I Was Scared to Wash an Electric Blanket Until a Cleaning Pro Taught Me How to Do It

As someone with Reynaud’s Syndrome, I get cold a lot. A good electric blanket is a godsend, and one that I use all throughout the cold season — and sometimes in the summer, when the air conditioning system has kicked my Reynaud’s into high gear. I’ve always been a little afraid of washing them, though, because I don’t want to ruin my comfy heat source. So I asked Scott Schrader, a cleaning expert at CottageCare, to share best practices for how to wash an electric blanket.

• Mild liquid detergent without bleach or fabric softener
• Washing machine without an agitator
• Clean, flat surface (for drying)
• Clean towel (for pressing moisture from the blanket if necessary)

Before you put an electric blanket anywhere near liquid detergent or water, you have to unplug it. Remember, water and electricity do not mix. Disconnect all the controls and cords, and then check the blanket for damage, like tears in the fabric or fraying wires. If the blanket needs to be repaired, do that before attempting to clean it. Then, follow these steps.

Add the amount of mild detergent the instructions recommend for a small load. Set the washing machine to a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. If possible with your washer, skip the spin cycle.

After the wash cycle is done, dry the blanket on low heat to just damp. It should take about 15 minutes, but be sure to check it.

Take the damp blanket from the dryer and lay it out flat on a towel. If it’s still pretty wet, top it with a second towel and press down to soak up any extra water. Otherwise, let the blanket dry on the towel or on a drying rack.

Ensure everything is completely dry before reconnecting the controls and cords. Now, enjoy your freshly washed electric blanket all fall and winter long!

If your electric blanket has a small stain, it’s best to treat it gently before washing. Start by unplugging the blanket and disconnecting all cords. Using a cloth dipped in cold water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent, dab the stained area without scrubbing, twisting, or saturating the fabric.

According to manufacturer care guidelines, harsh products like stain removers, bleach, and fabric softeners should be avoided, as they can damage the wiring or insulation inside the blanket. Rinse the area by blotting with a clean, damp cloth, then let it air-dry fully before washing the entire blanket.

Yes, most electric blankets can be washed in a washing machine, but you should always check the care label first. Remember to disconnect the controller and any cords prior to washing. You can machine-wash the blankets on a low, gentle cycle, but the blankets can break if they are subjected to harsh agitation or high heat, according to Schrader.

Yes, but you should be careful. If you wish to complete the drying process mechanically, you should tumble dry the blanket on the lowest setting for no more than 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, and then air dry, completely flat. The internal wiring or insulation could be damaged after exposure to high heat for an extended period of time.

Yes, and it’s gentler than machine washing. Soak it in cool, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse it, and air-dry.

Not if you observe the guidelines about gentle cycles and low heat.

Once a season is ideal, or when it’s visibly dirty.