If you're wondering whether you can wash an electric blanket, the short answer is yes. Most modern heated blankets and throws are designed to be machine washed or hand washed once you've detached the power cord and controller. The internal wiring is sealed inside the fabric, so water itself isn't the problem - it's putting the electrical components through a wash cycle that causes damage.
A good electric blanket should last you several winters, and keeping it clean is part of looking after it. Here's how to do it safely.
Before you wash: essential safety checks and prep
Before you do anything, take a few minutes to check your blanket over. A quick once-over now saves you from damaging the blanket or creating a safety risk further down the line.
Inspect the care label. It's usually stitched into a corner and tells you exactly what the manufacturer recommends - whether machine washing is allowed, the maximum temperature and whether tumble drying is an option. If the label says hand wash only, don't risk the machine.
Remove the cord from your electric blanket. Most modern blankets have a detachable controller and power lead that unplug from a socket on the blanket itself.
Inspect the fabric. Run your hands across both sides and feel for anything unusual. If you identify frayed edges, thin patches, burn marks or a loose socket where the controller plugs in, stop. Washing a damaged blanket can expose the internal heating wires or let water into connections that should stay dry. A blanket in that condition needs replacing, not cleaning.
How to wash an electric blanket in the washing machine: step-by-step
If your care label allows machine washing, the process is simple. Just take it steady.
Check the care label one more time and note the maximum temperature - usually 30°C or 40°C.
Remove the power cord and controller completely. Double-check the socket on the blanket is empty.
Pre-soak if the blanket is heavily soiled. Fill a basin with cool water and a little mild detergent, and let it soak for 15 minutes before transferring to the machine.
Choose a gentle cycle. Delicate, wool or hand-wash settings all work. The key is a slow spin and minimal agitation. You want the water to move through the fabric without tugging at the internal wires.
Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. Bleach can break down the fabric and the insulation around the wires, and fabric softener can leave a coating that affects how the blanket heats.
Rinse thoroughly. Run an extra rinse cycle if your machine allows it. Any detergent left in the fabric can irritate skin and may affect the blanket's performance over time.
How to hand wash a heated blanket
If your blanket isn't machine washable, or you'd simply rather do it by hand, the process is just as straightforward.
Fill a bath or large basin with cool water. Cool or lukewarm is fine - nothing hot.
Add a small amount of mild detergent and swirl it through the water until it's dissolved.
Remove the cords and controller and submerge the blanket fully.
Gently agitate the water with your hands for around 15 minutes. Lift the blanket up and down rather than scrubbing or twisting - the aim is to let the water do the work.
Drain the water and refill with clean water to rinse. Repeat until no soap remains.
Press the water out gently by pressing the blanket against the side of the bath or basin. Don't wring it. Twisting stretches the internal wires and can break them.
How to dry an electric blanket safely
Drying is where most damage happens, so it's worth taking care here.
Air drying is the safest method. Drape the blanket evenly across a drying rack or over a clothesline, making sure it's spread out so the weight of the water doesn't pull on the fabric. Keep it away from direct heat sources like radiators and out of strong sunlight - both can weaken the material and the insulation around the wires.
Some blankets can be tumble dried, but only if the care label says so. If yours allows it, use the air-only setting or the lowest heat for 10 to 15 minutes, then finish with air drying. This takes the worst of the dampness out - it's not meant to fully dry the blanket.
While the blanket is still damp, gently stretch the fabric back to its original shape and size. Heated blankets can lose their dimensions slightly when wet, and easing them back helps the internal wires sit where they should.
NB: Don’t iron! The heat from an iron is far too direct and concentrated for the insulation around the heating elements. Dry cleaning is off the table too, as the chemicals used can damage the wiring. If in doubt, stick to air drying.
When to avoid washing a heated blanket
There are times when washing isn't the right move. If the wiring is damaged, the fabric is visibly worn or thin or the care label explicitly says not to wash, leave it alone. The same goes for older blankets that have seen a lot of use. The materials become more fragile over time - and a wash cycle could be the thing that finishes them off. In any of these cases, it's worth looking at a replacement rather than risking a wash.
How often should you wash your electric blanket?
It depends on how much you use it. For most people, every few months is plenty - perhaps once at the start of winter and once when you put it away in spring. If you use yours every night, or you've spilt something on it, washing every few weeks is reasonable. The key is not to overdo it. Every wash puts a little wear on the fabric and the internal wiring, so wash when you need to rather than on a fixed schedule.
A clean electric blanket is a more comfortable and more hygienic one - and with the right approach, keeping yours fresh doesn't have to be a worry. When you're ready to upgrade or replace an older blanket, you can shop all electric blankets to find one that suits your bed and your routine.
FAQs
Can you put an electric blanket in the tumble dryer?
Only if the care label says it's safe to do so. If it is, use the air-only or lowest heat setting for 10 to 15 minutes, then finish with air drying. If the label doesn't mention tumble drying, stick to air drying on a rack or clothesline to avoid damaging the internal heating wires.
Can you wash an electric blanket in the washing machine?
Yes, most modern electric blankets can be machine washed once the power cord and controller are detached. Check the care label first, use a gentle or delicate cycle at 30°C to 40°C, and avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can damage the fabric and the insulation around the wires.
Can you dry clean an electric blanket?
No, you shouldn't dry clean an electric blanket. The chemicals used in dry cleaning can damage the internal wiring and insulation. Stick to machine washing or hand washing as the care label recommends, and always air dry unless the label says tumble drying is safe.
How long does an electric blanket take to dry?
Air drying usually takes several hours to overnight, depending on the thickness of the blanket and the room temperature. If you use a tumble dryer for the first 10 to 15 minutes on a low or air-only setting, you can reduce the air-drying time significantly, but the blanket should still finish drying naturally.
