How to Wash a Heated Blanket: Step-by-Step

It’s often hard to fight the type of chill that gets down into your bones on a cold winter night, but a heated blanket can work wonders. And once you get used to that cozy cocoon of comfort, it’s hard to go back. When it comes to washing a heated blanket, though, we’ve found that people are often nervous because of the electrical components. We’ve seen at least a few people throw out their heated blankets after an accident because they’re worried it’ll be too complicated or dangerous to clean.

As product experts and hands-on testers, we’re familiar with all kinds of blankets and the best ways to handle them. We’ll teach you how to wash an electric blanket safely to help you keep the funkiness away while adding years to your blanket’s lifespan.

What Is a Heated Blanket?

Heated blankets use electric heating elements or thin wiring to turn a typical blanket into a toasty experience. These heating elements are inside the fabric of the blanket, providing heat throughout. Whether you’re crawling into your bed on a frigid night or hopping on the couch for a little binge TV session, the warm, cozy feel of a heated blanket makes for a great experience. 

These blankets get plugged into an outlet and there is typically a temperature control so you can set it to your preferred warmth level, and turn it on or off as needed. Covering yourself up with one is like the temperature-controlled hug, as temperatures can go as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more depending on the brand. 

Some heated blankets may only have one or two temperature options while others have several. Large heating blankets may even have zone temperatures so that two sleepers can each choose their own warmth level. The best heated blankets have an automatic thermostat to regulate and maintain a consistent temperature. Those with an automatic shutoff feature offer a safer experience as well.

Like regular blankets, electric blankets come in a variety of sizes and fabrics, and features may vary.  For size, some are considered throw blankets, perfect for lying on your reclining chair or sofa. These are usually sized 50” x 60” or 60” x 70”. Other heated blankets are designed to make your bed more comfortable, and come in twin, full, queen and king sizes.

Fabrics for heated blankets are usually soft and warm, though some might be more lightweight. Options can include: 

• Fleece
• Cotton
• Microfiber
• Polyester

Keeping It Clean

So what happens when you become a heated blanket devotee, and the time comes to give it a good wash? Washing heated blankets can be slightly tricky since you can’t just throw the whole thing – electrical elements and all – into a washing machine. In fact, not following the manufacturer’s washing instructions and exposing the wiring to water can damage the blanket, making it non-functional.

That being said, heated blankets can be washed (and thank goodness, given their propensity to get you a little sweaty). We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your heated blanket clean and soft so it feels (and smells) as fresh as it did the first time you curled up with it.

Pre-Wash: How to Prepare

First things first: Don’t make any assumptions about how to wash a heated blanket.

The first thing you’ll want to do is locate the blanket’s care instructions and read them carefully. In most cases, they can be found on a tag in one of the blanket corners. You can also try visiting the manufacturer’s website for additional tips.

Some of the key things the instructions should tell you:

• Is it machine-washable?
• Should you use a particular water temperature or wash cycle setting?
• Are there any suggestions about the types of detergents you should or shouldn’t use?
• Can you dry the blanket in a dryer?

Next, you’ll want to figure out how to prep the blanket for a wash. In most cases, you’ll need to disconnect and remove the power cord and controls before washing. We also recommend taking a couple of minutes to check the blanket for any signs of damage, especially when it comes to the wiring.

From there, you can pre-treat any areas that might be stained with a spray or stick stain remover, following the necessary directions.

Lastly, choose a mild detergent to wash your blanket with.

“Washing a heated blanket can seem intimidating, but it’s not that bad. Take things slow and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Generally speaking, you can expect to remove the electric components according to the manufacturer’s instructions, check the blanket for any damage (especially the wiring), and handle the blanket gently as you wash and dry the blanket on lighter settings.”

Daniel Noyed

Senior Product Editor

How to Wash a Heated Blanket by Hand: Step-by-Step

If your heated blanket should not be washed in a machine, or you simply prefer to wash it by hand, then you can generally follow these easy steps. Note that you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your blanket if they differ from the steps below.

With all your equipment ready, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Prepare the blanket. Remove the electrical cord and controls from the blanket.
• Step 2: Prepare your washing area. Fill your washing basin with water (follow the recommended water temperature on the care instructions). 
• Step 3: Add detergent. Add a small capful of detergent into the water and swirl the detergent around.
• Step 4: Add the blanket to the water. Submerge the blanket and gently swish it in the water to get it soapy. 
• Step 5: Soak. Allow the blanket to soak for a few minutes.
• Step 6: Scrub dirty areas. Use your cloth or brush to work on any dirt, spills, stains, or other mess.
• Step 7: Drain the water. Empty the soapy water from the tub.
• Step 8: Rinse. Rinse the blanket thoroughly with clean water to remove any detergent. 
• Step 9: Get rid of excess water. Shake the blanket gently or hold it up to drip dry for a few minutes to remove excess water before choosing your drying method.

