How to Care for Your Heating Pad

You know exactly where to find your heating pad if you're feeling a bit sore, but do you know how to clean it if you accidentally spill near it? Caring for your heating pad is actually quite easy if you follow the right storage and cleaning tips.

Extend the quality and life of your heating pad by properly caring for it between uses. Wondering how this is done? Follow these steps when washing a Sunbeam® heating pad with a removable cord.

• Disconnect the Pad
Before doing any kind of maintenance on your heating pad, keep the process safe by unplugging your pad from the wall. Ensure that the appliance is turned OFF, then pull the control connector from the pad to disconnect the cord.

• Wash the Cloth
Remove the cloth from the pad and machine-wash the article in warm water on a gentle cycle. You can either tumble dry on medium heat or lay it out on a laundry line to air-dry the heating pad. The cloth can also be hand-dried with warm water, if you prefer.

• Make Sure You Don't
The most important thing to remember when washing your heating pad is that it must be completely disconnected from the wall. Improper preparation can ruin your heating pad, so it's imperative that you wash it while it's completely unplugged, and don't plug it back in until it's entirely dry. When it comes to cleaning, dry cleaning is not recommended - this process can damage your heating pad as well. Additionally, don't use bleach or a wringer, as both can be harmful.

• Know When to Replace
As with most products, the life of your heating pad depends on a variety of factors. Cleaning regularly can keep the product viable for much longer, but there are several signs to keep your eyes peeled for, as these may indicate that it's time to replace your heating pad. Know when your warranty expires - while this doesn't necessarily mean your heating pad will only last this number of years, it's a good indication that it may be time to upgrade to a new model.

• Tips for Preserving Your Pad
To keep your heating pad in the best condition, take care when you're using or storing this product. Try to avoid sitting on or crushing the pad, as this may impact its integrity. Additionally, don't bend your pad at sharp angles, as these folds can harm the electrical wires of the product. When you're unplugging the pad from the wall, always detach the product by grabbing the handle, not by pulling at the cord.