September 3rd, 2021 by Sarah Miles

Your questions answered

Modern electric blankets are extremely safe, but if you’re not aware of the many, many safety features included in newer models you may still be a little unsure about them.

To put minds at rest, we have put together a round-up of the kinds of questions people commonly ask about electric blanket safety and explain why there’s really no need for concern with good quality, modern electric blankets.

Homefront Electric Heated Chocolate and Cream Throw

Price: £69.98

Buy Now

1. Can an electric blanket get hot enough to burn you or even set on fire?

No. Modern electric blankets have thermostats that control the heat plus, as an extra precaution, many come with added overheat protection which is a safety feature that causes the blanket to cut out completely if it senses the heat is rising beyond safe levels.

See all blankets with overheat protection.

2. Is it dangerous to leave an electric blanket on all night?

No. It’s perfectly safe to leave your blanket on all night. It will remain at the same temperature throughout the night due to the temperature controls. However, if you don’t feel comfortable leaving it on for this long, blankets with timers can be set for a designated duration and then will turn off automatically (so no having to wake yourself up to turn it off). Many people like this option as they use the heat to help them get to sleep but don’t necessarily need it all night.

See all blankets with timers.

Sweet Dreams Fully Fitted Double Fleece Electric Blanket

Price: £85.00

Buy Now

3. Do I have different temperature options?

Yes. Most electric blankets come with a number of temperature settings. Some have around 3 options and some have up to 9 or 10. The more settings, the more adaptable it is.

4. My partner doesn’t feel the cold as much as I do, will they be too warm with an electric blanket?

Not necessarily. If you have different heat requirements in bed, get an electric blanket with dual controls. This allows you both to set the blanket’s heat independently. For example, your side could be set warm, while your partner may not have their side on at all. Note that each side of the blanket has an independent power supply, so you’ll need plug sockets on either side of the bed.

See all blankets with dual controls.

5. What if I spill a glass of water on an electric blanket?

Obviously, this is a very valid concern as water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. However, you don’t have to worry. The wires within an electric blanket are insulated and therefore protected against small spills such as this. After all, most are machine washable. If you do spill when the blanket is on, just turn it off immediately as a precaution and allow it to dry out thoroughly before using it again.

Glamhaus King Size Luxury Quilted Fitted Electric Blanket

Price: £94.99

Buy Now

6. Does lying on the blanket damage the wires?

No, an electric underblanket is designed to be laid on. Just make sure it is fitted securely to the bed (ones with an elasticated skirt, like a fitted sheet, usually offer the best fit). The looser the blanket, the more likely it is to bunch or wrinkle up and this could potentially lead to wires getting kinked or folded.

See all blankets with elasticated skirts.

7. Can electric blankets get damaged over time?

Obviously, any household item can incur damage if not cared for properly, especially an electrical device. However, if you look after it, a good electric blanket can last for many years. Just follow these maintenance guidelines to prevent it from becoming damaged, or spot the signs of general wear and tear:

• Take care when washing
  Most electric blankets can be machine washed but follow the manufacturer’s instructions including washing at the right temperature, rolling it into the machine rather than folding, drying naturally, and allow it to dry completely before using again. Obviously, all controllers must be detached before washing.
• Take care when storing
  You may want to store your blanket away during the warmer months. Always roll rather than fold (this stops the wires from bending and breaking) and don’t place anything heavy on top.
• Check over when taking out of storage

When you get your blanket out again in the autumn, just check over the surface for any breaks in the fabric and run your hands over it to see if you can feel any kinks or breaks in the wires before using it again.