How to Wash a Heated Blanket in a Washing Machine: Step-by-Step

Washing your heated blanket in a washing machine is even simpler than doing it by hand, but there are a few general key steps you can follow. Note that you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your blanket if they differ from the steps below.

With all your equipment ready, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Check the care instructions for your blanket. Always refer to the care instructions before washing your heated blanket for optimal results.
• Step 2: Prepare the blanket. Remove the electrical pieces from the blanket.
• Step 3: Add detergent. Add the appropriate amount of detergent to the machine.
• Step 4: Add your blanket. Load your blanket into the washer, and spread it around so it’s spaced out for even washing. (Tip: If your blanket is too large to fit easily in your machine, consider taking it to a large capacity washer at a laundromat).
• Step 5: Select your washing cycle. Choose the appropriate wash cycle based on the blanket’s care instruction label. When in doubt, a gentle or delicate cycle is usually the safe choice.
• Step 6: Select the water temperature. Refer to the care label, or go with a moderate temperature like cool or warm (rather than cold or hot).
• Step 7: Start the washing machine. Close the lid of the washer and start the cycle. Allow the wash cycle to run completely.
• Step 8: Take the blanket out. Promptly remove the blanket once the wash cycle is complete.

How to Dry a Heated Blanket: Step-by-Step

You may be wondering: can you put a heated blanket in the dryer? Your blanket’s care label will specify if it’s safe to do so, and it’s perfectly fine for most products.

Using a Dryer

With all your equipment ready, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Gently shake the blanket. Separate the blanket from itself with a few seconds of gentle shaking to help the blanket dry more evenly.
• Step 2: Place the blanket in the dryer. Gently place the blanket in the dryer. Try to keep the blanket spread out as you load it in the dryer and avoid clumping the blanket into a ball. You can add a dryer sheet or dryer balls at this point to help avoid static cling.
• Step 3: Pick your dryer settings. Refer to the blanket’s care label for the right settings. In most cases, a cool, low tumble dry will be your best bet.
• Step 4: Start the dryer. Close the lid of the dryer and start the cycle. Allow the dry cycle to run completely.
• Step 5: Check the blanket. Once the dry cycle is complete, check to see if the blanket is completely dry. 
• Step 6: Repeat as needed. If your blanket is still wet, repeat steps 1-5 until it is completely dry. If your blanket is only slightly damp, you may want to take it out and let it air dry.

Air Drying

With all your equipment ready, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Spread the blanket out. Fully unfurl the blanket. The blanket will dry faster and more evenly if it’s spread out as one layer. Depending on the size of the blanket, it may be best to get a buddy to help you with this step.
• Step 2: Hang the blanket. Fold the blanket over a clothesline or use clips or hooks to hold the blanket up and expose it to airflow. Keep the blanket spread out as much as you can while it’s hanging to help it dry quickly and evenly.
• Step 3: Secure the blanket. Use clothespins, clips, or other fasteners as needed to ensure the blanket stays in place as it dries. 
• Step 4: Let the blanket dry. Leave the blanket and give it plenty of time to dry. Depending on the size of the blanket and the type of fabric, this may take anywhere from a few hours to a day.
• Step 5: Check the blanket. Check to see if the blanket is completely dry. If not, allow it to keep hanging until it is completely dry.

“Cold air is drier on average, so some people air dry their laundry and bedding year-round. As long as the temperature isn’t cold enough for water to freeze, a windy winter’s day can still get your bedding dry. But personally, I prefer to use a warm dryer so the bedding is nice and warm when you take it out.”

Jackson Lindeke

Executive Product Director

How to Spot Clean a Heated Blanket

You can keep your heated blanket looking new between washes by removing any stains quickly before they set in. Depending on the size and severity of the stain, you can spot-clean simply with a damp cloth or baby wipe, or you might need to use a cleanser (and a little elbow grease). 

With all your equipment ready, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Prepare the blanket. Turn the blanket off and unplug it to ensure it is disconnected from its power source.
• Step 2: Blot the stain. Use a clean, wet cloth or paper towel to blot the stain.
• Step 3: Apply detergent or spot treatment to the stain. Spray or carefully add a small drop of detergent or spot treatment liquid onto the stained area and rub it in. You can also use a small brush to gently work the area.
• Step 4: Wait. Follow the instructions regarding how long to leave the spot treatment on, usually a few minutes.
• Step 5: Remove the detergent. Go over the area with a clean, wet cloth until all the detergent is removed.
• Step 6: Let the blanket dry. Allow the blanket to dry fully before plugging it in or using it.

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