By Sarah Magliocco

Copyright rsvplive

As the mercury dips and energy bills soar, many are exploring alternative ways to keep cosy this autumn and winter.

From snuggling under blankets with hot water bottles to making more use of the stove or fireplace, there are numerous ways to add a bit of warmth to your home without relying on central heating.

An electric blanket might be an option that many consider for a snug bit of heat before bedtime. However, one question that often crops up during this season is how to properly clean an electric blanket, and whether they can be washed at all.

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The answer isn’t cut and dried, but there are some key tips that can assist. Some electric blankets simply cannot be washed – this will be indicated on the care tags of the blanket.

For these, you can vacuum them to freshen them up, and spot treat any stains. If you’re spot treating a non-washable blanket, proceed with extreme caution and avoid using excess water as moisture may damage the internal wiring.

Always unplug the blanket before spot treating.

Most modern electric blankets are machine-washable and machine-dryable, but always check the manufacturer’s tag for specific instructions.

The majority can be machine washed once their plug and controller have been removed. It’s generally recommended to air-dry an electric blanket rather than machine drying.

The internal wiring of an electric blanket is usually waterproof, so as long as the blanket is well made and the care instructions indicate it’s safe, washing it shouldn’t affect its performance. The first step to cleaning it is to remove the control cord and external wiring.

These cords must never be submerged in water or dampened as they supply the blanket with its direct power source.

Secondly, it’s vital to carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions about washing the blanket to determine the best setting for your blanket.

Thirdly, wash the electric blanket alone or with your other bedding on the cycle the manufacturer suggests.

This will typically be a cold or gentle cycle and will almost always be a short cycle of 15-30 minutes.

For this reason, you might want to wash the blanket separately rather than with your bedding which may require a more thorough clean. Use only a small amount of detergent for the process.

If you have time, you can also gently hand wash the blanket in a bathtub. When it comes to tumble drying, air drying is recommended.

However, if you lack space or time for that and the manufacturer instructions state that the blanket is suitable for tumble drying, dry it on a cool setting.

You can also remove the blanket from the dryer while it’s still slightly damp and lay it flat to finish drying.

This helps maintain its shape and prevents any uncomfortable ridges or bumps from forming under your sheets.

Before reusing it, inspect the blanket for any signs of damage or irregularities. The most important step is to meticulously read and adhere to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, so do not stray from them.