wash an Electric Blanket

  1. Prep the Blanket

    Shake out the blanket to get rid of as much loose debris as possible. Before you put the electric blanket in the washing machine, remove all cords and controls.

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  2. Load the Washing Machine

    For high-efficiency washers, load the blanket in loosely. For standard washers with a central agitator, evenly spread the blanket around the drum. You may need to add a couple non-lint-producing towels or sheets to balance the load.

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  3. Select a Water Temperature and Detergent

    Wash the blanket in cool to warm water with your regular detergent. Don't add chlorine bleach or fabric softener—they could deteriorate the interior components of the blanket.

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  4. Choose the Washer Cycle

    Use the short or gentle cycle setting. If you can set the final spin speed, reduce it to the lowest setting to prevent excess force on the blanket's inner wiring.

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  5. Shorten the Wash Cycle, Jump to Rinse

    Let the machine agitate for two to three minutes, and then skip to the rinse cycle. Once the rinse cycle is done, remove the blanket immediately.

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  6. Dry Gently

    Use a cool or air-only setting on your dryer. It is best to partially dry in the dryer for about 20 minutes, and then remove the blanket while it is still damp and allow it to finish air-drying on a clothesline or drying rack. High heat may shrink the blanket and damage the wires' insulation.

    Be sure your dryer is large enough to allow the blanket to tumble freely. If it is not large enough, use a laundromat dryer set on cool or air-dry only.

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

What Is an Electric Blanket?

An electric blanket is an ordinary two-layer blanket that includes heavily insulated, waterproof electrical wires that are looped back and forth and sewn into place between the fabric layers. As current passes through the inner wiring, normal electrical resistance causes the wires to heat up. Most electrical blankets run on ordinary 120-volt household current, drawing between 15 to 115 watts, governed by a temperature control unit on the power cord that acts as a variable switch (rheostat). There are some modern designs that use low-voltage current that is stepped down by a built-in transformer on the power cord. These blankets typically draw no more than 24 volts at the highest temperature setting.

Treating Stains on an Electric Blanket

Treat a stain on the blanket as quickly as possible following guidelines for the specific type of stain. Spot-cleaning an electric blanket is simple. Unplug the blanket first. Blot with a towel, and then use a butter knife, an old credit card, or your fingernail to remove any food, drink, or other substance from the fabric. Rub a little mild laundry detergent on the stain to loosen and lift it up. Remove the laundry detergent with a moist clean cloth until rinsed. Let it air-dry completely before using the blanket .

Electric Blanket Care and Repairs

If the blanket has stopped working, unplug it, and double-check to make sure that the connections are all tight. Any cracked or discolored components should be discarded and replaced. Small tears or rips can be repaired by hand with matching thread and a needle. However, if the rip exposes any wires or electrical components, the blanket should be discarded.

Ironing

Because the iron's heat can damage the wires' insulation, electric blankets should not be ironed. If it is wrinkled, hang the blanket from a shower rod, hand smooth, and let gravity pull out the wrinkles.

Storing an Electric Blanket

During warm weather, electric blankets and heated mattress pads are usually stored away. Follow this checklist to ensure your blanket is stored properly and ready for that first cold snap.

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  1. After unplugging the controls from the blanket and wall, check for any exposed wiring, scorched areas, rips, or tears. Determine if repairs can be made or if the blanket should be replaced.
  2. Before storing, wash and dry the blanket carefully. Be sure it's completely dry before storing. Check the controls and cords for any cracks or darkened areas. If you find these, the blanket should be replaced.
  3. Once the blanket is clean and completely dry, roll the blanket or pad gently. Don't create sharp, hard folds because they could damage the inner wires. Store in a dry, climate-controlled, and insect- and rodent-free space.
  4. The controls and cords should be stored unplugged from the blanket or pad. Loosely coil the cords, being sure not to crimp or pinch them. Place the cords and bedding together in a soft cloth bag or plastic container to prevent dust from settling.

