Putting your blanket in the dryer can put the electrical elements at risk, but draping the blanket over a clothesline works well as long as you avoid using clothespins, which can risk damaging the wiring. It may even be convenient for you to drape the blanket over the shower curtain rod in your bathroom.
Generally speaking, yes. Most electric blankets are machine washable and can even be dried in the dryer. But before you go toss yours in the next load of laundry, take a moment to read the blanket's care instructions. Different blankets may have different washing instructions.
If an electric blanket gets wet, it can damage the internal wiring and create a risk of electric shock. Unplug the wet blanket immediately and allow it to dry thoroughly before attempting to use it again. Doing so will prevent any potential hazards and minimize the chances of internal damage.
Check your dryer settings before placing your blanket inside. A gentle, low-heat setting works best to protect the fabric's integrity and prevent excessive shrinkage or damage.
A: No! Under no circumstances should an electric blanket be drycleaned. Electric blankets contain wires, electrical connections and heating elements that are covered by or encased in plastic. Drycleaning solvents can dissolve the plastic insulators, exposing the wires.
Dry Gently
High heat may shrink the blanket and damage the wires' insulation. Be sure your dryer is large enough to allow the blanket to tumble freely. If it is not large enough, use a laundromat dryer set on cool or air-dry only.
Our advice is you cannot put your soaking wet blanket in your dryer. Drying a duvet like this will waste many resources like electricity, water, and time. It may damage your dryer, make it stop working, or catch fire.
Trim and Treat: Carefully trim any burnt fibers with scissors. If the burnt area is small, you may use a fabric marker that closely matches the blanket's color to camouflage the damage. Wash Gently: Wash the blanket alone with a mild detergent to remove any residual burnt smell and debris.
Air Dry Recommended: Lay the blanket flat to air dry, or hang it up to dry away from direct sunlight and any direct heat sources, as these can degrade the material. No Heat Drying: If you must use a dryer, set it to a no-heat, air-dry cycle. Heat can severely damage the cooling materials in the blanket.
Electric blankets should never be left unattended when turned on. But, can you leave an electric blanket on all night? We don't recommend sleeping with an electric blanket on all night and a thermostatic control or timer should be used if you choose to leave your electric blanket on.
If you do accidentally spill liquid on your heated blanket, make sure you turn it off and unplug it as soon as possible. Never plug it in or switch it on when wet and ensure it is completely dry to keep yourself and your electric blanket safe.
How Often Should You Clean an Electric Blanket? “You should clean an electric blanket at least once a season,” says cleaning expert Patric Richardson, whose show The Laundry Guy can be streamed on the discovery+ app.
Short Circuit: The introduction of water into the electrical components of a heated blanket can cause a short circuit. This sudden discharge of electricity can damage the blanket's internal wiring and potentially cause sparks or small flames.
Use your dryer's low heat or delicate setting when drying your blanket. High heat can damage fibers and cause shrinkage, especially in natural materials. The gentle tumbling action on low heat helps fluff up the fibers, making your blanket feel softer. If your blanket is extra delicate, consider air drying it instead.
Don't sit or lay on top of an electric blanket; this may damage the internal coils of the blanket and expose the heating element to a combustible material (the blanket).
What does “do not tumble dry” mean? Certain garments shouldn't go in the dryer at all. Subjected to high temperatures, silk may shrink, wool and knitwear may pill and undergarments may shrink or lose their shape. Learn more about how to prevent pilling on your clothes.
The heating elements on an electric dryer and the gas valve coils are the parts that most often go bad on a standard dryer. Also, for smart dryers, the sensor can sometimes stop working for a variety of reasons.
If you decide to dry your blanket with an electric dryer, be sure to choose a low heat setting. For a wool blanket, avoid the tumble dryer and opt for air-drying, being mindful to keep it out of direct sunlight. Now that you know how to wash a blanket, you're ready to add them into your regular laundry day rotation.
Can You Fix a Heated Blanket? Yes, fixing a heated blanket is often possible, provided the damage isn't too severe and you have some basic DIY skills. It's important to first identify the type of problem and determine whether it's within your ability to fix. For electrical issues, safety is paramount.
Whether you realized it before or not, many newer electric blankets can go right into the washing machine without harming the electrical components; however, you should always air-dry the heated blanket laying flat and avoid using the dryer to protect the electrical elements.
Always follow the care label instructions. Air drying is gentlest but can take longer. If using a tumble dryer, use a low heat setting. Remove blankets promptly from the dryer to prevent wrinkles.
It's tempting to fire up the washer and dryer after a storm if you have wet clothes, linens or other washables, but don't do it. Water—even clean water—can damage the inner workings of the appliance, including the motor. Call a qualified service and repair expert to assess the damage.