How to Put an Electric Blanket on a Bed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Electric blankets are a great way to stay warm during cold nights, but it’s important to install them correctly to ensure comfort and safety. This guide will walk you through how to properly put an electric blanket on your bed.

How to Put Electric Blanket on Bed

Setting up an electric blanket correctly is crucial not only for comfort but also for safety. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly install an electric blanket on your bed:

Preparation

• Start with a Clean Bed: Ensure your mattress is clean and free from any objects that might snag or tear the blanket. Remove all pillows, toys, or other items.

Placement

• Lay It Flat: Unfold the electric blanket and spread it out over the mattress. It should lie flat without any folds or bunches, as these could concentrate heat and pose a fire risk.
• Orientation: Make sure the blanket is oriented correctly, with the control connections at the foot of the bed or wherever they can easily connect to a power source without stretching or creating a trip hazard.

Adjustments

• Align the Corners: Align the corners of the electric blanket with the corners of the mattress. If your blanket has straps or ties, secure them underneath the mattress to prevent the blanket from shifting during use.
• Smooth Out the Surface: Run your hands over the blanket to smooth out any wrinkles. This helps ensure even heating across the entire surface.

Safety Checks

• Ensure Coverage: The blanket should cover the majority of the mattress but should not hang over the sides excessively, as this could lead to heat escaping or the blanket slipping off the side.

One million Americans are sleeping better with Puffy. Compare our award-winning mattress collection against other brands to learn why: Puffy vs Purple, Puffy vs Nectar, Puffy vs Casper, Puffy vs Leesa, Puffy vs Saatva, Puffy vs Dreamcloud, and Puffy vs Tuft & Needle.

Where to Put Electric Blanket on Bed

The placement of an electric blanket on the bed is key to its effectiveness and safety. Here’s how to ensure it’s positioned correctly:

Optimal Layering

• Directly Over the Fitted Sheet: Place the electric blanket directly on top of the fitted sheet that covers your mattress. This allows the heat to rise directly towards the sleeper without being blocked.
• Under the Top Sheet: Cover the electric blanket with a top sheet. This helps distribute the heat more evenly and prevents direct contact with the heating elements, which can be too warm and increase the risk of burns.

Control Positioning

• Accessible Controls: Position the blanket so that the controls are easily accessible from the side of the bed. This makes it easier to adjust settings in the middle of the night if necessary.
• Away from High-Traffic Areas: Ensure that the cords and controls are placed where they won’t be a tripping hazard or subject to wear and tear from frequent contact.

Considerations for Different Bed Types

• Larger Beds: For king or queen-sized beds, ensure that the blanket is centered so that both sleepers receive equal warmth.
• Adjustable Beds: If using with an adjustable bed, check that the electric blanket is flexible enough to conform to the bed’s movement without disconnecting or bunching up.

Pairing a Puffy Lux Mattress with your electric blanket can be ideal for a restful sleep during cold nights. The mattress’s material complements the blanket’s heat distribution, ensuring comfort without overheating.

Best Practices for Usage

To ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your electric blanket, adhering to best practices is crucial. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use your electric blanket safely and effectively:

Before Use

• Pre-use Inspection: Always conduct a thorough check of the electric blanket before each use. Look for any signs of wear, tear, or damage, such as exposed wires, loose connections, or scorch marks. If any damage is observed, refrain from using the blanket to avoid potential hazards.
• Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Familiarize yourself with the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding the operation, care, and maintenance of the blanket. This can include specific settings for washing, drying, and daily use.

Temperature Settings

• Gradual Heating: Start at a lower heat setting and gradually increase it if additional warmth is needed. This approach helps avoid overheating and reduces energy consumption.
• Auto Shut-off Utilization: If your electric blanket has an auto shut-off feature, make sure it is activated. This feature is particularly useful for safety while sleeping, as it prevents the blanket from overheating by automatically turning off after a set period.

During Use

• Avoid Folding: Do not fold the blanket while it is turned on. Heat can build up in folded areas, increasing the risk of overheating and potentially causing a fire.
• Direct Contact Avoidance: Try to avoid direct skin contact with the blanket for prolonged periods, especially at higher settings, to prevent burns. It’s better to have a layer of fabric, such as a sheet, between you and the electric blanket.

Safety Precautions

• Do Not Cover: Never cover the electric blanket with pillows, cushions, or other blankets when it is in use. Covering the blanket can trap excessive heat and interfere with the thermal control system.
• Keep Dry: Ensure the blanket remains dry at all times. Do not use the blanket if you or the bedding is wet, as this could increase the risk of electric shock.

Cleaning and Storage

• Follow Cleaning Guidelines: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s guidelines for washing the electric blanket. Most can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and air-dried, but check your specific model’s instructions to avoid damaging the internal wiring.
• Proper Storage: When not in use, particularly during warmer months, store the electric blanket flat or loosely rolled up in a cool, dry place. Avoid placing heavy items on top of the blanket while stored to prevent damaging the internal wires.

Personal Safety

• No Pets or Sharp Objects: Keep pets away from the electric blanket, as their claws can damage the wiring. Also, avoid sharp objects near the blanket to prevent punctures or tears that could expose electrical components.
• Regular Maintenance Checks: Perform regular maintenance checks to ensure the blanket remains in good working condition. This includes checking for any new signs of wear or damage and testing the blanket’s functions.

In our home, setting up the electric blanket properly has made our winters much more comfortable. We ensure it’s smoothly laid out and tucked in, which really maximizes the warmth our Puffy Lux Mattress provides.

Conclusion

Understanding the proper use and setup of an electric blanket is crucial for maximizing comfort while ensuring safety. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, such as checking for damage before use, adjusting temperature settings appropriately, and adhering to recommended cleaning and storage practices, you can enjoy the cozy warmth of your electric blanket without any worries.

Remember, the key to a safe and effective electric blanket experience lies in meticulous maintenance and cautious usage. Make your winter nights comfortably warm and exceptionally safe by integrating these practices into your routine.