Heated blankets are one of the cheapest and coziest ways to stay warm in winter, but like any electrical product they need to be used correctly. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), heating pads and electric blankets cause almost 500 fires each year, and almost all of them involve electric blankets that are more than ten years old. The good news is that most of the risk comes from a handful of avoidable habits.
Here is how to use a heated blanket safely, how to tell when it is time to replace one, and who should not use one at all.
12 Heated Blanket Safety Tips
- Buy a certified blanket. Look for an ETL or UL listing on the label, plus overheat protection and an automatic shut-off timer.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Every model is different. Follow its guidance on heat settings, timers, washing and whether it is meant for use in bed.
- Inspect it before every season. Check for scorched, discolored or frayed areas, and for cracked or frayed cords. If you find any, replace the blanket.
- Replace old blankets. ESFI notes that almost all of these fires involve blankets more than ten years old. If yours is older than that, it is time for a new one.
- Keep it flat while it is on. Never fold, bunch up or roll a heated blanket while it is switched on, and do not tuck it under the mattress. Folds trap heat in one spot.
- Do not cover it. Keep extra blankets, pillows, heavy objects and pets off a heated blanket while it is in use, because coverings can cause overheating.
- Never cover the controller. The controller needs air around it. Keep it on top of the bedding or on a nightstand, not under a pillow or blanket.
- Do not use a heated blanket and a heating pad (or heated mattress pad) at the same time. They are designed for different uses and should not be stacked.
- Turn it off when you leave or go to sleep. ESFI advises that heating appliances should never be left unattended or used while sleeping. A safe routine is to preheat the bed, then switch the blanket off before you fall asleep.
- Plug it straight into the wall. Avoid running the cord under the mattress or rug, where it can be crushed or overheat.
- Keep it away from pets that chew. A chewed cord is a shock and fire risk.
- Wash it correctly. Unplug and remove the controller first, use a gentle cycle, and follow the care label for drying. Never dry clean a heated blanket unless the label says you can.
Who Should Not Use a Heated Blanket
Heated blankets are not suitable for everyone. Avoid using one, or talk to a doctor first, for:
- Infants and young children.
- Anyone who cannot easily feel heat or turn the blanket off by themselves, including people who are paralyzed, bedridden or very drowsy.
- People with diabetes or other conditions that reduce sensation in the skin, such as peripheral neuropathy.
- Anyone who is pregnant, as many manufacturers advise checking with a doctor first.
- Pets, unless the product is specifically designed for them.
Warning Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Blanket
- Scorch marks, brown spots or discoloration on the fabric.
- Frayed, cracked or stiff cords, or a loose plug.
- Wires you can see or feel bunching inside the fabric.
- Uneven heating, with some spots much hotter than others.
- A controller that flickers, buzzes or feels hot.
- The blanket is more than ten years old.
Heated Throw vs Bed Blanket vs Mattress Pad
A heated throw is designed for the couch or a chair while you are awake. A full or queen heated blanket covers a bed, and a heated mattress pad goes under your sheet. Whatever you choose, use only one heating product on the bed at a time and follow the safety tips above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sleep with a heated blanket on?
Safety organizations such as ESFI advise against using heating appliances while sleeping. The safest approach is to warm the bed before you get in and switch the blanket off, or use a model with a short automatic shut-off timer.
How long do heated blankets last?
With careful use, many last several years. Inspect yours every season and replace it if it shows any damage, and do not keep using a blanket that is more than ten years old.
Is it safe to use a heated blanket every night?
Using a certified, undamaged blanket for preheating or while you are awake is generally safe when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the cords and fabric regularly, keep it flat and uncovered, and turn it off when you go to sleep or leave the room.
Bottom Line
A modern heated blanket with safety certification and auto shut-off is a safe, low-cost way to stay warm, as long as you keep it flat and uncovered, inspect it every season, and switch it off when you sleep. If your blanket is old or damaged, see our guide to the best heated blankets for safer, newer options, and our space heater vs heated blanket cost comparison to see how much you can save.