How to Clean an Electric Blanket Safely - Step-by-Step Instructions
Electric blankets, weighted blankets, mattress pads, and throws are the perfect way to enjoy extra warmth during the colder season. Of course, nothing can offer you better comfort than your snuggly, cozy electric blanket.
Unfortunately, your electric blanket may become soiled and dirty with time and continuous use; however, there’s no need to worry. The process of washing your electric blanket is super easy, takes no more than a couple of minutes, and isn’t expensive either. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your electric blanket without harming its quality and softness:
Steps to Washing an Electric Blanket in a Washing Machine
Using a washing machine for your electric blanket is one of the easiest ways to ensure it doesn’t smell like old food and dirty clothes. Instead, use a large washing machine that won’t constrict the blanket. It’s best to use a manufacturer’s instructions which typically come with your user manual.
If you don’t have those or access to a laundromat, you can follow the tips below:
- First and foremost, disconnect the control box and power cord from the blanket. Most revolutionary electric blankets boast a power cord that can easily be disconnected
- Carefully analyze your electric blanket to make sure wires are not exposed through the damaged or frayed fabric before you throw it in the washing machine
- Before washing your electric blanket, use a lint roller to extract pet hair, dirt, and debris that ends up sticking to the fabric
- With the help of a pre-soak setting, soak your blanket in cold water for ten to fifteen minutes. It helps loosen the stains on your blanket before you wash it in the machine
- Put your washing machine on the shortest cycle with a ‘gentle’ or ‘delicate’ setting. Next, use a small quantity of a gentle detergent or any chemical.
Hand Washing Your Electric Blanket
When it comes to hand washing your electric blanket, you need to be super careful to avoid potential accidents from occurring. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your electric blanket:
Disconnecting all Cables from their Power Sources
Before you immerse your bedspread in any water source, you must remove all cables and power cords.
Typically, modern electric blankets boast internal wiring protected by layers of waterproof coating. As a result, it protects you from harm and accidents.
However, removing your cables and power cords as a precautionary step saves your linen from damage and prevents electrical surges from occurring. In addition, this eliminates the chances of a fire hazard occurring.
Fill Up Your Tub with Lukewarm Water
Now it’s time to wash your electric bedspread. For this reason, fill your tub with lukewarm water since cold and hot water can easily damage the internal wiring of your product.
Coldwater may freeze the internal wiring, whereas hot water can fry the cord outlets and the internal wiring. Ensure your bathtub is filled with little water enough to submerge the bedspread.
Make Sure You Pour an Adequate Amount of Laundry Detergent
How much laundry detergent you add is essential as well. If you add less detergent, your heated throw will fail to be adequately cleaned.
Whereas adding too much detergent will result in you damaging your blanket’s electric blanket with too much suds soaking. Also, make sure you choose a mild detergent.
Cycle the Laundry Detergent through the Water
Avoid putting your laundry detergent and electric linen in the bathtub simultaneously. Instead, try using your hands to pour the detergent in the water so you get enough suds.
Add the Blanket to the Water
Once you disperse the detergent evenly throughout the water, put your electric blanket in the water. Make sure you submerge it in the water properly. Next, allow the blanket to soak in the water for at least 15 minutes.
Wash the Blanket
After your electric bedspread has soaked thoroughly in the bathtub, gently squeeze the blankets to remove debris, dust, and dirt. Don’t press on the wiring since this may damage the wires.
Next, rinse the blanket in lukewarm water and gently squeeze it to extract excess water.
Dry Your Electric Bed Blanket
Avoid putting your electric linen in the dryer machine. It is because the high heat can lead to lasting damage to internal cords and the power outlets.
Unless your dryer boasts a ‘low’ option, you shouldn’t put your electric blanket in a dryer. If your dryer doesn’t have this option, it’s best you partially dry the electric blanket. Lastly, use a clothesline to dry your electric blanket throughout the night.
Repairing the Blanket
If your blanket stops working, unplug it, and double-check to make sure all the connections are correctly connected.
In addition, make sure you remove and replace any discolored and cracked components. You can even repair small tears or rips with the same colored thread and a needle. In case of an incision that exposes electrical components, avoid using the blanket again.
To Sum it Up
According to experts, an average of 5,000 houses catches fire due to electric blanket accidents. However, once you learn the safe and appropriate way of washing your electric blanket, you won’t have to worry about potential accidents.
In addition, you won’t have to fear staining your blanket or destroying its electrical components. While electric blankets are a pricey item, they are an investment. However, these innovative products offer sleepers an array of mental and physical benefits.
Mentally, your mind feels more relaxed when it feels the warmth and weight of a comforting and soft blanket. In fact, the blanket may revert your mind to its carefree childhood days. Not only that, a blanket keeps you warm and prevents you from the chills of the cold season. So, you are less likely to fall ill or get under the weather.
At the same time, you can reap its physical benefits, including your body relaxing when it feels the warmth seeping from the blanket and into your skin and, in turn, into your tired muscles. If you’re someone who’s suffering from chronic pain or wake up with body aches and pains, sleeping under an electric blanket can help alleviate some of the tension and discomfort.
He is an Engineer, designer and jogging enthusiast. His team of product testers and reviewers are as passionate as he is about sleep improvement and are on a collective mission to reveal to you only the best sleep solutions and products.
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