The chances are that at some point you will have an electric blanket. They can be very useful for keeping warm on a cold night. But what happens if your electric blanket gets wet? Can it cause a fire?
Electric blankets are designed to remain dry on the inside of the blanket. They work by heating up an electric coil which in turn heats up a thermal material of some kind, usually polyester or cotton batting. The heat is then transferred from the electric blanket to your body creating a nice warm glow.
Electric blankets protect you from cold and help you to relax in a comfortable way.
The internal heating system of an electric blanket is made up of multiple metal coils which are attached to the outer layer of the blanket. The main problem with this design is that if these metal coils get wet, they will conduct electricity and cause your electric blanket to stop working properly.
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There have been no reported cases of a fire starting because a blanket has been wet, but it is a possibility.
What do you do if your electric blanket gets wet?
If you have an electric blanket that has been exposed to water or other liquids then take precautionary measures. If your blanket is still working then turn it off at the mains power supply and remove it from the bed immediately.
The best way to avoid any problems with your electric blanket is to keep it dry. If it does get wet, make sure you turn it off and unplug it from the power supply.
If you find that your electric blanket has stopped working, then do not use it. Let it dry out completely before using it again.
It is important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and care of your electric blanket.
Are electric blankets safe for bedwetters?
Electric blankets can be a great way to keep warm in winter, but are they safe for bedwetters? While there is no definitive answer, there are a few things to keep in mind.
If you own a good waterproof electric blanket – like this one from Morphy Richards – then bedwetters have nothing to worry about.
If you already own an electric blanket, make sure the blanket is labelled as being waterproof or moisture-resistant. Also, avoid using an electric blanket if you tend to sweat at night, as this could increase your risk of developing a heat rash.
Finally, always follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.
New electric blankets are a minimal safety risk while it is in use. Advancements in electrical work have made it possible for modern electric blankets to be safe when used by a bedwetter.
If anything, the electric blanket will need to be removed from the bed immediately afterwards and air-dried. This is to help get rid of any smells that may occur.
Is it safe to machine wash an electric blanket?
The good thing with most modern electric blankets is that you can machine wash them at low temperatures. However, it is always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so.
Modern electric blankets can be safely washed and dried in standard residential washers and dryers.
If you are ever in doubt about how to wash an electric blanket, it is best not to risk it. Just hand wash or take it to a professional cleaner for service.
Electric blankets should be regularly checked for signs of wear and repaired immediately if there are any tears or holes.
Are electric blankets a health risk?
Electric blankets are a classic winter accessory, but are they really safe? The answer may surprise you. Most people have heard the myth that “electric blankets will fry your brain cells” or “use an electric blanket and you’ll get cancer.” But these statements are not true.
It’s actually impossible for an electric blanket to cause these things. When used for 10 hours through the night, electric blankets use 45 amps, which is less than a standard light bulb.
In fact, there are only two real health risks associated with electric blankets: overheating and fire.
Overheating can occur if an electric blanket is used for too long or in a closed environment. This can cause a person to become dehydrated, so it’s important to drink plenty of water. Also, overheating can cause drowsiness, which could lead to a loss of concentration and poor decision-making.
If you own old, damaged, or improperly used electric blankets then it can also pose a risk for fire or burns.
To help you stay safe, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly – never leave an unattended electric blanket turned on unless it has a pre-heat feature.
