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Page last updated on 6th August 2025

The remote control of an electric blanket, placed on top of the blanket.

How to use an electric blanket

If you’re in search of more ways to keep warm at home, you might have found yourself considering trying out an electric blanket. But how do they work, do electric blankets use a lot of electricity, and are they safe?

Here’s our guide to the electric blanket: how to use it safely, how much it typically costs and more.

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What's on this page?

What is an electric blanket?
How does an electric blanket work
How much does an electric blanket cost to run
How safe are electric blankets?
How to use an electric blanket

What is an electric blanket?

An electric blanket is a domestic appliance for use at home. It’s a blanket that when switched on, uses electricity to heat itself up. Some people may use electric blankets for added warmth during the cold weather months or to preheat their bed in the evenings.

Electric blankets can come in many different types such as under-blankets, over-blankets, and throws. In Great Britain, the most common is the electric under-blanket, which can be placed between your mattress and sheet. These are often used to warm up the bed before sleep, though some models come with a thermostat for safe all-night use.

How does an electric blanket work?

Electric blankets feature embedded wires that run through the fabric of the blanket. When switched on, the electricity heats up the wires, which warms the blanket.

How much does an electric blanket cost to run?

So, how much electricity does an electric blanket use? It will depend on the blanket’s power rating. You’ll typically find this on the blanket’s label or in the manual, given in watts. The higher the wattage, the more electricity the blanket uses and the more expensive it will be to run.

The running costs of an electric blanket will depend on its power rating and your energy tariff. As an example, let’s use an electric blanket with a power rating of 100 watts or 0.1kW. Let’s say you run it for 1 hour before bedtime and you pay £0.27 per unit of electricity.*

The total running cost to you would be around £0.03.

This is calculated as:

0.1 kWh power rating * 1 hour use * £0.2703 kWh energy price cap.

Different sizes of electric blankets will have different energy ratings, but they will often cost pennies to run per hour. For more information, please see National Energy Action’s guide to calculating home appliance running costs.

How much power does an electric blanket use on lower settings, though? If your blanket has adjustable heat settings, you can reduce the amount of electricity it uses by setting it to a lower temperature, even if it has a high power rating.

Curious about your energy use? With a smart meter’s in-home display, you’ll be able to monitor how much energy you are using and how much it’s costing you. If you have an electric blanket, you can use the in-home display to compare total energy costs when your electric blanket is on and off.

Having more visibility of your energy use can help you to be more mindful of your energy consumption, such as using kitchen appliances more efficiently.

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How safe are electric blankets?

A damaged or misused electric blanket can be a fire risk, so it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some essential tips on how to use an electric blanket safely:

Buy your electric blanket new. This is a case where it’s best not to go second-hand. Buying from a reputable retailer helps ensure the safety and quality of your device.
Check your blanket before you use it. This is especially useful if it hasn’t been used in a while.
Don’t use your blanket if there’s visible wear or fraying to the fabric, electric cord or connector.
Don’t use your blanket if wires are visible through the fabric, or if you can see any scorch marks.
When you’ve switched on the blanket, ensure that the controller isn’t making a buzzing sound or producing a strange smell, and check that the connector isn’t overheating. If you notice any of these problems, unplug the blanket straight away and don’t use it again.
Don’t use an electric blanket with a hot water bottle or air flow pressure relief mattress.
Don’t use an electric blanket if you are using emollient creams. Emollient creams are used to treat dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Emollients and some skin creams should be kept away from fire, naked flames, or heat sources like electric blankets. If in doubt, always check the advice on the leaflet that comes with your treatment.
Unplug your blanket before bed. Unless your electric blanket is designed for all-night use, unplug it before settling down to sleep.
Don't fold your blanket too tightly. Folding your blanket too tightly for storage can damage the wiring. Roll it up, fold it loosely or store it flat.
Replace your blanket every ten years. Even if you haven’t noticed visible wear, replace your blanket every ten years.

You should also bear the risk of overheating in mind. If setting the blanket up for someone else, make sure they’ll be able to turn it off if they need to.

Always read the manual that came with your electric blanket for specific safety advice. For more electric blanket safety advice, check out the guides from Electrical Safety First and the London Fire Brigade.

How to use an electric blanket

To learn how to use an electric blanket, refer to the manufacturer’s guide that came with your device.

Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the instructions and checked the blanket for damage, you’re ready to use your electric blanket. The manual will tell you how it’s designed to be used: is it an under-blanket designed to lie under your bedsheets, or it is a heated throw that you can wrap around yourself to stay cosy on the sofa?

You’ll usually find the power switch and other options, such as the temperature settings or timer, either on a remote control or on a switch attached to the blanket. Once your blanket is in position, just choose your preferred options, switch on the blanket, and let it heat up.

How long does an electric blanket take to heat up? Again, this will depend on your blanket. Some take five minutes; some take twenty. If you’re looking for a blanket that heats up quickly, you’ll often find information about the heat-up time on the box or in the product description.

For more advice on staying at a comfortable temperature when you’re at home, take a look at our page on keeping your house the ideal temperature.

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