How to Wash a Heated Blanket Without Destroying Your Cozy Investment
I'll never forget the first time I ruined a perfectly good heated blanket. It was three winters ago, and I'd tossed my $80 electric throw into the washing machine like it was any old bedsheet. Twenty minutes later, I pulled out what looked like a sad, waterlogged creature with wires poking through the fabric. The heating elements were shot, the controller wouldn't even light up, and I was left with an expensive lesson in reading care labels.
Since then, I've become somewhat obsessed with proper heated blanket care. Not because I enjoy laundry (who does?), but because these things aren't cheap, and when you find one that hits just right on a freezing January night, you want to keep it working for years.
The Anatomy of Your Electric Companion
Before we dive into washing techniques, let's talk about what you're actually dealing with. A heated blanket isn't just fabric with some magic warmth sprinkled in. Inside that soft exterior runs a network of thin, insulated wires – usually made of carbon fiber or similar materials – that convert electricity into heat. These wires snake through channels sewn into the blanket's layers, creating zones of warmth.
The controller, that little box you use to adjust the temperature, contains sensitive electronics that regulate power flow. Some newer models even have sensors that monitor temperature and shut off automatically if things get too hot. All this technology means you can't just throw your heated blanket in with your gym socks and call it a day.
I learned this the hard way when I started collecting vintage electric blankets at estate sales. (Yes, that's a thing people do.) The older ones from the '60s and '70s have much thicker, less flexible wiring that can actually crack if bent too sharply. Modern blankets use more durable materials, but they're still vulnerable to rough handling.
Reading Between the Lines (of Care Instructions)
Every heated blanket comes with care instructions, usually on a tag that's annoyingly placed right where it scratches your chin. But here's what manufacturers often don't tell you: those instructions are written by lawyers, not laundry experts. They're designed to protect the company from liability, not necessarily to give you the best cleaning results.
For instance, many tags say "Do not wash" or "Spot clean only." This is the manufacturer playing it ultra-safe. In reality, most modern heated blankets can handle gentle washing if you know what you're doing. The key word there is "gentle."
I've washed dozens of heated blankets over the years – mine, my family's, even a few for neighbors who know about my weird expertise. The ones that survive share common traits: they're washed infrequently, always on delicate cycles, and never, ever put through a spin cycle that could twist those internal wires into pretzels.
The Pre-Wash Ritual
Before your blanket even sees water, there's prep work to do. First, unplug everything. I mean everything – the controller from the wall, the controller from the blanket, any connectors between blanket sections if you have a dual-control model. These electrical components should never get wet.
Next, inspect the blanket like you're a detective looking for clues. Run your hands over the entire surface, feeling for any spots where wires might be poking through or where the fabric seems thin. If you find damage, stop right there. A damaged heated blanket shouldn't be washed – or used, for that matter. Water and exposed wiring are a combination that belongs in horror movies, not your laundry room.
One trick I picked up from an appliance repair technician: before washing, spread the blanket flat on your bed and take a photo. This gives you a reference for how the wires should lay when you're done. If something looks bunched up or twisted after washing, you'll know to fix it before using the blanket again.
The Washing Machine Method (For the Brave)
If your blanket's care label permits machine washing, or if you're willing to take a calculated risk with an older blanket, here's how to do it right.
Use a large-capacity washer. Those apartment-sized machines won't cut it – your blanket needs room to move freely without getting tangled. Set the machine to its gentlest cycle. On my washer, that's called "delicate," but yours might say "hand wash" or "wool." The water temperature should be cool or lukewarm, never hot. Hot water can damage the insulation around the wires and cause the fabric to shrink unevenly.
For detergent, less is more. Use about half what you'd normally use for a load that size, and make sure it's a mild formula. Skip the fabric softener entirely – it can leave a coating on the wires that affects heat distribution. I learned this when one section of my blanket started feeling noticeably cooler than the rest after a wash with fabric softener.
Here's the crucial part: when the wash cycle ends, do not let the machine go into a full spin cycle. That violent spinning can damage the internal wiring beyond repair. Instead, stop the machine after the rinse and let it drain. Some washers have a "drain and spin" option that you can set to low – that's acceptable, but watch it carefully.
The Hand-Washing Alternative
Honestly? Hand washing is what I recommend to most people. It takes more effort, but you have complete control over the process. Fill your bathtub with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge the blanket and let it soak for about 15 minutes.
Then comes the workout portion of the program. Gently squeeze the blanket to work the soap through it. Don't twist or wring – think of it more like kneading bread dough underwater. The goal is to move water through the fabric without stressing the wires.
