Ever slid under your cozy heated blanket on a cold winter’s night and noticed that it smells? Or maybe you found food stains or other debris? If you don’t know how to wash electric blankets, it’s time to learn. Because, like any bedding, they pick up dead skin cells, dust mites, and more.
Now, let’s get this up front: you do not need to pull the entire cord out of your electric blanket before washing it. I learned that the hard way and, since I’d ruined one of my favorite frugal ways to stay warm, I had to buy a new one. Thanks to proper washing, that one has lasted over a decade.
Here’s where people get confused about washing electric blankets: you need to unplug it from the wall then disconnect the controller cord where it plugs into the blanket. See the photo at the top for what I mean.
That leaves a heating cord inside your blanket—the one that winds like an S through it—but that cord is insulated, so it’s safe to wash.
Always check the cord for signs of damage like fraying or loose wires. Do not use a damaged blanket.
Shake your blanket outside if possible to get rid of pet hair and dust. Then spread it out and check both sides for stains.
Use a spatula to scrape away crusty messes, and blot the others with cool soapy water and a clean cloth. Scrub with an old toothbrush if you need to. If blood doesn’t come out that way, a dab of hand sanitizer can get out blood stains, too.
Machine: Choose the delicate cycle with a cold water setting and half the usual detergent. Don’t add fabric softener, bleach, or other laundry additives—they can cause damage. If your machine allows, skip forward after 5 minutes of washing to complete the rinse and spin.
Bathtub: Run cool water about 4 inches deep and add a 1 tablespoon liquid laundry detergent. Squish the sudsy water through your blanket, drain the tub and gently press the water out. Refill the tub to rinse and drain it again. Work quickly. Soaking electric blankets risks the water damaging the cord housing.
Now grab another blanket of the same size. Lay your wet electric one on top of it and compare their sizes. If your electric blanket looks smaller, start at the center and gently tug until it matches the other one. Now, roll them up together to blot the excess water.
I think we all share a concern about getting shocked when you get something electric wet then plug it in, right? To avoid that, let’s get yours dry the right way.
Tumble dry your electric blanket for 15 minutes on low heat—just long enough to remove excess water but not so long you’ll shrink it. Finish air drying it on a rack, thrown over a laundry line, or draped between two chairs. Flip it now and then to help it dry evenly. This takes between 8 and 24 hours.
Feel the blanket at the very center, the corners, and along the hems. Once your electric blanket is completely dry, reconnect the controller cord and plug into the wall.
If you use your electric blanket nightly, wash it once a month like you would any blanket. Otherwise, give it the sniff test. And, of course, wash it right away if anyone has an accident on it or you spill something.
Before you store it at the end of winter, clean it one more time then tuck a few silica gel packets into the folds to keep it dry. I stash mine in a plastic container. If you keep it on a shelf, wash your electric blanket again when you get it out for the season—sleeping under a dusty one is no one’s idea of a good time.
Tired of Cleaning Being Such a Chore?
Become A Subscriber Today And Receive My 5 best Cleaning Secrets!
By subscribing, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.