Can You Wash A Heated Mattress Pad? (Find Out Now!)
As the coldest months of the year are approaching, owning a heated mattress pad becomes a necessity. They are ideal for cuddling up after a long chilly day, as they deliver maximum warmth on days that are so cold that you just want to stay in bed. Not to mention, they can help you remain at a consistent, comfortable temperature overnight thus improving your quality of sleep.
When you own a heated mattress pad, sooner or later you’re going to wonder: “can you wash a heated mattress pad?”
In most cases, heated mattress pads are machine washable. However, before you put it in your washing machine, make sure to check the manufacturer’s tag for specific cleaning instructions. If your mattress pad is not machine washable, you can spot clean it.
With that said, let’s take a deeper look at heated mattress pads as a whole, the proper methods for cleaning them, and some other frequently asked questions related to the subject.
What is a Heated Mattress Pad?
Most heated mattress pads operate on electricity, meaning they have to be plugged into a power outlet. They are placed on top of a person’s mattress and use electrically heated wires or heated water to increase the temperature of the pad.
The pad is either outfitted with water tubes (hydronic) or wires (electric) inside that heat up the mattress pad to specified temperature settings. Aside from helping a person stay warm and comfortable overnight, heated mattress pads provide a number of benefits. For instance, the heat can be used to provide therapeutic relief for people living with specific health conditions, like chronic back pain and arthritis.
Heated mattress pads are made of a variety of different materials, such as suede, polyester, cotton, or a synthetic “sherpa” fleece material. They also come in a wide range of sizes to fit different mattress sizes and are made with either single or double heating zones to be suitable for one or two people.
Can You Wash a Heated Mattress Pad?
Since heated mattress pads are electric, it’s normal that you cannot wash them the same way that you would a normal mattress pad. Don’t fret, as there are ways to get your heated mattress pad clean without damaging them. Ideal cleaning methods take into account the delicate nature of the wires inside, especially since damage to these wires can present a danger to the rest of your home.
Fortunately, most heated mattress pads are machine washable. However, before you proceed, you should consult the manufacturer’s tag for specifics regarding washing, drying, and dry cleaning. In most cases, you can find the tag on the outside seam of the mattress pad.
If your heated mattress pad is dry clean or spot clean only, it will clearly state this on the pad. Some manufacturers may prohibit dry cleaning or specific dry cleaning chemicals from being used on the mattress pad. Others may also forbid placing the pad into a dryer or commercial dryer.
How to Wash a Heated Mattress Pad
How you wash your heated mattress pad will depend on the guidelines outlined by the manufacturer.
Spot Cleaning
Whether your specific model is machine washable or not, spot cleaning may be the best way to clean most heated mattress pad. This lets you be able to remove dirt and stains without having to completely submerge the entire mattress pad. Simply use a laundry detergent or laundry stain remover and apply it to the affected areas.
Then, dab the cleaning agent with a cloth to remove the dirt and stains. Finally, let the mattress pad air dry completely before you put it back on top of your mattress.
Machine Washing
Although not all heated mattress pads can be washed in a washing machine, some can. Even if your mattress pad is machine washable, you still need to take distinct precautions. First, make sure that there are no wires poking through the pad and always detach the power cord. Pads that have broken, damaged, or exposed wires present a fire hazard and necessitate a replacement.
Then, follow the steps below to clean your heated mattress pad in your washing machine:
- Set your washing machine dial to the gentle or delicate cycle and wait for the appliance to fill with lukewarm water. Add in a mild laundry detergent in the amount recommended on the label.
- Put the heated mattress pad loosely into the machine, being sure not to wrap the coils too tightly around the agitator.
- Presoak the mattress pad for at least 15 minutes.
- Move the dial to the delicate or gentle cycle again, warm wash, and cold rinse. Turn the machine on and let it wash as usual. Afterward, let the blanket spin dry in the machine.
- Run your dryer empty on a delicate or low heat setting for two minutes to preheat it, then put the mattress pad inside.
- Dry the mattress pad for ten minutes on this setting and then lay it out flat to air dry or put in on a clothesline. Before you put it back on your bed and plug it in, make sure that the pad is completely dry.
Related Questions
How long do heated mattress pads stay on?
Most heated mattress pads will auto shut off after 10 continuous hours of use, for energy and safety purposes. However, the exact time can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Can you put a heated mattress pad or heated blanket in the dryer?
Yes, you can. However, make sure that you set the dryer to a low setting and don’t leave it in for longer than 15 minutes. Then, let it finish drying on a clothesline or lay it out flat.
Can you put a heated mattress pad over a memory foam mattress pad?
It’s perfectly safe to put a heated mattress pad over a memory foam mattress or mattress pad. However, keep in mind that memory foam is designed to conform to your body. By placing another mattress pad on top, the memory foam may not be able to do its job properly.
Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.
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