Heating Pads: Cleaning & Maintenance

Heating Pads Cleaning & Maintenance
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Don't you know how to clean a heating blanket or a pad with a book? You start to think about it when you seem to be practically struggling with electricity and power cords? We've always protected you here. So, let's dive a little deeper at that.

How To Dry-clean Heating Pads & Blankets

How To Dry-clean Heating Pads & Blankets

Traditionally, when dealing with a regular bed sheet, we chuck it in the washing machine or use dry cleaning. Besides, many people think that dry cleaning is gentler and, for this very reason, it is more convenient to use a washable blanket or a mattress pad. 

Dry cleaning, however, suggests the use of chemicals that can kill the wire insulation and heat parts of the product. So, that's out of the question—you can't dry—clean up this stuff!

Keep water and electricity apart.

It's an instinct to keep water and electricity apart. Some consumers are more afraid of destroying the heating system than of electrocuting. 

Ensure that you can use your item in the water.

Luckily, the manufacturers factored in the argument and created a washable heat pad used in water, provided that strict rules are followed. 

Always keep your instruction manual close.

So, proper cleaning is a must to prolong the consistency of our electric blankets or pads. However, the process may differ depending on the type, manufacturer, and production year. Pay attention to the instructions booklet or any other details given by the manufacturer!

How To Hand-wash Heating Pads & Blankets

How To Hand-wash Heating Pads & Blankets

If you want to learn the steps in cleaning a heating blanket, hand-washing is possibly the first to appear in the instructions. It's super quick, and you're going to need a big plastic bin and a mild laundry detergent.

Unplug the cables.

Before popping a blanket or pad in any water container, it is essential to ensure that all the wires, power cords, are disconnected. Do it according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Nowadays, most brands allow insulation of inner wires coated with waterproof coating for safety measures. Not only will this move protect your washable blanket from irreparable harm, but it will also eliminate the possibility of a current surge in the water. The above may result in fire hazards during the process or during use.

Pour lukewarm water in the bin or the shower.

Place the linen in a bin or bathtub and fill it with warm water. Why isn't one good cold or hot? The internal wiring of the item can easily be affected. Coldwater will make the wiring stiffer and hot to be "boiled," and you can plug in the power cords. Add enough water for the substance to sink completely. As for the shower, when you buy it specifically for hand washing of electrical bedding, make sure it has enough space to submerge the jet and agitate the water freely thoroughly.

Add the necessary amount of laundry detergent that you need.

Here's the thing: if you apply too much detergent, it can harm the internal parts of your washable heat pad. How is that? The souths are going to sink through the fibers. If you don't put enough in, you can't wash your linen spread. Even, be careful not to bring your blanket and detergent together. First, swirl the water to make it sweaty, and then position the object. It is essential to use a mild or gentle detergent that does both – it preserves electrical bedding quality and does not cause skin damage.

Wash the device.

After the blanket or pad has been soaked for 15-30 minutes, clean and gently press the material to remove additional water, dust and debris gathered up there. Drain the tub or drain the bin, gently wring out the electric blankets to stop compressing the wires. Make sure you don't overdo it by wringing out, as this can damage the wires and make the item useless.

How To Machine-wash Heating Pads & Blankets

How To Machine-wash Heating Pads & Blankets

If you don't have hand-washing, a washing machine will take care of your washable blanket. Check the warning instructions provided by the manufacturer beforehand. Ensure your washer has a few cycles because a standard washer is too complex and can cause harm. So let's get straight to how to wash your electric blankets and pads.

Read your instruction manual first.

Electrical devices often come with user manuals that provide detailed cleaning instructions. You can find them on the "item care" label, in the package booklet, or on the packaging itself. Don't ignore reading it by all means! Traditionally, manufacturers suggest that you pre-soak your washable heating pad for 5 to 15 minutes. You can also find the water temperature recommendations, the exact amount of time required to wash the object, the recommended wash cycles (mostly a delicate and fast spinning cycle), and the rinsing process.

Remove all cables and plugs.

To save your time, we're not going to express the value of separating all the cables again. There are only a few things to outline here. Ensure that you don't expose any of the wire heating components through the fabric of the product. Even if you have a more aged effect with an undetectable power cable, do not clean it in a washer. Instead, wash your hand without the cord plunging into the water.

Sort them and wash them.

