Category Archives: Heated Products

Can I Wash Heated Apparel?

Immagini 008With spring taking hold across most of the country, it’s just about time to store your CozyWinters heated apparel and electric blankets until next year. Before you do so, however, it would be a good idea to wash the items to rid them of a season’s worth of sweat, dirt, and funk. That way everything will be clean and ready to use at the first sign of winter’s return.

Of course, the obvious question here is, “Can I safely wash heated apparel?” For a majority of products sold at the CozyWinters online store, the answer is yes—but we recommend that you check the manufacturer’s care instructions first. These can typically be found on the inside label of the garment or at the manufacturer’s website, and should always supersede any other advice for washing that particular item. If the garment or blanket doesn’t have care instructions, you can follow these general guidelines:

  • Disconnect battery pack and store connectors in battery compartment
  • Ensure garment pockets are empty prior to washing
  • Apply stain remover or spot treatment products to heavily soiled areas to improve chances of getting the garment clean on the first try
  • Set washing machine to the gentlest cycle and use only cold or warm water
  • Whenever possible use a mesh washing bag to wash your heated apparel in, especially if it’s provided with the garment
  • When the wash cycle is done, immediately remove items from machine
  • Hang dry on hangers or a clothesline only
  • Do not twist or wring out the garments, as this can damage the heating elements and connection points
  • Battery-heated gloves and 12V heated insoles should be spot-cleaned only
  • Always store heated apparel with batteries removed and cables disconnected

The heated apparel and electric warming products you’ve purchased from CozyWinters are designed to withstand occasional, gentle wash cycles and line drying. As long as you avoid dry cleaning, twisting, and wringing the items, they should emerge from your washing machine in good working order.

Tips to Get Your Pet to Love Their New Bed

heated dog bedYou’ve just purchased a soft and cuddly heated pet bed from CozyWinters to replace the one your dog or cat recently wore out. You’re sure your pet will eventually come to love the new bed because of its temperature controlled warming pad and three-walled design, but for now the trick is getting him to try it. Fortunately, you don’t have to call in a professional dog whisperer to solve this problem; just give the following ideas a shot instead:

  • Place the new bed in the same location as the old one, or, alternatively, put it where you would like your dog to sleep from now on. Then let your dog discover and explore it on his own, and reward him with treats whenever he climbs in.
  • If your dog is wholly uninterested in the new bed or refuses to stay in it for more than a couple of minutes, resist the temptation to physically force him by pushing, dragging, or picking him up and setting him in. This will make the bed seem like an area for punishment rather than a safe haven.
  • To make the bed more comforting and inviting, place favorite toys, blankets, and other familiar objects in it. As an added enticement and to provide an extra sense of security, try putting one of your unlaundered t-shirts in the bed too.
  • If after a few days your dog still hasn’t taken to his new bed, it might be time to dispense with the subtlety and lure him in by putting treats or snacks directly on the cushion.

Depending on your dog’s personality and preferences, it could take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days or more to get him to love his new heated pet bed from CozyWinters. But with some patience and strategic use of the tips listed here, you can help him reach that point sooner rather than later—to the benefit of both of you.

How to Choose the Right Heated Pet Bed

Buying a heated pet bed for your dog or cat is an effective and affordable solution to keeping your furry companion warm throughout the winter months. But with so many terrific CozyWinters products to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming for you as a first-time buyer to select the best one. That’s why we’ve put together this brief guide of key points to bear in mind as you shop our site.


Location

cat bedOne important consideration is where the pet bed will be used. Beds designed for outdoor use, including the Thermo-Doggy Cuddle Cushion and the Thermo-Kitty Sleephouse Cat Bed rely on electricity to generate heat, and therefore must be located near a 120V power supply. Indoor beds, on the other hand, may use special insulation to absorb and reradiate heat from your pet’s body without the need for electricity. Examples of self-warming beds include our Lounge Sleeper Dog Bed and Nuzzle Nest pet bed.

kh-1070-1090_HMaterial

Pet beds tend to be made of materials such as fleece, microsuede, memory foam, nylon, or heavy-duty vinyl, and may come with a removable cover that can be machine-washed. We suggest choosing a more durable material if you plan to use the bed outdoors or if your pet typically exhibits destructive chewing/clawing behavior. You can go with softer materials for indoor use, or select memory foam for older pets with arthritis or mobility issues.

Pet Bed Warmers

kh-002-004_BIf your dog or cat already has a favorite bed and is unlikely to be receptive to a new one, you can try using a simple bed warmer instead. This kind of product, which is available in four different sizes, runs on electricity and can be placed under the top cover of an existing pet bed to add warmth when needed.

