December 4th, 2019 by Becky Calvert

The temperature outside has well and truly plummeted and it’s starting to feel more like winter every day! With many households now cranking up their heating, it’s also the time when many of us get out our electric blankets to keep cosy and warm during the cold nights. However, how safe are electric blankets and should you invest in one this winter? Here’s everything that you need to know before using or purchasing an electric blanket this year - giving you complete peace of mind that you’re safe as you get cosy and warm on the coldest of nights.

I Want to Buy an Electric Blanket but I’ve Heard that They’re Unsafe

There are so many myths and outdated assumptions surrounding electric blankets. Due to the first models being unsafe and causing accidents, heated blankets have now gained quite a bad reputation! However, electric blankets have undergone a serious makeover in the last few years and now have safety features built-in, allowing you to use them with complete peace of mind. Regardless, we’re aware that there are still those who are a little sceptical about switching theirs on or even purchasing one. So, here’s everything that we’d recommend checking before buying a heated blanket or turning yours on this year.

Make Sure That Your Electric Blanket Has Overheat Protection

This will make sure that your electric blanket can’t overheat – which is the main concern for the majority of heated blanket users. Overheat protection will detect if your blanket becomes hotter than it should (or hotter than the heat setting you’ve set it at) and will then automatically shut off. This is perfect for those who are wanting to use their electric blankets as they sleep, as you can have complete peace of mind that your electric blanket is as safe as possible.

How to Safely Store Your Electric Blanket

Most of us only use our electric blankets during the autumn and winter months, which means that they’re kept in storage for half of the year! How you store your electric blanket can impact on its efficiency and safety, so it’s important that you do it properly. Firstly, we always recommend that you roll and don’t fold your electric blanket when putting it away. This will prevent the wires inside the blanket becoming damaged or faulty, which can cause the blanket to work inefficiently. Your electric blanket should also be stored in a cool and dry place, without anything heavy stored on top of it, as this will prevent the blanket becoming damp or damaged which could ruin the thin wiring. If cared for properly, your electric blanket can last for up to 10 years before we’d recommend buying a new one – so it’s well within your interest (both for safety and efficiency) to store your blanket correctly.

Check for Signs of Wear and Tear

Every year, it’s important that you check your blanket for any signs of wear. Any creases, scorch marks, worn fabric, loose connections or controls should all be things to be wary of when checking your heated blanket. For example, if your electric blanket has any creases in the fabric, this could mean that the wiring inside is also creased – which can cause your electric blanket to work inefficiently.

Always Buy New

Although it’s normally encouraged to buy second hand to cut down on cost and reduce waste, when it comes to electric blankets, it’s important that you always buy new. Buying a new electric blanket will guarantee that there are no faults or safety issues – which can be impossible to confirm in a second-hand blanket. A new electric blanket will also be more modern, which when you compare them to outdated models are much more efficient and safe. New heated blankets usually come with a warranty too, so you can contact the manufacturer if any issues were to arise and have the blanket replaced – perfect for giving you that peace of mind that your blanket is always perfectly safe to use.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, if you buy an electric blanket from a certified brand, there’s no reason for it to be considered unsafe. With electric blankets now coming with built-in safety features and if you do all of the recommend checks and storage hacks mentioned above, your electric blanket can work efficiently and safely for many years to come!