How to Wash an Electric Blanket

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 of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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While you may be nervous about machine-washing an electric heated blanket, most newer electric blankets are designed to tolerate machine washing without damage. The key to successfully washing an electric blanket is to keep an eye on the washing and drying cycles, so you can limit exposure to water and heat.

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

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 of non-lint-producing towels or sheets to balance the load.

Select a Water Temperature and Detergent

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

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.

Shorten the Wash Cycle, Skip 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.

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.

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.

Additional Tips for Washing an Electric Blanket

• Spot treat stains on an electric blanket as soon as possible. Unplug the blanket, blot with a towel, rub some mild detergent on the stain, and then remove the detergent with a moist towel until rinsed.
• If your washer isn't large enough to hold the blanket, it can be hand-washed in the bathtub. Use cool water, a small amount of detergent, and gentle squeezing. Don't wring the blanket or pad.
• Electric blankets or heated mattress pads should never be dry-cleaned. The chemicals used in the process can damage the wire insulation.
• Don't place electric bedding in a commercial dryer that uses very high temperatures, which can damage the wiring.
• As an electric blanket ages, it becomes more prone to electrical shorts and other problems. It's best to replace electric blankets that are more than 10 years old.
• 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.

How to Store 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.

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.

Modern electric blankets can be washed because the heating element is completely encased in fireproof and waterproof insulation, but you still need to treat the blanket with TLC (for example, don't crush it) to keep the heating grid safe and intact. But some older blankets should be hand-washed only; follow the advice of the care label regarding how to wash.

Partial drying at a low-temperature setting is okay, but the drying should be completed on a clothesline or drying rack. High dryer heat can damage the wiring of an electric blanket.

Remove all power cords, then fill a bathtub or large washtub with cold water and a small dose of mild laundry detergent. Let the blanket soak for several minutes, then agitate it in the water for several more minutes. Drain the soapy water, then fill the tub with clear water, and agitate the blanket to rinse it.

It's best to use a heated pet bed that is specifically designed for dogs and cats rather than to give your pet a standard electric blanket that may be too hot for an animal. A heated pet bed offers a safe and appropriate temperature for your pet and the cord should be chew-resistant.

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1. Are Heated Beds Safe For Your Dog? American Kennel Club.