Cleaning electric blankets is shockingly simple to do

With spring coming to a close, it's time to clean and put up our blankets for the season.

In this week's article, I thought I would discuss cleaning electric blankets. If you're like me and lost the instructions, the following cleaning guidelines should help when cleaning the blanket.

1. Check the label for instructions.

2. Unplug the blanket and place the heat control device in a large Ziplock bag.

3. You can wash the blanket in an automatic washing machine, but not in a coin-operated dry cleaning machine.

4. Long washing and spin cycles can damage a blanket. Use the gentle cycle, let the machine agitate until the detergent has dissolved.

Stop the machine and place the blanket in the washing chamber, then start the machine and let it wash for about six minutes.

Repeat this process during the rinse and spin cycle.

5. Dry the blanket over several clotheslines.

Note: I don't recommend using powder detergents because the pot ash in them clumps and forms large chunks in septic systems. Liquid detergents tend not to do that.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them.

Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compound.

Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864; Attention: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified executive housekeeper, Northwest Environmental Services, fire and water remediation contractor, specializing in commercial, residential new construction, crime and trauma scene clean-up.