How to Wash a Heated Blanket
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Is your heated blanket starting to look dirty and smelly at the same time? Are you confused whether or not you can wash it to get rid of the problem? Well, here’s some good news for you. Yes, you can wash it as long as you do it correctly and safely.
Most purchased heated blankets come with a manufacturer’s guide that tells you how to wash it. Plus we can give you a rundown on how to do it safely without damaging the blanket. Just follow the step by step guide down below.
Washing your Heated Blanket Properly
Step 1: Check the blanket’s guide tag
Before you choose on which way you’re going to clean your blanket, it has to be verified whether it’s safe or not to do it. You will see on the blanket’s guide tag on what are the best cleaning methods that you can use so as not to create any damages on the blanket.
For most heated blankets, it allows hand washing and washing machines. However, not all heated blankets are made the same, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Step 2: Turn off the power
You need to unplug the heated blanket before washing it, always observe safety first. Never forget to do this when cleaning and washing your heated blanket to avoid unprecedented accidents. Risk can happen anytime and anywhere.
Step 3: Wash the heated blanket
We’ll show you the two most recommended methods of washing a heated blanket. Just pick whichever suits you best.
- Handwashing
If you have the luxury of time and you just want to make sure that the heated blanket won’t be overwashed, handwashing is the safest chance.
- First, soak the blanket with cold water and mild detergent soap. Just put a little bit of it since you don’t need that much soap for the blanket.
- Let it soak for at least an hour just so the dirt will melt from the blanket. This will help you to easily wash the blanket.
- Then, start washing every area gently in a soft motion. Ensure that you hand wash every spot especially those areas that have stubborn dirt. Still see to it that you are washing it gently.
- Once you’re done, just rinse it with cold water only. Rinse it for at least three times or until there’s no longer traces of soap.
- Washing Machine
- When using the washing machine, soak the blanket first with cold water and mild detergent soap for about an hour.
- Then, transfer the blanket into the washing machine. Set the machine into a slow or gentle cycle, so that you don’t overwash and damage the blanket.
- Set the cycle to only run for at least 2-3 minutes only.
- The same as handwashing, it should only be washed and rinsed with cold water.
Step 4: Dry the Blanket
Drying is crucial for keeping the blanket’s quality still at its best. Most experts recommend the following methods below:
- Air drying the Blanket
- When cleaning the heated blanket, it’s best to time your washing schedule with good weather. If you see that the sun is showing up, take advantage to air dry your blanket.
- All you need to do is hang your blanket and let the sun do its magic.
- If it’s still cold to hang outside, you can always air dry it indoors. You can have a fan running on it and it will still dry up perfectly. It won’t be as fast when drying under the sun but it dries effectively.
- Air drying is cost effective and environment-friendly as well.
- Using the Dryer Machine
- Be sure to preheat the dryer while you’re on your last phase of rinsing the blanket.
- Set the dryer into low, so the heat won’t be too harsh for the blanket. Too much heat can damage the blanket’s fabric over time.
- Have the blanket run in the dryer for no longer than 10-12 minutes to dry. Don’t worry if it’s still damp. Just let it dry and have it nicely drape outside or inside.
How to Take Care of your Heated Blanket?
- Do not use strong detergent soaps since the fabric will react negatively on its chemicals. To ensure that the fabric will stay as good as it is, only use mild detergent soaps.
- Do not use bleach or even fabric conditioner. Both of these products can create damage to the blanket.
- Do not use warm or hot water on the blanket when washing. Always follow the directions on washing the heated blanket in an appropriate way. Hot water can bring damage to the blanket’s fabric. Always use cold water.
- Never dry your blanket in a dryer for no more than 10 minutes. This will damage the blanket’s quality as well. Also, do not set the dryer on high temperature since it can shrink or deform the blanket. It’s best to keep it low and have it in a slow cycle so the heat will be evenly distributed.
- If you can, it’s always best to hand wash and air dry the blanket. Especially when you wash it gently using milder soaps. This will keep its good quality to last for a while. At times, machines can bring harm to the fabric if not done right.
- Never go to commercial laundromats to wash and dry your blanket. Those machines were set in a different setting that won’t be appropriate for your blanket.