In addition to the above points, don’t forget to examine the size and style of the prospective bed to ensure that your pet will have plenty of room to get comfortable and that it will be able to climb in and out easily.

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in a heated pet bed, visit CozyWinters.com today to check out our entire line of warming products for dogs and cats.

5 Tips for Taking Care of Ski Boots

Now that ski season is in full swing, you’re taking advantage of every opportunity available to you to head to the mountains and carve up the slopes. This means your gear will be getting used on a fairly regular basis for the next few months, and will require lots of maintenance to ensure top performance. Ski boots in particular always suffer plenty of abuse, so here are 5 care tips that will help them last through this winter and beyond:

  1. dry guyRemove the liners after each use to wash them by hand and/or let them air dry. This will prevent bacteria from building up in the lining fabric and producing foul odors. When quicker turnaround is needed, use a boot dryer like the DryGuy DG1 Boot & Glove Dryer from CozyWinters to take care of the process in record time. If desired, follow up with a Febreeze-type fabric spray to enhance the fresh, clean scent.
  2. Similarly, wipe down the inside of your boot shells after each use to dry them out and inhibit mold growth.
  3. Use clean and dry socks at the beginning of each ski session. Reusing dirty socks is the quickest way to introduce funk to your boots and erase all the good you did by washing the liners and cleaning the shells.
  4. Avoid walking in your ski socks in public areas in the lodge, including the lobby, lounge, and cafeteria. The floors in those spaces are typically filthy, and can contaminate your socks—and then your boots—in short order.
  5. Be careful about potential wear and tear on the toes and heels of your boots. These are the areas that get locked down into your bindings, so any damage in the form of dings and dents could end up affecting the boot’s secure fit on your skis as well as their ease of release.

Spending just a few minutes tending to your ski boots after each outing will keep them looking (and smelling) good all season long, so follow the above tips and be extra mindful about how you treat your footwear.

Tips for Preventing and Removing Pet Hair Buildup

A pet can be a wonderful addition to any family. Dogs, cats, and other furry critters make for extremely loyal companions that bring unbounded joy, love, and energy into your home.

Unfortunately, they also bring a decent amount of hair and dander as well, which can make a mess of furniture and carpets or exacerbate allergies. To stop the inevitable shedding from overtaking your home, here are some important tips on how to prevent and remove pet hair buildup:

  • dog on couch pet hairTo stop pet hair from getting on your most expensive pieces of furniture, cover those items with fitted slipcovers or restrict access to the room by closing the door or installing a baby gate.
  • Provide your pet with its own bed to help reduce the temptation to jump on the sofa or recliner. Heated dog beds, cat beds, and pet mats with washable fleece covers are a comfy and affordable alternative.
  • Invest in a good vacuum cleaner with strong suctioning power that is rated for pet hair pickup. When vacuuming carpets, go over each area at least two times in different directions to help loosen and remove hair.
  • If your current vacuum leaves behind too much pet hair, follow up with a squeegee. Firmly scrape the rubber end along the top of your carpet to gather all the fur remnants, repeating as necessary.
  • To quickly remove pet hair from upholstered furniture, put on a pair of lightly dampened rubber dishwashing gloves. Run your gloved hands over the fabric to collect the hair, rinsing and repeating as often as necessary.
  • Reduce shedding by frequently brushing your pet, keeping his coat clipped short, or using a de-shedding tool.

There’s no getting around the fact that a majority of dogs and cats shed copious amounts of fur throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean your furniture and carpets have to be permanently coated in pet hair. Using separate pet beds, buying a good vacuum cleaner, and maintaining a regular grooming schedule are just a few tips you can try for preventing and removing pet hair buildup.

Winter Motorcycle Tips

For most motorcycle enthusiasts, winter is a time to be dreaded. It signals the onset of several months of unpredictable weather, high winds, and icy roads, all of which are significantly more dangerous for bikes than for cars or trucks, and usually forces riders to put their machines into storage until spring.

But for those motorcyclists lucky enough to live in areas where the roads remain relatively clear all year round, winter becomes just another riding season—albeit one that requires more effort to protect against the elements. Here are some tips for how to do so:

  • motorcycle snowDress appropriately for the weather, beginning with a snug-fitting base layer and ending with a leather or windproof/waterproof outer layer to help you stay warm and dry during the ride.
  • Use heated clothing, such as the WarmGear 12V black leather gloves, heated jacket liner, heated pants liner, and heated socks from CozyWinters, to help keep your blood circulating and maintain feeling in your hands and feet.
  • Wear a balaclava under your helmet to protect your neck and face from the wind. You might also want to wear a half-mask over the balaclava to prevent your visor from fogging up and hindering visibility.
  • Consider installing a windshield or wind deflectors on the bike to redirect the flow of frigid air away from your body.
  • If you typically use racing tires on your bike, now is the time to revert to an all-season model. Riding with the right tires will improve traction and handling on a variety of road conditions at lower winter temperatures.
  • Take a look at your engine oil as well. Some manufacturers recommend switching to thinner oil in the winter to aid with start-up and improve cold-weather performance.

