Instructions for Washing an Electric Blanket

Wash your electric blanket in the washing machine.

Electric blankets provide added warmth during the cold winter months, allowing you to turn down your home's thermostat at night and still sleep in a warm bed. Since the blanket has electrical components, it is important to wash the blanket carefully to avoid damaging it. First make sure your blanket is labeled machine washable, as dry clean only items must be taken to your local dry cleaning facility.

Things You'll Need

• Washing machine
• Water
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Cleaning rag

Instructions

1. Unplug the blanket and detach the fabric cover from the electrical pad inside of the liner.

2. Turn on your washing machine using a cold water cycle and pour in the normal amount of liquid laundry detergent. You can use powder detergent if you have no liquid on hand; simply make sure it has dissolved before adding the blanket to the washing machine, since powder has a tendency to stick to blankets even after the wash cycle has completed.

3. Allow the washer to run its full cycle, and hang up the blanket to dry. If you want to use a dryer to speed up the drying process, use only a tumble dry setting, as heat may shrink an electric blanket.

4. Wipe down the interior padding of the blanket with a damp cloth if needed, but never put it into the washing machine as it will destroy the electrical capability of the blanket.

5. Allow the blanket and padding to fully air dry before re-assembling and turning it on.