- Brits told to check electric fans now or risk fire as temperatures soar
- Dust-build up and damaged cables could increase fire risk
- Experts warn don’t get caught out when switching from winter warmers to summer cooling gadgets
As Brits dive into their spring cleaning this bank holiday weekend, safety experts are urging people to take extra care when packing away winter warmers and bringing out summer cooling gadgets.
From electric blankets being stored away to fans returning to bedrooms and living rooms, a few simple steps could help prevent accidental electrical fires in the home.
The one common storage mistake when putting away your electric blanket
As winter bedding is packed away, households are being urged not to make one common mistake when storing away their electric blankets.
Electric blankets contain thin internal wires which can become damaged if repeatedly bent, increasing the risk of fire.
“Always roll your electric blanket, or loosely fold it, when storing it away for the spring,” Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, said. “Persistent folding puts repeated stress on the small internal wires, which can cause them to become damaged. Over time, this can increase the risk of burning or fire.”
Households are also being urged never to wash an electric blanket unless the manufacturer’s instructions confirm it is machine washable. If it is, always disconnect and remove any detachable controls before cleaning, and ensure the blanket is dry before reconnecting it.
Dry cleaning should also be avoided unless the care label explicitly states it is safe, as harsh chemicals can damage the internal wiring and heating elements.
Before storing electric blankets away, experts recommend checking for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed wires, scorch marks, or loose connections, all of which can increase the risk of a fire.
Getting your fan out? Don’t skip this step
With temperatures set to soar this week in the first signs of summer, households are being warned not to overlook one simply safety step when it comes to their fans.
Giuseppe Capanna said: “Electric fans can seem low risk, but dust build-up and damage picked up in storage can increase the risk of overheating. Check cables for any signs of wear and tear that may have occurred whilst in storage before turning it on. Always unplug your fan before cleaning and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to safely clear dust from vents and the motor.
“Avoid leaving your fan running overnight while you’re asleep and ensure it is placed on a flat surface where it cannot fall over or put the motor under stress. Following these few easy steps will ensure you stay cool safely this summer.”