HELOISE A safe way to wash an electric blanket

Dear Heloise: Is it safe to wash and dry an electric blanket? I've misplaced my directions and am afraid to proceed. L.B., via e-mail
Manufacturers' cleaning instructions can differ, so check your blanket's care label before you proceed. If the care label is missing or illegible, try going online to the manufacturer's Web site to see if the care instructions are listed, or call the manufacturer's 1-800 number, which is usually posted on the Web site, to ask for cleaning suggestions.
Here is a general washing method that might work for you, but never put an electric blanket in a clothes dryer unless the manufacturer suggests it, or clean the blanket in a dry-cleaning machine at a self-service laundry.
To wash, first disconnect and remove any controls from the blanket, then shake it out well.
Now set your washing machine on a gentle cycle with a warm water temperature. When the tub is full, add a mild detergent (but no bleach) and let it agitate a few minutes. Add the blanket and begin timing the wash cycle. Leave the blanket in five minutes.
Next, turn the setting to a spin cycle to drain the tub and then to a cold-water rinse-and-spin cycle. After that is completed, remove the blanket from the washing machine promptly and gently press out excess moisture. Don't wring an electric blanket.
Dry the blanket by hanging it over a couple of outside clotheslines or the like to air-dry.
For future reference, keep a notebook in your laundry room specifically for new purchases that have special cleaning instructions. If necessary, copy the care label before it fades or disappears. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When traveling, I take along a plastic box with a lid. We set it on the bathroom counter next to an electrical outlet. We then have one special spot to put our loose change, car and room keys, medication bottles and cell phone in its charger, conveniently plugged in for the next day's use.
No more wasting precious minutes searching for those valuable necessities when we are leaving for daily excursions or heading home. C. Ratzlow, Rockford, Ill.
Dear Heloise: My husband says this hint is an old one and everyone knows about it. I just discovered it, so maybe there are others who haven't heard.
Old newspapers work great for cleaning windows. Spray a little glass cleaner on the window and wipe with the newspaper. It really leaves a beautiful shine -- lint-free. I was told to use only black-and-white-print newspaper. Kristina, North Hampton, N.H.
Your husband is right, but so are you. I'm sure there are others who have just read this newspaper hint for the first time. Heloise
XSend a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) HELOISE or e-mail to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate