How long should an electric blanket last?

Author: Watson Raynor  |  Last update: Friday, April 18, 2025

​Electric Blankets should be replaced every 10 years and tested every 2 years by a qualified electrician. ​Always check your blanket for scorch marks, water damage, mould or exposed wires. If you see any of these on your blanket do not use it, replace it.

When should you throw out an electric blanket?

Your electric blanket should be replaced at least every 10 years. Keeping your electric blanket for longer than you should is potentially dangerous and is another fundamental safety tip to be aware of.

Do electric blankets wear out?

You should ideally change your blanket every 10 years. However, if your electric blanket is showing signs of wear and tear, then you should look to replace it straight away.

When should you replace electric blankets?

Replace your blanket if it has any of the following: bent wiring, scorch marks, frayed fabric, exposed elements, dampness, worn patches, damaged cords, or loose connections. All blankets, even those in good condition, should be replaced every 10 years.

Why do heated blankets stop working so quickly?

If it malfunctions, it might incorrectly read the temperature as too hot, or its temperature control mechanism may fail, causing the blanket to turn off unexpectedly. Wiring Issues: With time and use, the internal wiring of an electric blanket can become bent or broken, especially if the blanket is not stored properly.

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What to do with electric blankets that no longer work?

Blankets being disposed should be taken to a recycling facility which accepts electric and electronic appliances.

Why do my heated blankets keep dying?

Faulty Wiring

This can cause breaks in the wires, preventing them from heating properly. Inspection and Handling: Regularly inspect your blanket for any signs of wear or damage. Be gentle when folding or storing the blanket to avoid bending the wires excessively.

What is the life expectancy of an electric blanket?

​Electric Blankets should be replaced every 10 years and tested every 2 years by a qualified electrician. ​Always check your blanket for scorch marks, water damage, mould or exposed wires. If you see any of these on your blanket do not use it, replace it.

How do I know if my electric blanket is bad?

Inspect for Wear and Tear: Look over the entire surface of the blanket for any visible signs of wear, such as burns, tears, or exposed wires. Also, inspect the control unit for damage.

Do electric blankets run up your electric bill?

An electric blanket might consume 200 watts (depending on the setting). So if you leave it on for 10 hours, it consumes 2 kilowatt-hours. That would cost between 15 and 30 cents, depending on your location. Many appliances tell you their energy consumption.

What is the most reliable electric blanket?

At a glance
  • Best overall electric blanket: Fogarty Wonderfully Warm. ...
  • Best budget electric blanket: Slumberdown Sleepy Nights. ...
  • Best quilted electric blanket: Dreamland Pure Comfort bamboo underblanket. ...
  • Best overall heated throw: Beurer heated snuggle blanket. ...
  • Best budget heated throw: OHS electric heated fleece over blanket.

Should you sleep with an electric blanket on all night?

If your blanket doesn't have a timer, turn it off before going to sleep. Electric blanks are not safe to leave on all night while sleeping.

Can I put a comforter on top of an electric blanket?

Layer Strategically: Place the heated blanket as the top layer directly under a lightweight, breathable duvet or comforter. This configuration allows for better heat control while still providing extra warmth. Heated Mattress Pads: As an alternative, consider using a heated mattress pad under your bedsheet.

How many years do heated blankets last?

Most people can expect their blanket to last at least five years, but it's deeply important to inspect your blanket regularly and to replace it whenever it shows signs of damage. Electric blankets can be expensive, but health and safety is of utmost importance.

What to do with old electric blankets near me?

Disposal options
  • Give to a friend, donate to charity or sell online.
  • Donate to charities such as GIVIT – to help those in need.
  • If reusable, drop off for free at Goodies Junction at: ...
  • If unusable, place in your household landfill bin.
  • There are additional disposal options for cords and cables .

Should you take electric blanket off bed in summer?

potential source of fire

If you remove your electric blanket during the summer months, ensure that it is stored correctly, that is, the blanket should be rolled not folded. Alternatively leave the blanket on the bed, as it will remain flat.

How to test an electric blanket?

Electric blankets
  1. Check for hotspots in your blanket by turning it on high for 15 mins, then switching it off and running your hand over the blanket.
  2. Use electric blankets less than 5 years old.
  3. Heavy objects are never placed on the bed while electric blanket is in use.

How often should you wash an electric blanket?

How Often to Wash an Electric Blanket. A machine-washable electric blanket can be washed every couple of weeks or once a month during the cold season. Treat it gently, however, by alternating between air-drying and machine-drying as an extra measure to keep the interior connections of the blanket in good shape.

What are the long term side effects of electric blankets?

Skin Dryness and Irritation: Prolonged exposure to dry heat from electric blankets can lead to skin dehydration, making the skin dry and itchy. In sensitive individuals, this can also lead to rashes or exacerbate existing skin conditions such as eczema.

What are the disadvantages of sleeping with electric blanket?

Heated blankets may get too hot or might cause burns if kept on one area of the body for too long. Heated blankets are regular blankets that contain wires within that heat them up. They may pose a risk for fires and burns.

Should you use an old electric blanket?

Remember to check regularly for wear and tear and replace at least every 10 years. Store electric blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring.

When should I replace my heated blanket?

If your blanket or any part of the wiring shows any of these danger signs, you should have it checked or replaced:
  1. Fraying fabric.
  2. Scorch marks.
  3. Exposed elements.
  4. Creasing or folding.
  5. Soiling.
  6. Damp patches.
  7. Tie tapes damaged or missing.
  8. Worn flex.

Is it bad to use a heated blanket every night?

Using your electric blanket all night long may also make it harder to stay asleep, given that excess heat reduces both Stage 3 (slow-wave) and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Additionally, if you find you're restless because you're feeling too hot, your sleep quality may be affected.

How do you bring a blanket back to life?

Air Fluff in the Dryer

Another method for fluffing blankets is to use the "air fluff" setting on a dryer. This setting tumbles the blanket with air without applying heat. It's a gentle way to help restore the loft and fluffiness of the blanket without subjecting it to high temperatures.

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