How do you remove the cords from an electric blanket?

Removing Cords from Electric Blankets: The Complete Guide

Electric blankets provide cozy warmth on cold nights. However, the cords on electric blankets require special care and handling to ensure safe use. This guide will provide important information on removing cords from electric blankets, along with tips for storage, cleaning, and safety.

Table of Contents:

• How to Unplug a Sunbeam Electric Blanket
• Repurposing an Old Electric Blanket
• Dangers of Using Extension Cords with Electric Blankets
• Risk of Electric Shock from Wet Electric Blankets
• Fire Risks with Electric Blankets
• Reasons to Avoid Using Electric Blankets
• Electric Blanket Energy Usage and Cost
• Removing Static from Blankets without Dryer Sheets
• Using Vinegar to Reduce Static Electricity
• Leaving Electric Blankets on Overnight
• Fires Caused by Heated Blankets
• Using Aluminum Foil to Reduce Static
• Tumble Drying Electric Blankets

How to Unplug a Sunbeam Electric Blanket

When it‘s time to store your Sunbeam electric blanket for the season, properly unplugging it is important. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the control switch or power switch on the electric blanket. This ensures no electricity is still flowing to the blanket.
2. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Never pull the cord; grasp the plug securely.
3. Wrap up the power cord neatly and store it with the blanket to keep it protected. Do not wrap the cord tightly around the control.
4. If using an extension cord, unplug the extension cord from the outlet first before unplugging the electric blanket.
5. Fold the electric blanket carefully, ensuring the internal wires stay flat and untwisted. Store in a cool, dry place.

Always unplug the Sunbeam electric blanket when not in use. Never leave it plugged in unattended. Proper use and storage will extend its life and prevent hazards.

Repurposing an Old Electric Blanket

If you have an older electric blanket that you no longer use for sleeping, there are many ways to repurpose and reuse it:

• Cut and sew into a lap quilt, throw, or even dog bed.
• Use it to provide warmth in a cold room – drape it over furniture or place on your lap as you read or watch TV.
• Take it camping or use in your car for extra warmth.
• Donate to a homeless shelter or charity organization if it‘s still in good condition.
• Give to a college student or family member in need of a blanket.
• Upcycle it into something new – use creativity to make a jacket, table runner, or even Christmas stockings.
• Use as a moving blanket to protect furniture from scratches.
• Cut up and use as rags or for pet bedding.

With a little creativity, an old electric blanket can be given new life and purpose. Just be sure to remove any cords first and check for damage.

Dangers of Using Extension Cords with Electric Blankets

It is not recommended to use an extension cord with an electric blanket. Electric blankets require more electrical current than an extension cord can safely provide.

Here‘s why you should avoid using extension cords:

• Fire hazard: The high current draw of an electric blanket can overload the extension cord, overheat the wires, and potentially start an electrical fire.
• Lack of safety protection: Extension cords lack the circuit breaker protections built into wall outlets to prevent overloads.
• Insufficient current rating: Most household extension cords are rated for 10-15 amps while an electric blanket may pull up to 20 amps. This overload can damage the extension cord over time.
• Risk of electrocution: Damaged, coiled, or undersized extension cords can lead to exposed wires that could electrocute someone.

For safety, plug electric blankets directly into a wall outlet. Make sure the outlet is a 3-prong grounded outlet. Use a surge protector for extra protection. But never use an extension cord with an electric blanket.

Risk of Electric Shock from Wet Electric Blankets

Yes, there is a risk of electric shock if an electric blanket gets wet while plugged in and turned on. Here‘s why:

• Electricity flows more easily through water and wet fabrics, increasing the risk of shock or electrocution.
• Wet wires or controls on the blanket become conductors of electricity, making contact extremely hazardous.

To avoid shock hazards:

• Never use electric blankets near water or allow them to get wet. Keep away from bathtubs and sinks.
• Turn blanket off and unplug immediately if it does get wet. Do not touch it or use until completely dry.
• Never sleep with an electric blanket turned on. Turn off before going to bed.
• Do not wash an electric blanket or immerse it in water unless the manufacturer says you can. Follow all cleaning instructions.
• Check for damage before each use. Discard if cords or controls are damaged or emit any sparks.