By following these winter motorcycle tips, you can extend your riding season and get more enjoyment out of your bike no matter what the thermometer says. Just remember to exercise extra caution during your winter rides since car drivers probably aren’t expecting to see motorcycles at this time of year.

Gearing Up for Ski Season

Winer woman skiNow that winter is in full swing across the country, it’s finally time to welcome back the skiing season. If you’re brand new to the sport, here are the minimum gear and training requirements you’ll need before getting started:

Apparel

The purpose of skiing apparel is to keep you warm and dry in all kinds of weather without inhibiting your range of motion. To accomplish this, we suggest:

  • A base layer made of moisture-wicking “performance” fabric
  • A mid-weight layer made of fleece or a similar material
  • Long skiing socks to help provide ankle and arch support while eliminating chafing from boots
  • Waterproof and windproof ski jacket and pants for warmth and protection against the snow
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Knit cap or beanie

If you’re going out on a particularly cold day, you might also consider using a battery-heated vest or battery-heated gloves for an extra level of comfort in the extreme conditions.

Equipment

Newcomers to skiing are encouraged to rent equipment the first few times out to ensure that they enjoy the sport sufficiently enough to warrant investing in their own gear. However, if you want to buy your own equipment now, be prepared to purchase:

  • A pair of Skis with bindings
  • Ski boots
  • Ski helmet
  • Goggles

In addition, a boot and glove dryer like the DryGuy DG1 Widebody model we carry at CozyWinters is ideal for quickly drying your apparel and equipment during full-day or multi-day excursions.

Fitness and conditioning

Skiing is a physically demanding sport, even if you stick to the beginner’s slopes. While you don’t have to be in Olympic shape to begin skiing, it would be very beneficial to take a few weeks to work on your fitness and conditioning to reduce your chances of injury. Specifically, we recommend exercises that:

  • Strengthen your core
  • Improve your balance
  • Strain your cardiovascular system
  • Increase your agility
  • Tax your endurance

Lessons

First-timers should make it a point to take lessons before tackling the slopes for solo runs. Beginner’s sessions cover basic yet important techniques such as how to balance on the skis, shift your weight, turn, stop, fall safely, and stand up after falling.

Having a fantastic first experience with skiing naturally increases your chances of digging the sport and making many return trips to the mountains. To give yourself the best shot of producing these results, be sure to gear up according to the above recommendations before you go.

Keys to Stress-Free Holiday Road Trips

heated travel blanket pillow seat cover

Don’t look now, but it’s that time of year again. The holidays are stressful enough in their own right, thanks to all the extra cooking, cleaning, shopping, and spending required to make it through the season. So when you add in a lengthy road trip complete with bad weather, traffic, and fidgety kids, it doesn’t take long for stress levels to skyrocket.

Fortunately, with some good planning and a few simple precautions, you can improve your chances of having an enjoyable travel experience. Start by checking out our key tips to stress-free holiday road trips:

  • Make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and maintained. Of particular importance for winter driving are tire tread wear, tire pressure, battery condition, and the level of engine oil, antifreeze, and other critical fluids.
  • Put together an emergency car kit for your trunk that includes jumper cables, a portable shovel, hand-crank radio, flashlight, blankets, a backup cellphone and charger, and bottled water.
  • When heading to an unfamiliar destination, map your route in advance (even if you have a navigation system in your car) to get a general idea of where you’re going. If you anticipate heavy traffic, consider planning alternate routes as well.
  • Make sure pets are restrained or contained in a way that is safe for them as well as for the human passengers.
  • Pack healthy snacks and drinks to avoid unnecessary stops and minimize hunger-induced crankiness in children and adults alike.
  • Eliminate arguments about the vehicle being too hot or too cold by providing each passenger with their own heated car seat cushion or travel throw from CozyWinters. We offer a variety of plug-in and battery operated warming products, including items for pets traveling with you.
  • For journeys taking longer than one day, limit driving time to a reasonable number of hours to reduce driver drowsiness and the potential for accidents. In addition, be sure to take at least one planned break every 2-3 hours to allow all passengers a chance to get fresh air and stretch their legs.

