How Long Do Electric Blankets Last? The Complete Results

Electric blankets, also known as heated blankets, are staples for those searching for warmth during the colder months. Nothing beats getting an electric blanket out of the closet and quickly heating it up to fend off the cold. However, these blankets become fire hazards if they’re not replaced often enough.

Electric blankets last five to ten years before they need to be replaced. Common signs of needing a replacement include discoloration, blown fuses, and a lack of heating. Throw away your heated blanket after ten years, regardless of its condition.

While it’s never fun to get rid of an electric blanket, it’s important to know how many years they last. There are many issues that can cause unwanted wear and tear on a heated blanket, most of which are avoidable. Let’s analyze all that you need to know about how long electric blankets last.

Do Electric Blankets Wear Out?

Electric blankets wear out after using them for about half a decade. Some of them last five more years than others. It’s best to look for signs of damage every two years. You can also have your electric blanket professionally inspected to know if it’s in operable condition.

One of the most common reasons people have to replace their heated blankets too soon is that they store them incorrectly. It’s easy just to toss the blanket in a closet and forget about it. However, creases and bent wires will wreak havoc on an electric blanket.

Prolonged usage can also burn the wires and heating elements in an electric blanket. They can also make an electric blanket dehydrate you, causing excessive dryness, thirst, and potential burns.

Unfortunately, many companies offer electric blankets with 10-hour timers. These timers are far beyond the safety recommendations. Try to avoid using a heated blanket for longer than half an hour, especially if you have it at its highest temperature setting.

How Do You Maintain an Electric Blanket?

You can maintain your electric blanket by washing the fabric to remove body oils and debris from the surface. These oils permeate the blanket, causing it to smell gross. However, too much debris can also prevent airflow from cooling the electric blanket’s heating element.

Another maintenance tip for your electric blanket is to straighten the wires around the edges when they’re not plugged in. Most electric blankets have several wires that generate and transfer heat throughout the fabric. If they get bunched up, they’ll overheat the blanket.

Why Do Electric Blankets Stop Working?

Electric blankets stop working because they overheat, they’re not stored properly, or they’re used too often. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to know how you can wash and store your heated blanket without damaging the electric cord or thermostat.

These are the biggest reasons electric blankets fail to work:

• Folding the electric cable causes it to crease, which can damage the wires. Never wind or fold the cable. Instead, you can lay it flat on top of the blanket after folding the blanket in storage. You can also loosely wrap the cable in a circle on the blanket if you want to store it for a while.
• Letting the blanket heat for too long will overheat the material, burning small holes. This is also why so many electric blankets catch on fire. Always turn off your electric blanket when you’re not using it. I suggest unplugging it when it’s not on.
• Plugging the heated blanket into a faulty outlet can cause a power surge and short the blanket’s wiring. Always check if the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. If it can’t supply enough power, your blanket won’t heat up. If the power supply provides too much electricity, the blanket will overheat and potentially break.
• The controller might fail before the blanket needs to be replaced. Hunker recommends folding the heated blanket over itself, then letting turning it on for ten minutes. This will let the blanket get extra warm. You’ll quickly be able to tell if you need a new controller for your electric blanket.

The good news is that you can replace most electric blanket controllers. Contact the manufacturer for a direct controller replacement. I advise hiring a professional electrician to rewire the new controller into the blanket.

How to Know When to Replace a Heated Blanket

To know when it’s time to replace a heated blanket, look for signs of damage on the fabric and the electric cable. If either of these parts looks dull, shaded, brown, black, or broken, the whole blanket needs to be replaced. Another issue is when the blanket stops heating up.

Keep an eye out for these signs that you should throw away your heated blanket:

1. Discoloration is often indicative of excessive internal heating. Good Housekeeping explains discoloration could mean there’s internal burning. Never use a heated blanket if it has black spots or brown spots, especially if they show up near the electrical components or inlets and outlets.
2. Replace your electric blanket if it’s making weird noises. Most heating pads, electric blankets, and space heaters last a decade. However, unexpected sounds could mean there’s an electrical issue. This happens when there’s electric arcing between the blanket’s power cable and the heating element.
3. If there are broken wires or fabric, get rid of the heated blanket. Damaged wires in a heating blanket can often be fixed by an electrician, but you’ll likely end up spending more than if you’d simply replaced the blanket. Torn fabric lets moisture into the wiring, causing permanent damage.
4. Consult the manufacturer of the blanket to know if it’s beyond its warranty period. It’s using not worth preparing a heated blanket once it’s past the warranty agreement. These electric blankets are quite inexpensive, so you might as well try a different one.
5. Check for strange smells when using your electric blanket to know if it’s overheating. Electrical fires have a very distinct odor. It’s quite unlike any other fire smell. If your room smells different in any way after turning on an electric blanket, unplug it immediately.