An electric blanket is a winter essential, keeping you warm and cosy on chilly nights. But when it comes to washing, many people assume it's complicated—or even unsafe. The good news? Most modern electric blankets are designed to be cleaned easily and safely, as long as you follow the right steps.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to wash an electric blanket properly, whether by hand or in the washing machine, along with key safety precautions, FAQs, and expert tips.
How often should you wash electric blankets?
If you want to know how to keep warm in bed on the coldest nights without cranking up the thermostat, an electric blanket can be the perfect solution. However, like all bedding and electronics, heated blankets require maintenance.
How do you wash an electric heating blanket the right amount? That depends on how much you use it:
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Occasional use: wash it at the start and end of the season or when needed.
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Regular use: wash it once or twice a month, with spot cleaning in between.
Safety precautions for washing electric blankets
When it comes to washing electric blankets, safety should always come first. While we can offer general advice, your best source of guidance is the manufacturer’s instructions. If you're wondering, "how do you wash a heated blanket?" your first step should always be to check the care guidelines provided by the brand.
Every electric blanket is made differently. Only the manufacturer is certain what will or won't cause damage /be dangerous. Always go with their advice if it conflicts with ours or anyone else's. They will also be able to answer questions like how to remove cords from electric blankets to be able to wash them safely.
Key safety precautions for washing electric blankets:
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Follow manufacturer instructions – always read and adhere to the care guidelines and warnings.
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Unplug and detach cords – ensure the blanket is completely disconnected before cleaning.
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Check for damage – inspect for exposed wires, fraying, or other signs of wear before washing.
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Replace older blankets – electric blankets should be replaced at least every 10 years to prevent risks from aging components.
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Avoid high heat – never iron or use a tumble dryer on high heat, as this can damage the wiring.
How do you wash heated blankets?
Now that the safety precautions are out of the way, how do you wash heated blankets? There are some general dos and don'ts to be aware of.
Do:
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Shake out any crumbs or debris before washing.
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Pretreat stains with a mild stain remover.
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Use a gentle, mild detergent.
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Wash with cool or lukewarm water to protect the internal wiring.
Don't:
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Dry clean as the chemicals can cause damage to the electrical components.
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Use a duvet cover as this can trap heat, making the blanket less efficient and potentially unsafe.
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Use chlorine bleach as it can weaken the fabric and damage wiring.
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Twist or wring as this can put stress on the internal heating elements.
There are two main ways to wash a heated blanket:
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By hand – a gentle soak and rinse in cool water can help preserve the blanket’s integrity.
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In the washing machine – if the manufacturer allows it, use a delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
Following these guidelines will help keep your heated blanket clean whilst ensuring it remains safe and functional.
How do you hand wash heated blankets?
If you're wondering how to clean a heated blanket, hand washing is often the safest option—especially for older models or those without detachable cords. However, always check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure hand washing is recommended.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to washing your electric blanket by hand.
Step 1: Remove any detachable components
Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for how to remove cords from electric blankets to wash them safely. Many modern ones just pull apart where the cord meets the blanket. If the cord doesn't detach, make sure it stays out of the water.
Step 2: Pretreat any stains
For stains, use a gentle stain remover or mild detergent. Apply it directly to the affected area and let it soak in—avoid harsh chemicals like bleach.
Step 3: Get the water ready
Fill your bathtub or a large basin with cool or lukewarm water (never hot). Add a small amount of mild detergent and mix it slowly to let it dissolve in the water.
Step 4: Wash the blanket
Many people are unfamiliar with the process and wonder, "How do I wash an electric blanket without causing damage?" All you need to do is submerge the blanket completely (but not the cord) for a few minutes to soak. Then, gently rub the fabric to remove dirt and buildup. Slowly move the blanket back and forth in the water to help loosen debris.
Step 5: Rinse thoroughly
Next, you'll want to drain the soapy water and gently press the blanket to push out the soap and the water it’s absorbed. Refill with clean water and repeat until all the soap is out.
Step 6: It’s time to dry
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Lay clean towels flat and place the blanket on top.
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Roll the blanket up inside the towels to absorb excess moisture.
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Lay the blanket flat on a drying rack or hang it to air dry.
How do you machine wash heated blankets?
Many heated blankets are made to be machine washable these days. If you want to know how to wash an electric blanket in the washing machine, you've come to the right place.
Here’s the complete breakdown:
Step 1: Carefully read manufacturer’s instructions and warnings
Before anything else, check the care label and manufacturer guidelines. Every electric blanket is different, and some may have specific warnings or requirements. Skipping this step could lead to damage or safety hazards.
Step 2: Remove any detachable components
Most machine-washable heated blankets have detachable cords or controllers. Carefully disconnect them according to the manufacturer’s instructions before washing.
Step 3: Pretreat any stains
For any visible stains, use a gentle stain remover or mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, and let the stain remover fully absorb before washing.
Step 4: Load the blanket into the washing machine
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Best option: use a front-loading washing machine or a top-loader without a centre agitator.
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If using a top-loader with an agitator: spread the blanket evenly around the drum to minimize stress on the fabric and wires.
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Avoid overloading: ideally, wash the blanket alone. If needed, add a few towels to balance the load.
Step 5: Select temperature and cycle-type
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Water temperature: use cold or lukewarm water—never hot.
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Cycle: choose the gentlest setting with the shortest duration and lowest spin speed.
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Detergent: use a mild, bleach-free detergent.
Step 6: Dry the blanket
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Gently squeeze out excess water—never twist or wring.
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If using a dryer:
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Select the lowest heat setting or an air-only (no heat) option.
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Some manufacturers recommend drying for 20 minutes only, then air-drying the rest of the way.
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If air-drying:
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Lay the blanket flat on a drying rack or hang it to dry.
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Ensure it's completely dry before reattaching the cord or plugging it in.
Washing and maintaining an electric blanket doesn’t have to be complicated or risky—as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and best practices.
Regular cleaning and proper care can help extend the life of your electric blanket, ensuring it stays comfortable and safe to use. However, if your blanket is aging, no longer working properly, or simply in need of an upgrade, explore our collection of bedding and electric blankets for high-quality replacements. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help!
Cleaning electric blankets FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about washing electric blankets.
Can you wash an electric blanket with wires?
Yes! Most modern electric blankets are designed to be washable. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, remove any detachable cords and controls, and avoid harsh cleaning methods, washing your electric blanket is perfectly safe.
Some people assume they need to dry clean their electric blanket instead—but dry cleaning chemicals can actually cause damage.
Is it safe to machine wash an electric blanket?
Many modern electric blankets are machine washable. Always follow the care instructions from the manufacturer. They usually advise cool or warm water, delicate cycles, mild detergents, and low speeds. Proper care when you machine wash electric blankets can prolong their usability.
What should you do if your electric blanket stops working after washing?
Always start by following safety precautions for washing electric blankets. If your electric blanket stops working after washing, double-check for any damage or exposed wires. Never use a blanket with visible damage.
If there's no obvious cause, make sure you reconnected the cords and controls properly. If that isn't the case either, try contacting the manufacturer to see if they have other suggestions. If you have a warranty, see if you can get it repaired or replaced.
Can you dry an electric blanket in the dryer?
Whether you can dry your electric blanket in the dryer or not depends on the model. Some are dryer safe on low or no-heat settings. The safest option for washing electric blankets without damage is to air dry it flat. To speed up the drying process, you can place it on top of towels or near a fan.
