How to Wash a Heated Blanket

How to Wash a Heated Blanket in a Washing Machine Detergent Mild Water Temperature  Cold or warm  Cycle Type  Gentle or delicate  Drying Cycle Type Air-dry or Low-heat Drying  Partial machine and air dry 

1. Unplug Blanket and Detach the Cord

   No matter which cleaning method you use, always make sure your blanket is unplugged and the cord is detached before washing.

2. Put Blanket in Washing Machine

   Open up your heated blanket and gently place it in the washing machine (don't put a rolled or folded blanket in the machine, since this could prevent a thorough cleaning). Add your laundry detergent and set the wash cycle to gentle or delicate and the water temperature to cold or warm. Stop the cycle after just two to three minutes and skip to the rinse setting. If possible, select a low-speed spin setting.

   Tip

   If your blanket is especially dirty, leave the blanket in your washer to soak for 15 minutes before moving onto the rinse cycle.

3. Move Blanket to the Dryer Briefly

   Next, move your heated blanket to your dryer. Select an air-dry or low-heat setting, and dry your blanket just partially for about 20 minutes, before stopping the cycle and moving onto the final step.

4. Finish With a Thorough Air Dry

   Your heated blanket should still be a little damp when you pull it from the dryer. Allow it to finish drying on a clothesline or drying rack. Make sure the blanket is completely dry before you plug it back in and use it again.

How Often to Wash a Heated Blanket

How often you should wash a heated blanket is dependent on how often you use your heated blanket or how long it has been sitting in storage. A good rule of thumb is to wash your blanket once every couple of weeks (up to a month, if possible).

How to Treat Stains

If your heated blanket has collected a couple of stains, you can do a simple spot clean. Add a mild detergent directly to the stain and use a toothbrush to scrub lightly. Allow the solution to sit for 20 minutes before washing the whole blanket in your tub.

How to Care For and Repair a Heated Blanket

You should always check your heated blanket for wear and tear frequently. This could include rips, worn or thin areas of the material, loose plugs, frayed wires, and other damage. Even if your blanket has a self-timer or automatic shut off, be sure that it is off when you are done with it, as any malfunction can cause it to overheat and potentially start a fire.

How to Store a Heated Blanket

It is best to roll or lay flat a heated blanket, as folding it can damage the wiring. Store your blanket where there is enough room and other articles or garments won't crush it or weigh it down. Always make sure that your blanket has completely cooled down before storing it away.

Tips for Washing Your Heated Blanket

• Never iron your heated blanket, since doing so could damage the wiring.
• If your blanket's care instructions allow for machine washing, alternate between hand washing and machine washing to help extend the product's lifespan.

FAQ

• Can you wash a heated blanket in the washing machine?

  Most new heated blankets can be cleaned in a washing machine, but you should always check the care label, owner's manual, or manufacturer's instructions first.

• Can you dry clean a heated blanket?

  Whether your blanket comes with instructions or not, never take it to a dry cleaner, laundromat, or other commercial cleaner. The solutions, settings, and equipment they use are often too harsh for heated blankets and could damage the wiring.

• Should you sleep with a heated blanket?

  No, it is not recommended that you sleep with a heated blanket overnight. You can, however, lay the blanket over your sheets and turn it on 20 minutes before you head to bed to warm your sheets.