Drain the tub and refill with clean water for rinsing. You might need to do this two or three times to get all the soap out. Each time, gently press the water through the blanket. When the rinse water runs clear, you're done.
The Drying Dilemma
Drying a heated blanket requires patience. Machine drying is possible but risky. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting or air-dry only. Add a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help the blanket move around and dry evenly. Check it every 20 minutes and remove it while it's still slightly damp.
My preferred method? Air drying. Lay the blanket flat on a clean surface – I use a couple of drying racks pushed together or spread it over several chairs on my deck. Reshape it to match that photo you took earlier, making sure the internal wires aren't bunched up anywhere. In summer, it'll dry in a few hours outside. In winter, position it near (but not directly on) a heating vent and run a fan to circulate air.
Some people hang their heated blankets to dry, but I'm not a fan. The weight of the wet fabric can stretch the blanket and stress the wire connections. If you must hang it, drape it over multiple lines to distribute the weight.
The Spot-Cleaning Compromise
For minor spills and stains, spot cleaning is your friend. Mix a solution of mild detergent and cool water. Dab (don't rub) the stain with a cloth dipped in the solution. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and blot dry.
I keep a spray bottle filled with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water for freshening my heated blanket between washes. A light mist followed by air drying eliminates odors without the full washing production. Just make sure the blanket is completely dry before plugging it back in.
When Professional Cleaning Makes Sense
Some situations call for professional help. If you have an expensive, high-end heated blanket or a vintage one with sentimental value, consider taking it to a cleaner who specializes in electrical items. Not your average dry cleaner – look for someone who works on electric blankets specifically.
I found my go-to professional through a medical supply store. They clean heated blankets for nursing homes and hospitals, so they know their stuff. It costs about $30, but for a $200 blanket, that's cheap insurance.
The Storage Secret
Proper storage between seasons is just as important as washing. Never store a heated blanket compressed in a vacuum bag or under heavy items. The constant pressure can damage the wires. Instead, fold it loosely or roll it, and store it in a breathable cotton bag or box.
I store mine with a lavender sachet to keep them fresh and ward off moths. Cedar blocks work too, but avoid mothballs – the chemicals can degrade the wire insulation over time.
Testing After Washing
This is the step most people skip, and it's arguably the most important. After washing and completely drying your blanket, test it before putting it back on your bed. Plug it in and turn it on to a medium setting. Run your hands over the entire surface, feeling for hot spots or cold areas that might indicate damaged wiring.
Let it run for about 10 minutes while you're in the room. If you smell anything burning or see any discoloration, unplug it immediately and retire the blanket. Better to discover problems during a test than at 2 AM when you're half asleep.
The Bottom Line on Blanket Longevity
After years of heated blanket ownership and more washing experiments than I care to admit, here's what I've concluded: these blankets can last a surprisingly long time with proper care. My oldest one is going on eight years and still works perfectly. The key is washing them only when necessary – maybe twice a season for regularly used blankets – and always treating them gently.
Think of your heated blanket like a favorite wool sweater. You wouldn't wash it after every wear or throw it in with your jeans. Give it the same respect, and it'll keep you warm for many winters to come.
One final thought: if you're someone who needs to wash bedding frequently due to allergies or pets, consider using a washable cover over your heated blanket. It's an extra layer between you and the heat, but it can extend the life of your blanket significantly. I use a thin cotton sheet over mine, tucked in at the corners. It's not perfect, but it means I can go months between actual blanket washes.
Remember, every heated blanket is different. What works for my collection might not work for yours. Start conservative, pay attention to how your blanket responds, and adjust accordingly. And please, whatever you do, read those care labels – even if they are written by lawyers.
Authoritative Sources:
Consumer Product Safety Commission. "Electric Blankets Safety Alert." CPSC.gov, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2021.
Leverette, Mary Marlowe. The Complete Guide to Laundry: The Ultimate Resource for Washing, Drying, and Caring for Your Clothes and Linens. Rockridge Press, 2020.
National Fire Protection Association. "Home Electrical Fire Safety: Heating Equipment." NFPA.org, National Fire Protection Association, 2022.
Textile Research Journal. "Durability and Care of Electronic Textiles: A Review." SAGE Publications, vol. 89, no. 15, 2019, pp. 3123-3141.
U.S. Department of Energy. "Energy-Efficient Home Heating: Electric Blankets and Space Heaters." Energy.gov, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, 2023.