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How Often to Wash an Electric Blanket

A machine-washable electric blanket can be washed every couple of weeks or once a month during the cold season. Treat it gently, however, by alternating between air-drying and machine-drying as an extra measure to keep the interior connections of the blanket in good shape.

Tips for Washing Electric Blankets

FAQ

The 10 Best Weighted Blankets, Tested by Us

Article Sources

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  1. Pet Fire Safety. Red Cross.

Can you wash an electric blanket?

(Image credit: Weaver Green)

Can you wash an electric blanket? It's during colder months that we are regularly asked this question by our readers, as well as at the start and end of the season.

If you’re planning laundry room ideas, you’ll want to know if this will be one of the tasks you will be carrying out there but, unfortunately, the answer isn't a straight 'yes'. Whether you can wash an electric blanket depends on a few vital factors – get it wrong and you will likely damage your heated blanket irreparably. 

Below, our experts answer this vital question, so that you can care for your heated blanket correctly.

Can you wash an electric blanket?

Some electric blankets can be washed, others can't. Here, we tell you which is which so that you can preserve the life of your heated blanket – and keep it fresh as part of your routine when you clean a bedroom.

When you can wash an electric blanket

You can wash an electric blanket if, like when washing pillows, washing a weighted blanket, and washing a woollen blanket, you check the care label and it says it's safe to. 

'It is important to check the manufacturer’s washing instructions which may be included on a “product care” label attached to your blanket, a booklet in the blanket’s packaging, or on the packaging itself,' advises Nick Woodward, founder of Essential Living .

'Most electric blankets are made out of easily washable materials, and the majority can be machine washed after removing their plug and controller,' advise the experts at Sleep Foundation . 'Their internal wiring must be waterproof in order to cope with sweat and moisture produced during sleep. The cleaning process is usually easy, with owners removing the plug and control device before washing. However, it’s critical to read all instructions carefully before washing, and particularly before putting the electrical components back together.'

Nick Woodward continues: 'Newer heated blankets can be safely washed and dried in standard washing machines and dryers. I also recommend you wash a new electric blanket in your washing machine before using it for the first time.'

How to wash an electric blanket

To safely wash an electric blanket, use these cleaning tips: 

1. Remove the control cord: 'Your electric blanket features a control cord that provides power through a wall plug and before you put it into a washer, it is crucial you disconnect the power cord whenever you want to clean your blanket,' says Nick Woodward of Essential Living. 'Before removal, turn off the blanket and unplug it. The control cord should never be submerged in water.  

2. Follow the manufacturer's washing instructions, but bear in mind that 'most [of our] electric heated blankets can be washed on a gentle, cold cycle and tumbled dried on low heat,' say the experts at Bedsure . Nick Woodward agrees: 'Most manufacturers will recommend you soak the blanket for around five to fifteen minutes. Different temperatures of water, ranging from cold to warm will also likely be recommended. If there are no specific guidelines, go with a cold water soak for 15 minutes.'

3. Run a gentle cycle: 'Nearly all modern electric blankets can be washed in your washing machine, but most manufacturers do not recommend a full wash cycle,' continues Nick Woodward. 'Most blankets only need a few minutes’ wash on your washer’s “delicate” or “gentle” cycle. Followed by a brief rinse and spin cycle.' 

4. Dry the heated blanket but, as with tumble drying a duvet or drying a comforter, be aware of the capacity of your tumble dryer. 'To dry, ensure the blanket can tumble freely. If there is not enough room for your blanket to tumble in your dryer, consider air-drying your blanket instead,' concludes Nick Woodward. Either way, ensure the temperature is set to 'cool', and remove it while it is still damp to allow it to finish drying in the air. This will help maintain its shape.

Ensure you don't over-spin or over-heat an electric blanket in a washer or dryer, nor cram it into a drum that is too small for it – doing so my damage wiring and will certainly affect its shape. Instead, look to gently hand-wash it in the bath tub. It goes without saying that ironing an electric blanket will almost certainly damage its wires.