With proper precautions, electric blankets can be used safely. But wetness greatly amplifies the shock hazard.

Fire Risks with Electric Blankets

While the overall risk is low, electric blankets can pose a fire hazard in certain situations:

• If damaged or malfunctioning – look for scorch marks, fraying, bare wires. Discard any blankets with such issues.
• If bunched up or covered by other blankets – this can cause overheating.
• If left powered on for extended periods, especially overnight while sleeping.
• If placed under mattresses – can overheat. Always place on top of mattress.
• If damaged by pets chewing on the cords or controls.
• If used with an extension cord that doesn‘t have adequate circuit protection.
• If used on a memory foam mattress, which can conform tightly and cause overheating.

To minimize fire risks:

• Buy from reputable manufacturers like Sunbeam or Electrowarmth. Avoid no-name brands.
• Inspect frequently for damage – discard if any is found.
• Turn off when going to bed or leaving home. Don‘t leave powered on for more than 3 hours.
• Never cover or bunch the blanket when in use.
• Avoid using with pets or small children who may damage the cords.

With reasonable precautions, electric blankets pose very minimal fire risk. But following the safety guidelines is essential.

Reasons to Avoid Using Electric Blankets

While electric blankets can be cozy on chilly nights, there are some disadvantages to using them on a regular basis:

• Fire hazard – Internal wiring damaged over time can overheat and ignite bedding.
• Shock hazard – Exposed, damaged, or submerged wires greatly increase risk of electrocution.
• Higher energy bills – Electric blankets are energy intensive appliances, increasing electricity costs.
• Can get uncomfortably hot – Even on low settings, electric blankets can get excessively warm for some people.
• Not suitable for pets or young children – They may chew the cords or damage the controls.
• Require frequent replacement – Internal wires may degrade after a few years of use, necessitating buying a new one.
• May disrupt sleep – Some people find electric blankets make them too warm to sleep well.

For occasional use, electric blankets are generally safe. But regular, all-night use does pose some risks and downsides to be aware of. Other options like extra blankets, flannel sheets, or adown comforter may provide similar warmth without the concerns.

Electric Blanket Energy Usage and Cost

Yes, electric blankets can increase electricity bills, especially if used regularly or left on for extended periods. Some key facts:

• Electric blankets can draw 150-200 watts on average. Higher settings draw up to 400+ watts.
• Used for 8 hours through the night, an electric blanket may use 1.2 – 1.6 kilowatt-hours.
• At an average rate of $0.14/kWh, that‘s $0.17 to $0.22 per night of use.
• For 30 nights use over winter, a total of $5-$7 may be added to your electricity bill.

Ways to save energy and costs:

• Use a lower heat setting and preheat your bed before getting in.
• Turn off once in bed – don‘t leave on all night.
• Unplug when not in use – even turned off blankets use a tiny amount of standby power.
• Use a programmable outlet to automatically turn off at a set time.
• Compare wattages and buy a lower-watt blanket if replacing an old one.

So while convenient, electric blankets do noticeably increase energy consumption and costs. But following some simple usage tips can help minimize the impact on your monthly bill.

Removing Static from Blankets without Dryer Sheets

If your blankets come out of the dryer covered in static cling, try these tips to remove static without using dryer sheets:

• Toss a stainless steel ball (like for cocktails) into the dryer – metal dissipates static charge.
• Use dryer balls – these pliable plastic balls help reduce static cling naturally.
• Add a few ice cubes at the beginning of the dryer cycle – moisture helps minimize static.
• Use liquid fabric softener – spritz directly on blankets before drying or add to washer rinse cycle.
• Try a homemade anti-static spray: mix 1 part liquid fabric softener and 4 parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz blankets before drying.
• Move clothes to the dryer immediately after washing – leaving them sit allows static to build up.
• Use lower heat settings – high heat makes blankets prone to more static cling.

With a few adjustments to your laundry routine, you can stay static free without dryer sheets!

Using Vinegar to Reduce Static Electricity

Due to its acidic properties, vinegar is an effective and natural way to eliminate static electricity. Here are some easy ways to use vinegar:

• Add 1 cup of vinegar to the clothes washer final rinse cycle. The vinegar will help neutralize the static charge as clothes are washed.

-Pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and lightly mist any fabrics or surfaces where static cling has built up. The vinegar quickly dissipates the extra electrical charge.

• Soak small static-prone items like socks in a bowl of 1 part vinegar diluted in 2 parts water for 5-10 minutes before washing.
• Place a small bowl of vinegar near clothes dryers or forced air vents. The vinegar odor helps eliminate static charge as air circulates.
• Dampen hands with vinegar and run over static-y clothing. The vinegar transfers to the fabric to reduce cling.

Vinegar is non-toxic, natural, and inexpensive – a triple win for fighting static! It works for all kinds of materials – wool, cotton, synthetics, etc.

Leaving Electric Blankets on Overnight

It is not recommended to leave electric blankets on overnight while sleeping. Electric blankets can overheat while powered on for prolonged periods, posing a potential fire hazard or risk of overheating.

Safety risks of leaving electric blankets on all night include:

• Internal wiring may overheat and ignite bedding – most serious while you sleep.
• Blanket can overheat if bunched up under covers or improperly positioned.
• Excess heat can be unsafe for children, pets, or the elderly.
• Risk of electric shock if blanket gets wet from sweat or other moisture during the night.

To use electric blankets safely:

• Pre-warm your bed with the blanket on a high setting (with you absent) for up to 30 minutes.
• Turn down to a lower setting before getting into bed.
• Turn off completely before going to sleep.
• Never leave powered on for more than 3 hours, whether occupied or not.
• Do not allow children or pets to sleep with an electric blanket turned on.

By taking precautions, you can still enjoy the comfort of an electric blanket without the risks of all-night use.

Fires Caused by Heated Blankets

Heated blankets cause thousands of residential fires each year. According to the National Fire Protection Association:

• An estimated 10,200 home fires in 2018 involved bedding or bedroom furnishings as the first item ignited.
• 820 of these fires were tied directly to heating pads, electric blankets, and other home heating equipment.
• These blanket and heater fires resulted in 80 civilian deaths, 330 injuries, and $287 million in property damage.
• Fires peak during the winter months as blankets are used more frequently. However, they can occur at any time of year.

To prevent heated blanket fires:

• Never leave on unattended for more than 3 hours.
• Always turn off before going to sleep.
• Do not cover or bunch the blanket when in use.
• Replace any blanket showing damage, fraying, scorch marks or bare wires.
• Keep blankets away from children and pets who could chew on or damage them.

Exercise caution when using any type of electric bedding or blanket to minimize fire risks in the home.

Using Aluminum Foil to Reduce Static

To combat static cling in the dryer, try tossing in a sheet of aluminum foil. Aluminum is conductive and actually helps dissipate the static charge as clothes tumble around it.

Steps to use aluminum foil:

• Place a large piece of foil in the dryer drum before adding clothes.
• To prevent shredding, put the foil inside a sock or other cloth bag and tie closed.
• Run as normal. The foil will help draw out static charge from clothes as they dry.
• Remove foil after drying cycle finishes and discard. Use new foil sheet each time.
• Avoid direct contact between foil and the heating element to prevent any risk of electrical issues.

The aluminum foil attracts the static charge and provides a conductive pathway for it to dissipate safely. Just be sure to contain it properly so it doesn‘t shred into tiny bits over time.

Tumble Drying Electric Blankets

It is not safe to tumble dry electric blankets in a clothes dryer. The dryer‘s agitation and high heat can damage the wiring inside the blanket, creating potential fire and shock hazards.

Instead, only air dry electric blankets:

• Hang large blankets over two clotheslines or drying racks to support the weight.
• Lay flat to dry on top of towels or dry bath mats to absorb moisture.
• Air dry on low or no heat settings if using an electric drying rack. High heat can damage blankets.
• Ensure blankets are fully dry before folding and storing to prevent mildew.

If washing blankets, only use the gentle/delicate cycle and cold water to protect internal wires from damage. Refer to the manufacturer‘s instructions for proper care and washing guidance.

With special care, electric blankets can remain safe and usable for many years. But tumble drying should always be avoided to prevent creating dangerous defects.