Holiday travel doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking event that spikes your blood pressure to unprecedented levels and pushes your patience to the brink. Just follow the above tips so you can emerge from your upcoming family road trip with your sanity intact.

Happy Outdoor Pets in Winter

Keeping pets safe and happy in winter requires more effort than at other times of the year. That’s primarily because this season is fraught with a variety of hazards that can cause serious illness or injury for your furry companions, up to and including death. To help ensure your pets get through the winter in perfect health, try these useful tips:


For outdoor pets

  • happy outdoor dogs heated pet bedProvide easy access to some kind of enclosed shelter – such as a barn, garage, or doghouse – that can offer protection from wind, snow, and freezing rain.
  • Place a pet bed or plenty of clean, dry straw in the shelter to give your animal a comfortable means of warming itself. Consider using a heated dog bed or a hot water bottle for instant warmth on the coldest nights.
  • Prevent drinking water from freezing in subzero temps by using a heated pet bowl or providing running water.
  • Increase your pet’s daily food rations to compensate for the extra energy required to stay warm in winter. The actual amount needed depends on a variety of factors, including activity level, breed, and shelter conditions, so consult a vet for best results.
  • Refrain from clipping, trimming, or shaving your pet’s coat until the weather warms up again. This will provide the animal with a natural layer of protection against the elements.
  • Bring your pet into your house when dangerous storms or unusually heavy snowfall are predicted.

 

For indoor pets going outdoors

  • Dress smaller, more delicate dogs in a sweater or jacket before going out for a walk. If there is snow and/or salt on the ground, use pet booties to protect the animal’s tender paws.
  • Keep walks and outings shorter than usual to help limit exposure to the elements.
  • Do not leave pets in an unattended car for extended periods. Just as in summer, the effects of extreme temperatures are exacerbated within the confines of a closed vehicle.
  • Keep animals away from antifreeze that has leaked and accumulated in garages or driveways. Antifreeze is tempting to dogs in particular because of its sweet taste, but is incredibly toxic to them.

 

Surviving the various dangers posed by winter weather can be challenging for even the toughest outdoor pets. Make things easier on them by providing adequate food, water, shelter, warming products, and care throughout the season.

Top Holiday Gift Ideas for 2014

heated apparel heated pet beds christmas giftsWith Black Friday and Cyber Monday looming, it’s time for the annual CozyWinters Holiday Gift Guide. Here are some of our top-selling heated products of 2014 for you to consider as you jump into the holiday shopping season.

 

For the home

  • Heated chair cover: With four heat settings, automatic shut-off, non-slip back, and a generous 72” cord length, this oversized heated chair cover is great for instantly warming a favorite recliner, rocking chair, or armchair.
  • Rug heat pad: Banish chilly floors and cold feet with this portable heat pad. It fits under area rugs or carpets to provide warmth and coziness to living rooms, playrooms, TV rooms, and bedrooms. Pets love it too!
  • Foot of the bed warmer: For some folks a full-sized heated mattress pad or electric blanket isn’t necessary for getting a good night’s sleep. Instead, they can take comfort in something as simple as an electric foot of the bed warmer to keep toes toasty without heating the entire sleeping surface.

 

For the animal lover

  • Heated dog pad: Even the hardiest dog breeds face health risks when kept outdoors in winter, which is why a heated dog pad from Lectro-Soft would make a welcome gift for the pet lover on your list. This pad uses very low wattage to produce life-saving warmth for pets staying in doghouses, basements, barns, and garages.
  • Heated cat bed: A soft orthopedic base, removable heater, and washable cover make this heated cat bed an attractive retreat for even the most finicky feline.
  • Heated pet bowl: If your dog’s water bowl consistently freezes over in winter, then this needs to be at the top of your wish list. The bowl comes with a chew-resistant cord and plugs into any standard outlet to keep water drinkable even when temperatures drop below zero.

 

For the sports fan

  • Heated stadium seat cushion: Football games, hunting blinds, camping, and other outdoor pursuits will be a lot more comfortable with our heated stadium seat cushion. These lightweight, battery-operated pads heat to around 120 degrees and provide up to five hours of warmth per charge.
  • All-purpose heated gloves: Three heat settings, adjustable neoprene wrist cuffs, and no-slip palms make these gloves ideal for a variety of light outdoor activities such as walking or shoveling snow.
  • Boot & glove dryer: The skiers and snowboarders on your list will appreciate the convenience of this quick-working, four-pronged boot & glove dryer from DryGuy. It heats up enough to kill odors and dry garments in about an hour without getting so hot as to damage boot or glove liners.

 

We also offer CozyWinters gift certificates in denominations ranging from $25 to $500, so head on over to our site right now to begin shopping for everyone on your holiday list.