Why Is My Electric Blanket Not Working: 6 EASY Steps To Fix An Electric Blanket

The reason why your electric blanket is not working is most likely due to loose connections between your electric blanket, the controller, and the outlet. You can repair an electric blanket in just 8 simple steps. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t know how to do it before!

How long do electric blankets last?

If you use electric blankets with proper care, it can last up to 5 years. ​Always check your blanket for any signs of damage, such as loose wires, fraying, or scorched marks. Make sure you stop using your blanket immediately if you notice any of these signs.

Why do electric blankets stop working?

Electric blankets stop working due to:

• Loose connections attached to the blanket, including the control panel and outlet.
• General wear and tear after 5 years of use.
• A blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
• Damage to wires inside the blanket
• Lack of grounding.
• Liquid damage to the heating, such as spilled water or coffee.

How to Fix An Electric Blanket: 6 EASY Steps to Try 

Step 1: Inspect your blanket

Look for signs of damage, such as frayed wires, scorched marks or just hot spots from the heating element. If there are scorched marks, it is a sign of overheating. Unplug the blanket from its battery and check the wiring/cable for a disconnection.

Step 2: Check all connections 

Check the connection between the cable connected to the controller. As these blankets washer-friendly, they are designed to be disconnected from the cable at the foot of the bed each time.

There’s a high chance that it may have just been disconnected or loosened. Replug the blanket and check to see if it works.

Step 3: Check the cable

Use a multimeter to test the electric blanket cable. To do this, insert one pin into the plug and then the other end into the electric blanket terminal.

If you see a reading of zero on the multimeter, then it is safe to assume that the electric blanket cable is working properly. If the reading is high, then it is a defect and you should purchase a new blanket cable to replace the old one.

Step 4: Test the outlet

Check that the electric blanket is plugged into the wall. Then, ensure that the outlet’s circuit breaker supplying power to the blanket has not been tripped. If the electric blanket still doesn’t turn on after you’ve checked that it’s plugged in, try another circuit or outlet to see if that fixes the problem.

Step 5: Reset the automatic timer

If your blanket has an automatic timer, you may need to reset it in order for it to work properly. To reset the timer, you need to turn the electric blanket control on and off several times, then cycle through all the heat settings.

If there you don’t know how to do this, refer to your electric blanket manual for specific instructions.

Step 6: Open the control unit

You should only resort to opening the control box if you are confident in doing so, safely. Open the control box with a screwdriver to check for any loose parts, blown fuses, or frayed wires.

Here is a great tutorial for fixing broken wiring in a controller.

If none of these steps work, it may be time to get a new one especially if your blanket is still under warranty! In general, faulty electric blankets can be very subtle to pick up and thus repairing the blanket may be very challenging.

It is more economical to buy a new one than to pay for professional electrician services to resolve the problem.

How to reset an electric blanket?

If your electric blanket stops working, you could try resetting it. Unplug your electric blanket from its outlet then replug it into the wall outlet. This is also used to solve blinking lights or even blankets that fail to heat up.

Cleaning the electric blanket:

Most modern electric blankets nowadays can be washed. You can wash your blanket either with a machine or hand wash. Make sure that you unplug the controller before you clean your electric blanket. Please wash your blanket according to the manufacturer’s guide. It’s important to avoid using cleaning chemicals or ironing your electric blanket.

FAQs – Common Issues With Electric Blankets

Why is my electric blanket blinking?

When your blanket is blinking, this means that it has detected an issue. This can happen when the fuse blows or the heating cables are disconnected, or other issues with your electric blanket. To try resolve this, you need to reset your blanket. See instructions above on how to do this safely.

Why is my electric blanket not heating up?

There could be a number of reasons why your electric blanket is not heating up. The most common reason is that you havent given it enough time to warm up yet. An average electric blanket takes around 30 minutes to heat up the bed fully. It may also be that your blanket is not fully plugged in or that the electric blanket is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Why does only one side of my electric blanket works?

The common reason that one side of your electric blanket does not work is due to poor electrical outlet. Make sure that the electric blanket is fully plugged into a direct outlet (wall) instead of an extension cord. If you have a dual control electric blanket, make sure that both sides are plugged in and turned on.

What can I do with an electric blanket that no longer works?

If your electric blanket is no longer working and can’t be fixed, don’t just dispose of it – recycle it! Although most electric blankets are made of synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, they can also be broken down and recycled into new products like insulation and carpet padding. Before taking the steps to dispose or recycle an electric blanket, make sure you disconnect it from all power sources first. Once that has been done, find out what type of recycling program is available within your community. If none exists for electric blankets, check if there are any curbside programs or take-back events in place that can be used to safely dispose of your old blanket.