How to Clean a Stained Electric Blanket
An electric blanket can warm up a cold, winter night and make climbing into bed much more enjoyable. When your electric blanket is stained, though, you may think it cannot be washed because of the electrical component. The Electric Blanket Institute reports that nearly all electric blankets can be washed in a washing machine if you follow the manufacturer's directions. Once clean, your blanket will be as good as new. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Stain remover
- Washing machine and dryer
- Laundry detergent
- Drying rack or clothes line
Instructions
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Read the care instructions that came with your electric blanket. Similar to other blankets and linens, the blanket should have a tag with directions on how to wash and care for it.
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Rub a stain-removing product on the stains on the blanket as soon as possible after the stains are made.
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Set your washing machine for a regular, cold-water wash cycle and begin filling it with water.
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Place laundry detergent in the washing machine after the water begins to fill it but before the blanket is placed inside.
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Put the blanket in the washing machine, making sure to spread it out evenly so the washing machine does not become unbalanced.
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Allow the machine to wash the blanket for between one and five minutes, or as directed in your blanket's care instructions, the Michigan State University Extension reports.
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Allow the machine to run through its rinse and spin cycles. Do not wring excess water from the blanket because this could damage it.
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Remove the blanket from the washing machine and place it in a clothes dryer.
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Dry the blanket for 10 minutes in a dryer set on a medium heat setting, the university extension reports.
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Remove the blanket it from the dryer. Hang it to allow it to finish drying by air.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not dry clean electric blankets, the Michigan State University Extension advises.
Some electric blankets will shrink slightly when washed, so you will have to hand stretch them when putting them back on your bed, the Electric Blanket Institute reports.