You can clean many current electrical brands in a washer. A complete cycle of washing is seldom encouraged. It could ruin the blanket, which could cause the wiring to fire as soon as you plug in the electrical linen. Electric blankets and pads typically need to be washed for two minutes on a delicate cycle. So, pour a small volume of mild detergent free from strong cleaners. Do not apply any other washing liquids or bleach, and leave the wash cycle for two minutes.

Set the spin and rinse to a smoother setting.

After two minutes, you must let the washer rinse your washable heating blanket and then transform it over to the elementary spin cycle. The majority usually advises the latter of manufacturers. Know that the rinse period does not take more than 1 minute with cool or lukewarm water since both processes will strip any sweats from the jet and press excess water out of the jet.

How To Deal With Stains & Other Problems When Washing A Heating Pad

How To Deal With Stains & Other Problems When Washing A Heating Pad

Since being acquainted with cleaning a heating pad, you can now find out how to extract stains and smells. It is the number one reason to start the heating pad cleaning process. So, if you see your electric blanket with stains or smell heavy foul odors of pets or other things, here are things you can do:

  • You should pre-treatment the infected spots before washing them.
  • Try delicate alternatives to harsh chemicals such as cleaning solvents and bleach as these substances can affect the wiring and heating components.
  • Grab a spray bottle, and make sure you fill it with distilled water and vinegar to the 1:1 ratio.
  • Spray the solvent on the spots and leave for a few minutes.
  • Add some dish soap to oil or grease and rub gently with a wet sponge.
How To Dry An Electric Heating Pad

How To Dry An Electric Heating Pad?

Once you learn how to clean a heating blanket or pad, you may need to understand how to dry it properly. When it comes to electrical bedding in the dryer, there are differences of opinion. Some people recommend avoiding it. 

High heat can destroy the wiring inside, the power outlet, and the internal cords. Others suggest setting the heat setting to low as the system's tumble motion will still impact the cables due to the too-powerful movement. 

One thing is evident here: review the advice of the manufacturer. Some models need a short "pre-heating" dryer time. Anyway, it's common practice to set the dryer to "low." And ideally, when removed from the dryer, the blanket should be damp. The approximate drying time is about 5 and 10 minutes. 

The best way to do this is to put it on a clothesline or drying rack. Stretch the bedspread back to its original form or uniformly spread it to its original shape on a flat surface. Stop clothespins to prevent the pinching of electrical wires.

How To Store Your Heating Pad

How To Store Your Heating Pad?

Its proper storage is integral to preserving the consistency of your washable pad. You're probably going to store it in your wardrobe, basement, or attic for a season and have to pack it up correctly.

Use vacuum sealing bags and maybe even a plastic tub.

First of all, vacuum bags can come in handy. It's a terrific idea to conserve space. You can bring a couple of blankets together in one pack and still take less room than having them separate. Also, airtight bags avoid the penetration of odors, dust, and insects. Also, you may want to put it in a plastic storage container, which is also secure.

Take note of wiring when storing your heating pad.

When folding your washable heat pad, make sure that none of the wires are bent sharply. Often search for any damage to all the cables. Choose a healthy place to store in your home that is not favorable for rodents, insects, or mold. Stash airtight bags or a jar in a dry spot, off the concrete, so that the item smells good next time you take it out.

While we've already outlined important don'ts in this piece, we're glad to stress them again. Keep them in mind as you're about to clean a blanket or pad for heating. They will help prevent injury, fire hazards, and even injuries. So here are a few don'ts when cleaning a heating pad:

  • Don't dry clean electric heating blankets.
  • Don't add chlorine, harsh chemicals to the cleaning process.
  • Don't place the controller in the water.
  • Don't pop it in the wringer or the iron.
  • Don't wash the ropes of the object.
  • Don't put the analgesic cream right before using the electric blanket.
  • Don't use spray on the heating pad.
  • Don't plug the electric heating pad until it is scorched.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the steps involved in cleaning, storing, and removing stains from a heating blanket, you have every chance of enjoying the commodity over various seasons. Proper washing, drying, and care will ensure the high and long serviceability of this favorite product.

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Ashley Felix - March 18, 2022 Reply

When washing a heating blanket the connector that is on the blanket where the cord connects to does that stay on the blanket when washing the heating blanket in the washer?

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