You can usually wash a heated blanket at home, wiring and all, as long as every step stays short and gentle. Plan on a wash of one to five minutes and a cold rinse, then about 10 minutes in the dryer before the blanket finishes drying on a line. Your blanket’s care tag and manual come first if they say something different.
Key Takeaways:
- Read the care tag and manual before anything else.
- Never dry clean an electric blanket, because the solvents can break down the wiring insulation.
- Machine wash for only one to five minutes, with no bleach and a gentle cold rinse and spin.
- Tumble dry for about 10 minutes on medium, then finish on two parallel clotheslines.
- Skip clothespins and mothballs, both of which can damage the wires.
Can you wash an electric blanket?
An electric blanket can usually go through the wash. The Iowa State University Extension’s guide to caring for an electric blanket says washing one is as easy as laundering a regular blanket. It gives a machine method and a hand washing method, so you can pick whichever suits you.
The one method to avoid is dry cleaning. Iowa State says manufacturers generally warn against it, since dry cleaning solvents can break down the insulation on the internal wiring. Treat a heated blanket as a wash-only item.
Your manufacturer’s instructions win every time, so if the tag says hand wash only or gives a different wash time, follow it.
How to wash a heated blanket in the washer
Before an electric blanket goes in the washing machine, unplug it and detach the power cord and controller the way your manual describes. Whirlpool’s guide to washing a heated blanket warns that the cord and controller may be damaged if they’re submerged in water. Once they’re off, follow Iowa State’s machine method.
- Fill the washer with water at the temperature your tag suggests.
- Add detergent and let it dissolve before the blanket goes in.
- Spread the blanket evenly around the drum.
- Run the wash cycle for one to five minutes, no longer.
- Leave out bleach.
- Finish with a gentle cold water rinse and spin cycle.
- If you have an old wringer washer, don’t run the blanket through the wringer.
Our post on how to wash your favorite blanket covers everyday throws that can take a normal wash.
How to wash a heated blanket by hand
Hand washing is the method to use if your tag says hand wash, or if your washer is too small for the blanket. Iowa State’s version is mostly a 15-minute soak.
Fill a tub with lukewarm water and detergent, and let the blanket soak. Squeeze the suds through it with your hands, then rinse it in cold water at least twice. Handle it gently the whole time, without twisting or wringing it.
How to dry a heated blanket without damaging it
Drying is the step that needs the most care. Iowa State says that drying the blanket completely in a dryer, or at a laundromat, can shrink it and damage the thermostat.
Tumble drying is only for a head start. Preheat the dryer on medium, add the blanket, and let it tumble for 10 minutes. Then finish it on the line, as most manufacturers suggest. Drape it over two parallel clotheslines and gently stretch it back to its original length and width. Don’t use clothespins, because they can damage the wires. Whirlpool adds that the controller stays disconnected until the blanket is completely dry.
Once it’s dry, fold it and store it where no heavy objects or other blankets will sit on top. Iowa State says moth sprays aren’t needed, since moths don’t eat the synthetic fibers, and the chemicals can break down the wire insulation. For bedding with real weight to it, see our guide on how to wash a weighted blanket.
Let OrangeBag wash the heated blanket
OrangeBag washes heated blankets in wash and fold. Unplug yours, take off the cord and controller as your manual describes, and put the blanket in your laundry bag with the sheets and pillowcases. It’s $2.65 per pound by the bag, and everything comes back sorted and folded in 24 to 48 hours.
A la carte orders add a $9.95 service fee and a $3.00 delivery fee, and monthly plans waive both. Every price is on the OrangeBag pricing page, and our page on residential laundry pickup lists the neighborhoods we serve.
Heated blanket FAQ
Can you put a heated blanket in the dryer?
It can, but only for a short tumble. Iowa State says to preheat the dryer on medium and tumble the blanket for about 10 minutes, then finish drying it over two parallel clotheslines. Drying it completely in a home dryer, or in a laundromat dryer, can shrink the blanket and damage the thermostat. Check your manual too, since some models give their own drying steps.
Can you dry clean an electric blanket?
No, manufacturers generally say not to, according to Iowa State, since the solvents can wear down the insulation around the wires. Wash it in water instead, either with a short, gentle machine cycle or by hand in a tub of lukewarm water and detergent. Follow the care tag if it gives a specific method.
Can you wash a heated blanket with the wires in it?
Yes, the wires stay inside the blanket, and Iowa State’s method is written for exactly that. Keep the machine cycle to one to five minutes, skip bleach, and don’t wring or twist the blanket. Dry it in the dryer for only about 10 minutes, then drape it over two lines with no clothespins, which can damage the wires.
What temperature should you wash a heated blanket in?
Go with the temperature on your blanket’s care tag. Iowa State’s method has you dissolve the detergent in water at that temperature before the blanket goes in, then finish with a gentle cold water rinse. For hand washing, it uses lukewarm water for the soak and cold water for at least two rinses.
Leave the rest of the laundry to us
Send the heated blanket along with your sheets, towels, and everyday clothes. Everything comes back to your door washed and folded within 48 hours.