Electric blankets cannot be dry cleaned.

When you can't wash an electric blanket

'Not all electric blankets are washable. Even spot cleaning can be a concern, as excessive moisture can damage the wiring... be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before making your purchase or cleaning the blanket,' say the experts at Sleep Foundation.

If your heated blanket does need spot cleaning, do so as quickly as possible after the spillage. First unplug the heated blanket, blot the stain with kitchen towel and lift any debris from the blanket's surface. Apply a weak solution of laundry detergent and warm water to the stain, gently working it into the blanket, then use a clean, damp cloth to rinse it. Air-dry flat. 

How often to wash an electric blanket?

You should wash an electric blanket as often as it needs it – perhaps every time or every other time you washing your bedding, but at least every two weeks. And wash an electric blanket again before storing it away for summer – ensuring it is bone dry and rolled up, with the cord and controls unplugged to guard against mold in the blanket or damage to the wiring.

Look for signs of damage after washing and again after drying – if you feel your blanket is being pulled out of shape or the wiring damaged, it may be that a gentler wash by hand, and air drying is the best way to progress.  debris as possible. Before you put the electric blanket in the washing machine, remove all cords and controls.

Lucy Searle has written about interiors, property and gardens since 1990, working her way around the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-nineties. She was Associate Editor on Ideal Home, and Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine, before moving into digital in 2007, launching Channel 4's flagship website, Channel4.com/4homes. In 2018, Lucy took on the role of Global Editor in Chief for Realhomes.com, taking the site from a small magazine add-on to a global success. She was asked to repeat that success at Homes & Gardens, where she has also taken on the editorship of the magazine. 

How to wash an electric blanket (without ruining it)

How to wash an electric blanket (without ruining it) - Cleaning Tips

On a cold winter night, there's nothing better than cuddling up to the sofa on an electric blanket. The difficulty in owning an electric blanket comes when it's time to clean it, although it's really not difficult at all if you know the right steps.



How to wash an electric blanket

The main concern with washing an electric blanket is damage to the wiring. Most companies provide specific washing instructions for their duvets, so the first step is to follow them. However, if you don't have the original information included with the blanket, follow these steps:



  1. Obviously, the first step is to turn off the blanket so that it no longer receives electricity.
  2. See if you can unplug the electric cord from the blanket. Most models allow you to do this, and you can put the cord aside.
  3. Take the blanket outside and shake it to remove all dirt and debris.
  4. If there is a lot of pet hair on the blanket (because what dog or cat doesn't like to snuggle up to you), do your best to remove the hair before washing it. You can use a lint roller, hair roller or rubber gloves to remove hair well.
  5. Now turn the duvet over on each side and look for the manufacturer's label. If you can find it, see if there is a non-cleaning instruction on whether it can be used in a washing machine or hand washed.
  6. If you use a washing machine, choose the gentlest option your washing machine has and use cold water. You also want to use a mild detergent and keep the amount of soap low. Do not use bleach with an electric blanket.
  7. If the duvet is heavily soiled, it is recommended to soak it before washing. After your washing machine has filled all the water, and after you have added soap, turn off the machine. Lay down the blanket and make sure it is completely submerged in water and set a timer for 15 minutes.
  8. Check the duvet for stains that bother you. If they are still heavily soiled after soaking, you may also want to consider pretreating the stains with a stain remover.
  9. Switch on the machine again and let it run for a full cycle.
  10. While it is safe to let the machine run a full cycle, another method is to shorten the cycle by letting it run for up to five minutes and then skip the rest of the cycle and go straight to the final rinse and spin.
Related Articles

Putting an electric blanket in the dryer

You may worry about the heat of the dryer affecting the wiring of the electric blanket, but it's actually quite safe, albeit only with home dryers. Don't bring your duvet to the laundry to use the regular dryer as it will be too hot.



