When it comes to the cold winter months, a heated blanket can provide some much-needed warmth and comfort. While heated blankets are convenient, it’s important that they be cared for properly to ensure they last and don’t overheat. . Be sure to read the label on your heated blanket before washing. Some blankets have specific instructions, while others can be washed like any other load of laundry. A heated blanket can also be washed by hand, but it can be difficult to figure out the best way on how to wash a heated blanket. Most of the time, a heated blanket is washed in a regular laundry setting, but there are other ways you can wash it.
How to Wash a Heated Blanket with a machine
1. Prep the Blanket Before Washing
Before washing your heated blanket, unplug it and allow it to cool. Hand-wash the cover of the blanket in cold water with mild liquid soap or detergent. Check the label on your blanket for specific instructions. Clean the wires with a damp rag, then dry them thoroughly before washing. Also, be sure to unplug the blanket before drying and add it to the washing machine only when it is completely dry. A heated blanket should be dried at low temperatures. Because it can still be warm after washing, a heated blanket should be dried in a thermostatically controlled environment.
2. Add the Blanket to the Washing Machine
Place the blanket in a large-capacity washing machine, then add your favorite laundry detergent. Hot water is best, so set your machine on the hottest cycle but also cold or warm water is also recommended by some manufacturers and will help prevent overheating of wires. If you choose to wash your heated blanket by hand or using a machine on a gentle cycle, add � cup of vinegar to the load as this is a good way to remove body oil from the fabric. This will help keep your blankets looking and smelling fresh for years. Give it at least 15 minutes to agitate and wash, then remove the blanket before spinning it. Use a large-capacity washing machine to accommodate blankets of various sizes. When you are done, take the blanket out of the washing machine and put it in the dryer. Follow any specific instructions on your blanket’s label regarding drying.
3. Select the Temperature of the Water and Detergent
Use hot water and a mild detergent for hotter blankets. The colder their temperature, the more water is needed to get them warm again. Don’t use bleach on any blankets. Chlorine-based chemicals can damage the wires of an electric blanket, causing them to rust and corrode. Also, turn off the settings on your washing machine that add extra heat and seal in moisture, as these may be too hot for your blanket. The hot temperature is the best for preventing mildew and drying. Use cold or cool water to wash blankets, but don’t use dishwasher soap or detergents with bleach.
4. Choose the Washer Cycle
A gentle, or short, spin cycle is best for preventing your blanket from losing shape. Choose a quick spin cycle and remove the blanket from the washer immediately to avoid over-compression. Allow the blanket to air dry completely before using. In the washer cycle, the blanket can be washed gently in the washer, but such a cycle should be short. Do not use bleach on any heated blankets. The cycle of the washing machine should not be long because this may cause damage. If your blanket is washed in a washer and then dried with a dryer, it may fade easily.
5. Wash and Choose the Rinse Cycle
Select the warm rinse cycle to prevent shrinkage of your blanket during drying. Use the warmest temperature setting that allows a full rinse and spin cycle. Rinse cycles are also best for washing pillows and other soft materials, such as blankets. A rinse cycle is not recommended for blankets with built-in heating elements. Because of the risk of damage, use the Air Dry or Delicate cycle. This will be the safest way to dry your blanket without causing any further problems.
6. Use the Drying Cycle
Dry your heated blanket on a gentle cycle that won’t over-compress the blanket and cause it to lose its shape or become misshapen. Use a spin cycle to remove excess water from your blanket, then remove it from the washer immediately so it doesn’t become over-compressed. Once your heated blanket is dry, carefully drape it over your bed to air out any wrinkles. This will help your blanket keep its shape and make it feel more comfortable when you finally use it. Don’t remove the blanket while damp as this can cause mildew and mold to form. Because the blanket might be wet after washing, dry it on a regular cycle. You can also dry the blankets at low temperatures because they contain electrical heating elements that can be damaged by high heat settings. However, this does not mean an overly-warm temperature is a good idea. Make sure to remove the blanket from the dryer as soon as it is done drying and use it only when completely dry
7. Dry in Open Space
Dry your heated blanket outside on a clothesline or drying rack whenever possible. If you must dry it indoors, set it near a doorway, where some air circulation is possible, and allow it to air dry completely before using. Open dryers don’t use the same amount of heat that closed dryers do and may damage your heated blanket if you use one. If you have no other choice but to use an electric dryer, carefully remove your heated blanket after the moisture indicator changes from wet to damp. Because dryers have no heaters, they may damage the blanket by over-heating it. Avoid using a dryer if you can.
How to Wash a Heated Blanket by hand
To wash a heated blanket by hand can be tiring. You don’t have to use detergent, but its recommended as an extra precautionary measure. The process is still simple and easy take a look at them. Washing by hand is an option for those who prefer the old-fashioned approach or who don’t want to take a chance of damaging their blanket through machine washing. The washing process of a heated blanket will be better when it is hand washed instead of machine washed. As the water temperature and the amount of detergent used for washing heated blankets will affect how fast your blanket wears out.
1. Prepare your Blanket Before Hand Washing
Unplug your blanket after it cools completely. If your blanket is removable, unzip it and remove all of the wires that power the heating elements inside. To clean the blanket, wash all covers in cold water only with mild liquid soap or detergent and allow them to air dry completely before washing again. Clean any wires with a damp cloth, then dry them thoroughly before washing. By doing this it allows the blanket to not get damaged and the vibrating material will not get stretched out. Check the label on your blanket for specific instructions.
2. Add the Blanket to the Washing Bowl and Add Water to Wash it
Add the blanket to a large bowl with warm water and mild liquid soap or detergent. Use cold water for very hot blankets. You can also use vinegar or baking soda if you want to help reduce the odor in blankets that are washed this way. Allow the blanket to soak for 10 minutes before washing, then wash and gently agitate with your hands for about three minutes. Rinse by hand with cool water, then squeeze out any excess moisture without twisting or wringing it out, then allow to air-dry completely before putting back into use. Doing this help your blanket last longer.
3. Dry the blanket
When you’re done cleaning, use a dry cloth to gently remove all moisture. You can dry the blanket on the line or in an airy, well-ventilated space. If the blanket is removable, fold it over and zip it up before hanging it up. Don’t use a dryer to dry your blanket; try drying it by hand if you can. A dryer may be used on blankets that are tucked inside the covers or that have zippers for easy removal. Don’t iron the blanket because this can leave wrinkles in the material and damage the wires which can cause it to not function properly and will cause a risk of fire or malfunction.
Conclusion
There are many benefits of having heated blankets. They provide comfort and warmth as they help with your pain and discomfort or they provide you with extra warmth to sleep comfortably at night or during the winter months. While purchasing a heated blanket you should consider the best way to wash it without damaging it. It is important to follow the washing instructions carefully as there could be some electrical components in your blanket. Always use cold or warm water with mild or liquid soap for washing them. You should also dry the blanket using a clothesline or air it out in a well-ventilated area, don’t use an electric dryer to dry them. If your blanket is removable, unzip it before washing, and don’t pull it out of the machine while it’s still wet. This helps to preserve the blanket and also helps to keep any electrical components from becoming damaged. If you follow all instructions carefully, then you’re sure to get many years of warmth out of your blanket.
