Can You Wash an Electric Blanket? Tips for Cleaning Without Short-Circuiting Your Comfort

When chilly weather rolls in, there's nothing quite as comforting as an electric blanket. But, as cozy as they are, they’re also magnets for dust, spills, and pet hair. So, can you wash an electric blanket? The short answer is yes—but only if you follow the right steps.

Whether you're searching for how to wash an electric blanket, curious about how to clean an electric blanket safely, or wondering if you can dry an electric blanket without ruining it, you're in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to wash and dry an electric blanket, along with spot-cleaning tips and aftercare instructions.

Machine Washing an Electric Blanket

Are electric blankets machine washable?

Most modern electric blankets are machine washable, but not all. Before you toss yours into the spin cycle, always check the care tag for the manufacturer’s instructions. Older or damaged blankets may not be safe to submerge or tumble dry.

If your blanket is labeled washable, congratulations! You're cleared for cleaning. But don't rush in just yet—there's a right (and very wrong) way to handle washing electric blanket models.

Step-by-step: How to wash an electric blanket

If you’ve misplaced those pesky manuals, you can search for directions online or follow these tips:

1. Unplug and detach all cords and controllers. Never wash an electric blanket while it's connected to a power source.
2. Check for exposed wires. Make sure that wires are not exposed through frayed or damaged fabric before placing the blanket in the machine.
3. Shake it out. Give it a good shake or use a lint roller to remove loose debris like pet hair and crumbs.
4. Pre-treat stains. Use a mild detergent or stain remover on small problem areas before you wash.
5. Use a front-load washer. If possible, opt for a large capacity, front-loading machine without an agitator, which can be too rough on delicate wiring. You want to avoid overly constricting the blanket.
6. Choose the gentle cycle. Cold or warm water only—no hot water!
7. Use mild detergent. Avoid bleach or strong chemicals that could break down wiring insulation.
8. Limit the soak. If hand-washing, don’t soak for longer than 15 minutes.

This method works for most washable blankets, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions—because no one wants to go from heated to defeated.

Drying an Electric Blanket

Can you dry an electric blanket? Generally, yes—with caution.

Typically, electric blankets can be partially dried in the dryer, but avoid high heat. Be especially cautious if using a commercial dryer because they run at higher temperatures than home models. The dryer should be large enough to allow the blanket to tumble freely. If the dryer is too small, the blanket will get twisted, possibly damaging the wires.

1. Use the lowest heat setting. High heat can damage internal wires and cause shrinkage.
2. Tumble dry for 10–15 minutes. Dry just enough to remove excess water.
3. Lay flat to finish drying. Hang-drying can stretch the blanket or shift the internal wiring.
4. Never wring out the blanket. Wring-drying may damage the wires or connections.

Avoid over-drying at all costs—it’s a surefire way to fry your blanket’s circuits.

How to Clean an Electric Blanket Between Washes

Not every spill or odor calls for a full wash cycle. In fact, for minor messes, less is more. Here's how to clean an electric blanket between machine washes:

• Keep the blanket unplugged during any spot cleaning.
• Spot clean stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
• Freshen with fabric spray designed for delicate fabrics.
• Use a lint roller to remove hair and lint.
• Air it out regularly to prevent musty smells.

What NOT to Do: Electric Blanket Cleaning Don’ts

Cleaning your heated blanket the wrong way can short out the heating elements, void your warranty, or worse—pose a fire risk. Avoid these common mistakes that can cause permanent damage:

• Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals.
• Don’t iron your blanket.
• Don’t plug it in while it’s still wet.
• Don’t wring, twist, or squeeze the blanket.
• Don’t use commercial dryers with super-high heat.

Learn more electric blanket tips to help ensure safe, long-lasting comfort.

Signs It’s Time to Replace (Not Clean)

You can’t wash away wear and tear. If your electric blanket is creating more concern than comfort, it’s time to unplug for good. Here are signs it's time to retire your old warmer:

• Exposed or frayed wiring
• Non-functioning controls
• Inconsistent heating or hot spots
• Electrical smell when powered on
• More than 10 years old

Electric blanket past its prime? Keep cozy with an electric fireplace heater!

