You’ve been using your electric blanket all wrong – six things you must avoid
ELECTRIC blankets are a staple in older households - but they're becoming a growing trend among the young too.
But households should be aware of the risks that come with using the handy gadget - especially if you aren't using it correctly.
If you do use them wrong you could put yourself at risk of electrocution and your home at risk of fire.
Electric blankets have become a must-buy for many as they are a cheaper way of keeping warm instead of relying on central heating.
Heating yourself rather than your entire home is more cost effective for those worried about rising energy bills.
Blankets cost just 3p per hour to run, on average and usually cost from around £30 all the way up to £100, depending on the model you choose.
Many associate the gadgets with pensioners but this isn't the case anymore.
Young people are now the most likely to use electric blankets as an alternative heat source, according to Electrical Safety First.
In fact, young people are now three times more likely to use an electric blanket than the elderly, the electrical safety charity says.
But there are a number of risks many first-time users may be unaware of.
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Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First has said that it's imperative that people do "all they can to stay electrically safe."
Here are the six things you need to avoid when using your electric blanket.
Roll don't fold
Those with the handy heating gadget should always roll their blanket as opposed to folding it.
This is because over time folding can weaken the wiring in the blanket.
If you don't have the space to store the blanket it can be left on your bed all year round, according to Electrical Safety First.
Lesley said: "Lots of us are guilty of folding our blankets to put them away but over time you’ll stress and weaken or wear the wires that heat the blanket up leaving them frayed, exposed or vulnerable to becoming too hot.
"Roll your blanket instead, this way you’ll reduce the chance of damaging it or causing a fire."
Avoid extension leads
Using your electric blanket with an extension lead is a major no-no.
This is because it increases the risk of overloading the circuit and this could cause an electrical fire.
Only plug your heated blanket into a mains plug socket.
Turn it off when you sleep
It's recommended that you do not sleep with an electric blanket on.
If it is left turned on for a long amount of time, the blanket may overheat and cause severe burns.
Electric blankets are designed only to pre-warm your bed.
The blankets and pillows that you have on your bed, will help to capture the heat and keep you warm all night.
That way, you won't end up getting easily cold throughout the night when you're asleep.
If you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that you should not use electric blankets.
If you suffer from diabetes, the doctor might also advise you against it.
This is because diabetes can cause a complication called neuropathy, or nerve damage.
When this happens, you might not be able to feel how hot the electric blanket actually is and might burn yourself.
Keep your hot water bottle out the way
It is common knowledge that water and electricity are a deadly mix.
That's why it's imperative to keep your hot water bottle as far away from your electric blanket as possible.
And if you spill a drink or any water on the gadget switch it off and unplug it from the mains immediately.
Lesley said: "If water comes into contact with any of the elements, you risk electric shock.
"At the first sign of discolouration or scorch marks, stop using your blanket immediately, it may be damaged and risk a fire."
Some electric throws are machine washable but it is vital to ensure that these devices are completely dry before they are switched back on.
Stay clear of bargains
Electrical Safety First recommends that shoppers stick to British High Street stores or go directly to their trusted online websites to ensure that the products they buy are safe.
The advice comes just days after Which? warned that some devices being sold in the UK are made so poorly that they risk giving the user an electric shock.
The consumer website tested 11 electric blankets, throws and shawls from retailers including AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Wish.
It found that nine out of the 11 items that it bought should not be sold legally in the UK because they were badly made or had problems with packaging, markings or instructions.
Lesley said: "Times are tough, so we know cheaper products will be hugely tempting but beware of bargains that seem too good to be true on online marketplaces.
"Dangerous electric blankets have been found for sale on these sites that aren’t safe for you to use.
Check for recalls
Registering your electric blanket with the manufacturer is always a good trick to ensure that you can be updated quickly if there are any product recalls.
Households can check if their item has faced a recall on the Electrical Safety First website.
The handy tool lets you search for specific products and brands to keep your mind at ease.
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If your product is impacted by a recall, unplug it and don't use it.
Contact the manufacturer to find out if you can get a replacement straight away - you'll either need to dispose of the faulty blanket or return it to them.