How to Wash an Electric Blanket

Safe ways to clean your heated blanket while protecting the wires

An electric blanket folded up

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 20 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs - 1 day
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $10

While you may be nervous about machine-washing an electric heated blanket, most newer blankets are designed to tolerate machine washing without damage. However, the heavily insulated, waterproof inner electrical wires that are looped and sewn in place between fabric layers still need protection to avoid damage during the wash process. The key to successfully washing an electric blanket is to keep an eye on the washing and drying cycles so you can limit exposure to water and heat.

Use a mild laundry detergent, cool or warm water temperature, and a shortened gentle cycle on your washing machine. Drying can be partially done in a clothes dryer on low heat but should be completed by air-drying. Some older electric blankets may not tolerate machine washing—these will need to be washed by hand.

Here is a simple, proven method of machine-washing most modern electric blankets.

A laundry detergent bottle near a drying rack

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Clothesline or drying rack

Materials

  • Laundry detergent

Instructions

How to Wash an Electric Blanket
Detergent Regular
Water Temperature Cool or warm
Cycle Type Gentle
Drying Cycle Partial drying on low heat, then air-dry
Special Treatments None
Iron Settings Do not iron
How Often to Wash Every 2 to 4 weeks

How to Wash an Electric Blanket

  1. Prep the Blanket

    • Shake out the blanket to get rid of as much loose debris as possible.
    • Before you put the electric blanket in the washing machine, remove all cords and controls.
    Someone removing cords from an electric blanket

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  2. Load the Washing Machine

    For high-efficiency washers, load the blanket in loosely. For standard washers with a central agitator, evenly spread the blanket around the drum. You may need to add a couple of non-lint-producing towels or sheets to balance the load.

    Someone placing a blanket in a washer

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  3. Select a Water Temperature and Detergent

    Wash the blanket in cool to warm water with your regular detergent. Do not add chlorine bleach or fabric softener—they could deteriorate the interior components of the blanket.

    Someone adding detergent to a washer

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  4. Choose the Washer Cycle

    • Use the short or gentle cycle setting.
    • If you can set the final spin speed, reduce it to the lowest setting to prevent excess force on the blanket's inner wiring.
    Someone selecting a correct wash cycle

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  5. Shorten the Wash Cycle, Jump to Rinse

    • Let the machine agitate for two to three minutes and then skip to the rinse cycle.
    • Once the rinse cycle is done, remove the blanket immediately.
    Someone removing a blanket from a washer

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  6. Dry Gently

    • Use a cool or air-only setting on your dryer.
    • It is best to partially dry in the dryer for about 20 minutes, and then remove the blanket while it is still damp and allow it to finish air-drying on a clothesline or drying rack. 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.
    A blanket on a drying rack

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How Often to Wash an Electric Blanket

A machine-washable electric blanket can be washed every couple of weeks or once a month during the cold season. Treat it gently, however, by alternating between air-drying and machine-drying as an extra measure to keep the interior connections of the blanket in good shape.

Treating Stains on an Electric Blanket

Treat a stain on the blanket as quickly as possible following guidelines for the specific type of stain. Spot-cleaning an electric blanket is simple. Unplug the blanket first. Blot with a towel, and then use a butter knife, an old credit card, or your fingernail to remove any food, drink, or other substance from the fabric. Rub a little mild laundry detergent on the stain to loosen and lift it off. Remove the laundry detergent with a moist clean cloth until rinsed. Let it air-dry completely before using the blanket.

How to Care for an Electric Blanket

If the blanket has stopped working, unplug it, and double-check to make sure that the connections are all tight. Any cracked or discolored components should be discarded and replaced. Small tears or rips can be repaired by hand with matching thread and a needle. However, if the rip exposes any wires or electrical components, the blanket should be discarded.

How to Store an Electric Blanket

During warm weather, electric blankets and heated mattress pads are usually stored away. Follow this checklist to ensure your blanket is stored properly and ready for that first cold snap.

  1. After unplugging the controls from the blanket and wall, check for any exposed wiring, scorched areas, rips, or tears. Determine if repairs can be made or if the blanket should be replaced.
  2. Before storing, wash and dry the blanket carefully. Be sure it's completely dry before storing. Check the controls and cords for any cracks or darkened areas. If you find these, the blanket should be replaced.
  3. Once the blanket is clean and completely dry, roll the blanket or pad gently. Don't create sharp, hard folds because they could damage the inner wires. Store in a dry, climate-controlled, and insect- and rodent-free space.
  4. The controls and cords should be stored unplugged from the blanket or pad. Loosely coil the cords, being sure not to crimp or pinch them. Place the cords and bedding together in a soft cloth bag or plastic container to prevent dust from settling.
rolling the blanket

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

storing the control cords

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Tips for Washing an Electric Blanket

  • If your washer isn't large enough to hold the blanket, it can be hand-washed in the bathtub. Use cool water, a small amount of detergent, and gentle squeezing. Don't wring the blanket or pad.
  • Electric blankets or heated mattress pads should never be dry-cleaned. The chemicals used in the process can damage the wire insulation.
  • Don't place electric bedding in a commercial dryer that uses very high temperatures, which can damage the wiring.
  • As an electric blanket ages, it becomes more prone to electrical shorts and other problems. It's best to replace electric blankets that are more than 10 years old.
  • Because the iron's heat can damage the wires' insulation, electric blankets should not be ironed. If it is wrinkled, hang the blanket from a shower rod, hand smooth, and let gravity pull out the wrinkles.
FAQ
  • Will machine washing ruin an electric blanket?

    Modern electric blankets can be washed because the heating element is completely encased in fireproof and waterproof insulation, but you still need to treat the blanket with TLC (for example, don't crush it) to keep the heating grid safe and intact. But some older blankets should be hand-washed only; follow the advice of the care label regarding how to wash.

  • Can I dry an electric blanket in the dryer?

    Partial drying at a low-temperature setting is okay, but the drying should be completed on a clothesline or drying rack. High dryer heat can damage the wiring of an electric blanket.

  • How do I hand-wash an electric blanket?

    Remove all power cords, then fill a bathtub or large washtub with cold water and a small dose of mild laundry detergent. Let the blanket soak for several minutes, then agitate it in the water for several more minutes. Drain the soapy water, then fill the tub with clear water, and agitate the blanket to rinse it.

  • Is it dangerous to use an electric blanket on pet beds?

    It's best to use a heated pet bed that is specifically designed for dogs and cats rather than to give your pet a standard electric blanket that may be too hot for an animal. A heated pet bed offers a safe and appropriate temperature for your pet and the cord should be chew-resistant.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Are Heated Beds Safe For Your Dog? American Kennel Club.