Spot Cleaning

• When your electric blanket develops a small spot or stain, you can clean it without laundering the whole blanket. Lay the blanket out flat on a level surface with the spot or stain facing upward. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of lukewarm water and add one to two drops of dish soap. Mix the soap and water together with a long-handled spoon. Dampen a sponge in the mixture and gently rub the spots or stains off the blanket. Rinse the mixture off the blanket by blotting with a clean, damp cloth. Pat the blanket dry with a towel.
  
  

Washing Machine

• Over time, your blanket will start to look grimy and develop an odor. Spot cleaning will not deep clean your blanket. Fortunately, you can launder your electric blanket in your washing machine. Set your washing machine to the gentle cycle and turn the knob to the shortest washing time. Let the washer drum begin to fill with water. Add 1/4 cup of laundry detergent in the detergent receptacle. Alternatively, pour the detergent directly into the water filling the drum. Submerge the electric blanket in the water and shut your washer's door or lid. Let the cycle finish completely before removing the blanket from the washing machine.
  
  

Drying

• To prevent possible damage, it is best to hang your electric blanket out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat and let it air dry for several hours. Some manufacturers state that limited drying in a dryer is possible. The heat from the dryer, however, could cause damage to the blanket's electrical wiring. If you must dry your blanket in the dryer, use the tumble dry with no heat setting.
  
  

Considerations

• Always check with the manufacturer of your specific electric blanket before cleaning. Follow the cleaning instructions recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, do not dry clean the blankets. Also do not iron electric blankets. The excess heat from the iron will damage the blanket.
  
  Never use a heated blanket that is damp or wet. This presents a possible electrocution risk. Furthermore, do not use electric blankets that are damaged or frayed.