4 Disadvantages Of Using An Electric Blanket

Imagine this: it is a freezing winter night, and you are about to climb into bed after a long, tiring day, but the sheets feel like a block of ice and your blanket feels moist, too. Frustrating, right? That is where electric blankets come in. One flip of a switch and your bed gets all warm and cozy. Sounds pretty perfect, right? However, we all know there is no rose without a thorn. Electric blankets are the same, and there are some real disadvantages to using an electric blanket. From fire hazards to accidental burns and tedious maintenance to sleep issues, the list goes on.

That does not mean electric blankets are inherently bad, though. With proper care and the right know-how, they can be a wonderful luxury and comfort in your home, especially during the cold winter months. Still, just like any other electrical appliance, electric blankets come with certain risks and limitations. Knowing these can help you keep yourself and your family safe, and below we discuss a few of them to get you started so you can make better choices when using an electric or heated blanket.

Your bed should be the safest place in your home. However, an electric blanket has the potential to turn it into a fire hazard. Why? Well, because electric blankets are basically fabric with heating wires inside, and sometimes a bad cord, a faulty controller, or a worn-out wire can overheat in there and spark, starting a fire. In fact, according to a notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, OCTROT-branded electric Sherpa blankets and throws were recalled in 2026 after multiple reports of fires, melting, and smoking.

Don't worry, though. If you know what warning signs to look for, you can keep using your electric blankets safely. These warning signs include: scorch marks, discolored fabric, exposed wires, and damaged cables. So, if you spot any of these, stop using electric blankets immediately. If, however, there are no such signs, there are still some precautions you should take when using an electric blanket. For instance, do not fold it too tightly. It can break the electrical components inside. Similarly, do not cover the electric blanket with heavy objects or things that could cause it to overheat and increase the risk of a fire.

Avoid plugging the electric blanket into an extension cord as well. Plus, never leave an electric blanket unattended. Also, if you are planning to buy an electric blanket, purchase a new one, as many of the fires caused by electric blankets were linked to ones that were 10 years old or older.

Flames created by electric blankets are not the only thing that can hurt you. Their heat can do some damage, too. This is especially a concern when people fall asleep under an electric blanket and may not sense the damage or burns caused by their heat till it is too late. In fact, in 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled about 350,000 Bedsure heated blankets and pads after 17 reports of burn injuries, including one second-degree burn, among other electric blanket-related issues.

So, should you stop using your electric blanket? Well, no. However, you still should be aware of a few things. For instance, check the blanket for tears, burns, or other damage, and never use it if it is wet, damp, folded, or creased. Likewise, stop using it if its connector is damaged. Plus, if your blanket develops unusually hot spots, a burning smell, or melted fabric, stop using it immediately.

Other than that, keep the temperature of your electric blanket at the lowest setting that is comfortable for you, and if you can, use a regular blanket along with the heated one. This will keep your skin from directly touching the heated blanket and reduce the risk of burns. Also, do not touch a heated or electric blanket with wet hands or feet. And if you accidentally spill a drink on the bed, switch the blanket off and let it dry completely first before using it again.

Cleaning a regular blanket is usually simple: you check the care label, toss it into the washing machine, and that is it. However, with electric blankets, it is different. They contain heating wires and other electrical components, and these can get easily damaged if you are not careful. In fact, some electric blankets cannot even be washed in a washing machine. Even with electric blankets that can be washed in machines, you must first disconnect and remove any detachable controls.

Worse yet? Washing your electric blanket is not the only thing you need to be careful about. Drying electric or heated blankets is a headache, too. For instance, some electric blankets cannot be dried in commercial dryers, as it can damage their heating elements. Similarly, you can't dry clean some of them either. The reason is that some dry-cleaning chemicals can damage the wiring insulation and heating elements of certain electric blankets.

Besides cleaning, storing the heated blankets is difficult, too. For example, if you fold an electric blanket too tightly or place heavy objects on it, it can put pressure on the internal wires, leading to damage, and that is why experts often suggest rolling the electric blankets instead of folding them when they are not being used and need to be stored. Likewise, you need to make sure that you let your heated blanket cool before you put it in storage. It is not only safer but also increases the life of an electric blanket.

For some people, no matter how careful they are when it comes to safety or how willing they are to maintain them, heated blankets just are not the right choice. Take, for instance, people who have diabetic neuropathy. It is a disease that, among other things, causes the loss of sensation in affected individuals. That is why some experts say that people who have diabetic neuropathy should stay away from electric blankets, and even if they have to use one, they should only use it while they are awake and turn it off before they go to sleep.

Sometimes, however, even if you do not have any disease, electric blankets can mess up your sleep, especially in sensitive individuals. That is because the temperature of your body drops naturally when you sleep. So, if you use a heated blanket to keep you warm while you sleep or are trying to sleep, it can prevent you from falling asleep normally.

The fix is simple. Use an electric blanket only as a bed warmer. Do not fall asleep in it. If you are concerned about the risks of an electric blanket, you may instead choose to use a space heater. But, just make sure that you are aware of the mistakes to avoid when using space heaters.