When to Replace Your Electric Blanket?

There's nothing better than snuggling up under an electric blanket on a cold winter night. A good quality blanket will last for years, but it won't last forever. The lifespan of your electric blanket will depend on how well you take care of it (but only if you choose a good brand), but even the most beloved blankets sometimes need to be replaced. Therefore, it's important to recognize the signs that your product has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced, as performance, safety and hygiene can all be compromised by continued use.

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Check your electric blanket regularly, and if you notice any of the following signs, it's time to consider replacing it.

Pay Attention to Age

The fire department recommends that you replace your electric blanket after 10 years. If you have an old electric blanket that has been sitting in a cupboard for years, consider the time you purchased it before plugging it in. That's one reason you should never buy a used electric blanket - you won't not know exactly how old! Any blanket over ten years old should be replaced, even if you think it's in good working order and doesn't appear to be damaged. In some cases, however, you may still need to replace your electric blanket before it's 10 years old, so if you notice any of the following signs, it's recommended that you replace it immediately (click here for the best options when choosing a replacement).

Fabric Condition

If your electric blanket is looking a little worn, you should definitely buy a new one. Electric blankets contain a very hot metal cord, but this heat is absorbed by the fabric of the blanket, which means it will be evenly distributed and won't burn you. If the fabric of the blanket wears out, the internal heating element may be exposed and come into contact with your skin. This puts you at real risk of burns, so be sure to check on the blanket regularly and stop using it if it starts to thin, fray or have any holes.

Scorch Marks

Another key thing to look for when checking the condition of your fabric is any signs of scorching or discoloration. This should set off alarm bells, as it is a clear sign that the blanket has overheated. The quality electric blankets we offer are equipped with overheat protection so this should not happen, but cheaper or older blankets may be at risk so please be aware. Never use an electric blanket with burn marks.

Ontroller Makes Buzzing Sounds or Smells

Electric blanket controllers do not actually contain any electrical components in your electric blanket other than the heating element. That's why modern blankets are safe to put in the washing machine! All sensitive electronic components are contained within the blanket's power cord and controller. This is what controls the blanket's temperature and timer settings, so you always want it to work properly. If your controller makes a buzzing sound, or if it starts to smell burnt, your electric blanket controller is faulty. In this case, you can replace the controller, but to be on the safe side, you can replace the entire blanket.

Check the Power Cord

While the blanket itself does not contain any electronic components other than the heating element, remember that it is still electronic and in this regard, the parts of your electric blanket to look out for are the power cord and the controller. If it starts making a humming sound or smells like it's burning, there is a problem. You should also check the power cord itself for signs of damage, such as cracks or strains. It may be possible to replace just the power cord, especially if the blanket is not that old, but replacing the entire item is usually a better idea because it keeps all elements of the product in sync.

Improper Storage

Because of the way electric blankets are designed, they need to be stored in a certain way when not in use to prevent them from being damaged. This means rolling them rather than folding them. The internal heating wire is shaped in a way that distributes heat evenly throughout the blanket's area. Folding the blanket can bend and distort that wire and damage the protective coating. If this happens, at best the heat will not be distributed correctly and at worst it could become unsafe. Visually inspect the surface for any creases that indicate it may have been folded, and feel it for any bumps in the cord. If you are unsure if it has been rolled up properly, discard it.

If you're like us, your electric blanket will get a lot of use on those cold winter nights! Electric blankets have come a long way in recent years, but they won't last forever. There are some telltale signs that you may need to replace your electric blanket, so if your old one has outlived its usefulness, be sure to double check one of those signs before you use it! If you need to purchase an electric blanket, please contact us.