Everything You Need To Know About Electric Blankets

On a cold winter evening, there is no better feeling than turning on your electric blanket and climbing into a warm and cosy bed.

When you need that little bit of extra warmth, electric blankets are perfect for giving you a blissful sleep. They come in all shapes and sizes with different features which can make knowing which one to go for that little bit trickier.

In this blog, we’ll give you some useful top tips for how to use and store yours safely. Then the sooner you can start reaping the rewards of staying warm and cosy for less without putting the central heating on.

How do electric blankets work?

Electric blankets work by using integrated electrical heating wires which have been placed into the fabric. When the blanket is switched on, this activates the wires which then heat the fabric and bed.

How hot do electric blankets get?

Electric blankets vary as to how hot they become and will usually include changeable heat settings to allow you to select different temperatures.

The lowest heat generally starts between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, rising to between 48 and 56 degrees Celsius.

You may be asking yourself why it wouldn’t just be easier and probably cheaper to use a hot water bottle over an electric blanket. The answer is that they differ quite a bit in how they work.

Not only do electric blankets heat the whole of the bed as opposed to just one area, but the heat will continue until the blanket is switched off. A hot water bottle instantly loses heat as soon as you’ve poured the water into the bottle.

Can I leave my electric blanket on overnight?

Electric blankets generally shouldn’t be left on overnight unless your blanket includes a special thermostatic control for safe use overnight. Always check the blanket’s guidelines ideally before purchasing it to check if it allows for use during the night.

Safety tips when using your electric blanket

Electric blankets are a great investment, but only if they are used correctly. To help ensure that yours is used safely, here are some of our top tips worth knowing first:

Buy yourself a new one

Whilst the cheaper option might be to go for something second-hand, this might not be safe. We would always recommend purchasing a brand-new electric blanket.

Follow the instructions

You should always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using yours. When it comes to washing the blanket, consult the instructions to see what the guidelines suggest.

Replace yours every 10 years

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.

Roll, don’t fold

Whilst your electric blanket can be left on your bed whilst not in use, as the warmer seasons approach, you may want to store your electric blanket. 

If you do wish to pack the blanket away, it’s always best to roll it, as folding the blanket could cause damage to the wires.

Keep it flat

Ensuring that your electric blanket is kept flat whilst on the bed is another way of preventing the wires from becoming damaged. Our Silentnight electric blankets all include corner straps to prevent the blanket from moving throughout the night.

Check for damage

Regularly checking for wear and tear is essential. Here is a list of danger signs to be aware of:

 

  • Fraying fabric
  • Scorch marks
  • Exposed parts of the blanket
  • Creasing or folding.
  • Damp patches
  • Tie tapes damaged or missing
  • Worn flex
  • Loose connections

 

If you notice any of the above, you should look to replace yours as soon as possible.

Shopping tips when picking your electric blanket

Here are some of our top tips when it comes to selecting and purchasing the best electric blanket for you and your bed.

Some like it hot

Consider what temperature settings would be best for you. 

Electric blankets vary hugely, and each one will include different heating options. Which one you go for will depend completely on what style of blanket is best for you.

Our Silentnight Teddy Fleece Electric Blanket with soft fleece fabric is a comfortable as well as cosy option making it perfect for staying warm for less on those frosty winter nights.

So, our advice is to consider how warm you want your bed to be and check for features such as an overnight heating option.

Always check the cord length

Having unpacked your new heated blanket and set it up on your bed only to find that the wire doesn’t reach your plug socket would be frustrating. When purchasing your electric blanket, it’s always best to ensure that the cord is long enough to reach your nearest plug socket.

Stay snug in bed for less

There is no better feeling than climbing into a bed that’s already toasty and warm on a cold winter’s night. Our best advice is to simply turn on the blanket as you start to get ready for bed and by the time you climb in, it will be the perfect cosy sanctuary. So, what are you waiting for?

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