Safety First: Smart Use After Cleaning

Once you’ve completed washing your electric blanket, be sure to follow these safety rules before plugging it back in:

• Ensure it’s 100% dry. Even slight dampness can cause shorts.
• Reconnect cords properly. Check for secure, tight connections.
• Run a short test. Turn on for 5–10 minutes and check for hot spots or flickering indicators.
• Never fold during use. It can trap heat and damage wires.

Ready to snuggle in safety? Discover more essential electric blanket safety tips from the experts at Mr. Electric^®.

Cozy Comfort, Professionally Powered

Your electric blanket is your cold-weather MVP. Treat it right, and it’ll keep you toasty for years. Whether you’re figuring out how to wash an electric blanket, wondering if you can clean electric blankets that aren’t machine-safe, or curious whether you can dry an electric blanket without frying it, you now have the knowledge to handle it like a pro.

Speaking of pros, if you ever suspect your home’s outlets, wiring, or breaker panels aren’t ready to handle your electric blankets, space heaters, or other cold-weather gadgets, let Mr. Electric take a look. Our service professionals offer code-compliant inspections, upgrades, and repairs—with guaranteed upfront pricing and every service backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise^®.

Contact your local Mr. Electric team today to keep your power—and your blanket—running safely.

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Mr. Electric is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content.

FAQs About Cleaning Electric Blankets

The safety of you, your family, and your home are the top priority of every Mr. Electric service professional. Our safety-first commitment to solving your electrical issues includes meticulous attention to detail on every job. Our commitment also includes using our years of experience to answer your questions. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about washing an electric blanket.

What’s the safest way to wash an electric blanket?

The steps below outline how to wash an electric blanket safely without damaging wires:

Step-by-step:

• Unplug the blanket and detach any controllers.
• Shake off dust or debris.
• Use a front-load washer with mild detergent.
• Set the machine to a gentle cycle with cold water.
• Air dry or use the dryer on the lowest heat setting for 10–15 minutes.

Never wring, bleach, or iron your electric blanket.

Can you dry an electric blanket in the dryer without damaging it?

You can partially dry your electric blanket in a dryer, but use care and follow any manufacturer’s instructions.

Here are general guidelines for drying an electric blanket safely:

• Use the lowest heat setting possible.
• Tumble dry for no more than 10–15 minutes.
• Lay flat to finish air drying to prevent stretching or wiring damage.
• Never leave it in the dryer unattended.

Overheating is the #1 cause of damage to electric blankets, so stick to the safe method!

How do you clean electric blankets between washes?

Not every mess needs a full wash. Here’s how to clean electric blankets with minimal effort:

• Spot clean with a cloth and mild detergent.
• Use a lint roller to remove pet hair and debris.
• Spray a fabric-safe freshener to reduce odors.
• Let it air out weekly to avoid musty smells.

These tips work great for freshening up the electric blanket between deep cleans!

Can you clean electric blankets that aren’t machine washable?

Absolutely. Knowing how to clean electric blankets by hand will help you keep your blanket fresh, even if it’s not machine washable.

Step-by-step:

1. Unplug and inspect for frays or damage.
2. Mix lukewarm water with mild detergent.
3. Dip a soft cloth, wring out excess water.
4. Gently wipe the blanket's surface—don’t soak it.
5. Rinse with clean water using another cloth.
6. Air dry flat away from heat sources.

When is it time to replace your electric blanket instead of washing it again?

Signs your blanket is past its prime include:

• Frayed wires or fabric
• Inconsistent heating or hot spots
• Burnt smell during use
• No power to the controller
• Over 10 years old

If you see any of the above, don’t risk safety—it’s time to retire the blanket and replace it with a new one.

Can you wash an electric throw blanket?

Yes! Most electric throw blankets can be cleaned just like standard electric blankets. The only major difference is size. Be sure to:

• Use a small load setting.
• Fold carefully when drying.
• Check the care label for specific instructions.