What to Do If Your Electric Blanket has Bed Bugs

Learning that you have bedbugs can be a nerve-racking thing. Removing bed bugs from electric blankets, throws, and mattresses are possible. In fact, most if not all electric bedding and accessories have been made with the intent of washing and drying.  Bed bugs can be a major problem in your home and the only logical response would be to tackle the problem head-on.

Unlike the habits of cockroaches, that cling to a dirty environment, bedbugs have no certain living conditions and can be a problem to even the cleanest of homeowners. It is by far, nothing to be taken lightly.

Bed Bugs Facts

Now that we know that a bed bug problem can affect everyone, let’s get to know them a bit more. Understanding the habits of bed bugs, their lifestyles, and how they eat, can help you get rid of them. Really, all it takes is a visit to your friends or neighbors’ house, before the bed bug hitches a ride on your clothes and finds its way to your own home and believe me these little pests make themselves comfortable and stick around.

After one feeding, bed bugs produce anywhere from a single egg to seven per day and can double in population every 2 weeks.  Optimally, 97% of these eggs hatch successfully and spend most of their adulthood in shaded areas. Although they are not known to carry diseases, a bed bug bite causes severe itching that can lead to a skin infection from extreme scratching.

Bed bugs are generally hard to prevent because of their diminutive size, eating habits, and their mobility. They spend most of their time hiding and digesting. Believe it or not, most people have no reaction to bed bug bites, making it very difficult to detect.

So when in an unfamiliar environment, like a vacation or hotel room, it is best to be on the lookout for bed bugs. Be sure to check mattresses and furniture. Finding bed bugs beforehand is the answer to preventing infestation.

How to Clean Electric Blanket From Bed Bugs

The key to successfully removing bed bugs from electric blankets and throws is to wash and dry them using the ingredients below:-

Things You’ll Need:

  • Mild dish soap or detergent
  • Borax
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Electric Blanket Washer & Dryer Settings:

  • Set washer water temperature to warm
  • Change the cycle settings to gentle
  • When drying choose the low heat option
  • Do not iron

Directions:

  1. Pre-Dry the Electric Blanket on Low Heat
    Heat the blanket to get rid of the bed bugs. Heat is one of the most recommended ways to remove bed bugs from any type of clothing, comforter or an electric blanket or electric throws. Remember to remove all cords and switches, before placing them in the dryer.
  2. Throw the blanket in the Washing Machine
    Its time to wash the blanket! Place the blanket loosely around the drum of the washer machine.
  3. Set the Washing Machine Water Temperature to Warm
    Wash the electric blanket in warm water, and pour 1 1/2 cup of borax, along with your regular dish soap or detergent. Stay away from softeners or bleach.
  4. Set the Washer Machine Cycle to Gentle and Light Load.
  5. Once washed, remove the blanket quickly.
  6. Toss and Dry on Low for about 30 mins to 45 mins,
    Although the high heat setting will expedite the drying and bed bug removal process, it may also damage the electric blanket.
  7. Make sure the electric blanket is fully dry before using it.

Storing Electric Blankets

The best way to store your electric blanket during the warmer months is to keep it on your bed. However, if you need to store it some other way, let it cool down, roll it, then loosely fold it up. Try not to fold it too tightly, this cause damages to the wiring.

Handwashing Electric Blankets

If you absolutely have to handwash your electric blanket, fill a large bowl, tub or sink with warm water, 1 cup of borax, and mild dish soap or detergent. Allow the blanket to soak for about 20 minutes, wash gently. Rinse and dry preferably in the sun.