  1. Place the duvet in the dryer and set the temperature to the lowest possible. Avoid high temperatures, as they can damage the wiring of the blanket.
  2. Set the timer to five to ten minutes.
  3. Remove the blanket after the timer has expired. After that, you'll air-dry it using a dryer, an outdoor clothesline, or find a place where you can safely drape the blanket and let it dry, such as on an uncarpeted floor or on a large table.
  4. When placing the duvet to air dry, you will need to move and gently stretch the duvet with your hands to fix any areas that have lost shape or look wrinkled.
  5. Check that the blanket is not placed in a position that would cause the wiring to be bent out of place. Also avoid using clips or clothespins unless you're sure they won't put pressure on the wiring.
  6. The duvet may take up to 24 hours to dry completely. Be sure to run your hands over it to make sure there are no wet or damp spots on it before plugging it back in.

Electric Blanket Drying Without Dryer

If you can't place your blanket in the dryer or prefer to air dry it 100%, simply lay or hang your blanket so that it is level. You don't want it to dry out if any wiring gets pinched or dented due to the position of the blanket or hanging tools like clothespins. Also, before drying, make sure you move the quilt fabric so that it is in the correct position.

Electric Blanket Hand Wash

If you have an electric blanket that needs to be hand washed, or if your washing machine is too small for this blanket, you can follow the same steps to clean it. Don't take it to the laundry to use the commercial machine as it will be too rough on the duvet.



  1. You can wash the electric blanket in a large plastic tub that fits under your blanket or in a tub.
  2. Fill the tub with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent.
  3. Shake the blanket to remove loose dirt and do your best to remove pet hair.
  4. Dip the blanket in the water and press down until it is completely submerged. Set the time to approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
  5. You should check your blanket from time to time and move it in the water with your hands to remove dirt from it.
  6. Remove the blanket from the water. Remove excess water with your hands. Do not wring the blanket too hard, as this can damage the wiring.
  7. You can follow the same steps as above to dry your duvet.

Dry Cleaning Electric Blankets

While dry cleaning may seem like the best option for electric blankets, it can actually seriously damage them if chemicals are not used properly. However, don't automatically rule out dry cleaning. Many dry cleaners are well versed in how to safely clean electric blankets and may use alternative non-dry cleaning methods. Talk to your dry cleaner first to make sure they have experience with electric blankets and a successful track record of cleaning them.

Keep your electric blankets clean

It's a good idea to give your electric blankets a thorough cleaning at least once a month, especially if you use it often. Cleaning should also be done before storage after winter. Don't be afraid to use the washing machine, as it only takes a few simple changes to your normal washing process to safely clean electric blankets.



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Didn't know how to wash an electric blanket: mother-in-law helped out with advice. Now looks like new | Lifestyle

Winter nights make us want to crawl into a warm bed. An electric blanket helps us keep warm during the cold season. But over time, this product gets dirty. For a long time I did not know if the electric blanket could be washed. Fortunately, my mother-in-law helped me out in time with advice. I will share with you the recommendations of this experienced hostess.

Hand wash

I learned that you can wash an electric blanket. But the process of cleaning it will be different from washing ordinary bedding. First of all, you need to read the instructions for the product and strictly follow it.

If you wash the electric blanket by hand, disconnect it from all sources of electricity. Fill the tub with warm water. Stir in a mild detergent. Place a blanket in the bath and let it soak for 15 minutes. Then rinse the product and gently squeeze to remove excess water from it. The electric blanket should not be wrung out.

Machine wash

If the tags for the product indicate the "machine wash" mode, then you can put the blanket in an automatic washing machine. But before that, you need to disconnect all electrical sources from the product. It is also important how you place the electric blanket in the drum of the machine. This bedding must not be wrinkled. It must be carefully folded and sent to the laundry.

If the electric blanket is too large and does not fit in the washing machine, then it is better to refuse this type of washing. Take the bedding to the laundry. There it will be washed in special professional machines.

Washing mode

Set the washing machine to "delicate" mode. Wash your duvet with a mild (preferably liquid) detergent.

If the product is heavily soiled, it should be soaked.

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