Do’s and Don’ts Of Using An Electric Blanket

Updated: January 2024

Never go without warmth during a Michigan winter. With the chilly weather upon us, it’s time to bundle up in your favorite sweaters, socks, and blankets. One of the more popular warming methods, and more antiquated, is the electric blanket. While older designs were problematic, often shorting out and sometimes leading to more hazardous situations, more sophisticated blankets offer much safer use.

How To Safely Use an Electric Blanket

Make sure the blanket is spread evenly on the bed with no folds, and plug it directly into a wall outlet as directed by the manufacturer. Use the lowest heat setting needed for comfort and avoid placing heavy items or additional blankets on top that could trap heat. When you are finished using it, turn the blanket off and unplug it to prevent unnecessary wear or electrical issues.

How Does an Electric Blanket Work?

The basic design hasn’t changed: a blanket equipped with wiring that warms heating pockets placed throughout the design. Even though new heating blankets are much safer, there are still several safety procedures that are important to follow. Before you cover yourself with one and turn up the heat, it is important to know the dangers of electrical blankets and how to avoid them. The electrical experts at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical have provided the dos and don’ts of using an electric blanket.

What You Should Do With Your Electric Blanket

• Do examine your blanket thoroughly every time before use. Be mindful of any areas that look burnt or worn by wiring.
• Do read the manufacturer’s manual completely.
• Do keep heat levels within manufacturer specifications.
• Do turn off the blanket when not in use.
• Do use new and up-to-date electric blankets. If you own a blanket that is more than ten years old, discard and buy a new one.
• Do keep the blanket on top of you and never under or squeezed in the side.
• Do allow the blanket to cool off after use before putting it away.
• Do wrap around the cords properly when not in use.
• Do dispose of the blanket when you notice that it has stopped working efficiently.

Now that we’ve gone over the ways to use your electric blankets properly, let us outline what you should NOT do with your electric blankets.

What You Should NEVER Do With Your Electric Blanket:

• Don’t let water touch or splash on the electric blanket, as this can ruin the wiring and cause shock.
• Don’t bundle up the blanket when not in use, as this can compromise the wiring and lead to short-circuiting.
• Don’t use electric blankets on those who can’t use the controls such as infants, elderly, or people with disabilities. There is the danger of overheating.
• Don’t tinker with the wiring in the blanket, as you can destroy and fray the wires.
• Don’t use an electric blanket in a foldable bed, as the wiring can easily get torn or frayed.
• Don’t wash your electric blanket, as this will destroy it.
• Don’t use a blanket with cuts and tears, or has exposed wiring.
• Don’t use the electric blanket if it is overheating or not responding to the controls properly.
• Don’t use a blanket that is old and barely works.

Can You Put a Blanket Over an Electric Blanket?

Heating blankets should always be placed over a blanket, never under another blanket or under yourself.
Electric blankets are designed to dissipate heat safely into the bedding, and covering them with additional layers, such as another blanket or comforter, can interfere with that process and overwhelm internal safety sensors. To stay safe, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, keep the electric blanket flat and free of folds, and avoid layering heavy blankets or other heat sources on top.

How Our Team Can Help

Electric blankets are a convenient way to stay warm, but they can also highlight electrical issues you might not notice with everyday use. If you see flickering lights, outlets that feel warm, breakers that trip, or you notice a burning smell when running plug-in devices, it is a sign your system may need attention. AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical has helped Michigan homeowners for decades with trusted electrical work in Farmington Hills and the surrounding areas, and we can make sure your home’s wiring and power supply are operating safely. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment or request service online.