Electric Blanket - Can we return it?

[Rachel]

I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem. I
bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is excluded from
their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene reasons. Unfortunately the
blanket causes both my partner and myself to sweat and we are both waking up
in a cold damp clammy bed, very unpleasant. We took it back off and the
problem went away, put it back on and it came back. We already had a quilted
mattress protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets
plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are still sweating. I have
checked the label and it's made from cotton and model but the elasticised
skirt is nylon and I think that must where the problem lies.
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..we can't
use it..can we request a refund or do we have to lump it. BTW it's not a
cheap one, it cost £80.

Many thanks

Rachel

[Steve Walker]

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem. I
bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is
excluded from their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene reasons.
Unfortunately the blanket causes both my partner and myself to sweat
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..
we can't use it..can we request a refund

IMHO, you haven't a chance.

[Beck]

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem. I
bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is
excluded from their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene reasons.
Unfortunately the blanket causes both my partner and myself to sweat
and we are both waking up in a cold damp clammy bed, very unpleasant.
We took it back off and the problem went away, put it back on and it
came back. We already had a quilted mattress protector on the bed
anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets plus the protector as an
extra barrier but we are still sweating. I have checked the label and
it's made from cotton and model but the elasticised skirt is nylon
and I think that must where the problem lies. Anyway....because it
isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..we can't use it..can we
request a refund or do we have to lump it. BTW it's not a cheap one,
it cost £80.

Can I suggest you get yourself a timer. Set it to turn on say 30 mins
before you go to bed, then switch itself off at a set time. That way it
will meet your needs. These timers are very good, I have one at home for
another purpose and are excellent for controlling heating appliances. They
are not expensive either, can pick one up for about £5

[Rachel]

Post by Beck

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem.
I bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is
excluded from their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene reasons.
Unfortunately the blanket causes both my partner and myself to sweat
and we are both waking up in a cold damp clammy bed, very unpleasant.
We took it back off and the problem went away, put it back on and it
came back. We already had a quilted mattress protector on the bed
anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets plus the protector as an
extra barrier but we are still sweating. I have checked the label and
it's made from cotton and model but the elasticised skirt is nylon
and I think that must where the problem lies. Anyway....because it
isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..we can't use it..can we
request a refund or do we have to lump it. BTW it's not a cheap one,
it cost £80.

Can I suggest you get yourself a timer. Set it to turn on say 30 mins
before you go to bed, then switch itself off at a set time. That way
it will meet your needs. These timers are very good, I have one at
home for another purpose and are excellent for controlling heating
appliances. They are not expensive either, can pick one up for about
£5

Thank you for your suggestion but that's not the problem, it is duel
controlled with 24 hour programable timer. The problem is that it makes us
sweat, even when not switched on at all. It is the same as when I sleep on a
waterproof protector, it doesn't allow your skin to breath and it makes you
sweat, I don't normally sweat in bed (unless I have flu). Imagine sleeping
on vinyl.

[The Todal]

Post by Rachel

Post by Beck

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem.
I bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is
excluded from their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene reasons.
Unfortunately the blanket causes both my partner and myself to sweat
and we are both waking up in a cold damp clammy bed, very unpleasant.
We took it back off and the problem went away, put it back on and it
came back. We already had a quilted mattress protector on the bed
anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets plus the protector as an
extra barrier but we are still sweating. I have checked the label and
it's made from cotton and model but the elasticised skirt is nylon
and I think that must where the problem lies. Anyway....because it
isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..we can't use it..can we
request a refund or do we have to lump it. BTW it's not a cheap one,
it cost £80.

Can I suggest you get yourself a timer. Set it to turn on say 30 mins
before you go to bed, then switch itself off at a set time. That way
it will meet your needs. These timers are very good, I have one at
home for another purpose and are excellent for controlling heating
appliances. They are not expensive either, can pick one up for about
£5

Thank you for your suggestion but that's not the problem, it is duel
controlled with 24 hour programable timer. The problem is that it makes us
sweat, even when not switched on at all. It is the same as when I sleep on a
waterproof protector, it doesn't allow your skin to breath and it makes you
sweat, I don't normally sweat in bed (unless I have flu). Imagine sleeping
on vinyl.

You could approach the manufacturer for confirmation that the thing *is*
made of natural fibres rather than synthetic. It could perhaps be a
labelling error. But it seems a bit of a mystery if it still causes problems
when you use bath sheets and a mattress protector, all cotton. After all,
the surface of the mattress is likely to be synthetic. So long as there is a
barrier of cotton you ought not to have this discomfort.

Maybe you've both had some illness like flu, which causes sweating? No,
you'd have ruled that out...

[Rachel]

Post by The Todal

Post by Rachel

Post by Beck

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following
problem.
I bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is
excluded from their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene
reasons. Unfortunately the blanket causes both my partner and
myself to sweat and we are both waking up in a cold damp clammy
bed, very unpleasant. We took it back off and the problem went
away, put it back on and it came back. We already had a quilted
mattress protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick
bath sheets plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are
still sweating. I have checked the label and it's made from cotton
and model but the elasticised skirt is nylon
and I think that must where the problem lies. Anyway....because it
isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..we can't use it..can we
request a refund or do we have to lump it. BTW it's not a cheap
one, it cost £80.

Can I suggest you get yourself a timer. Set it to turn on say 30
mins before you go to bed, then switch itself off at a set time.
That way it will meet your needs. These timers are very good, I
have one at home for another purpose and are excellent for
controlling heating appliances. They are not expensive either, can
pick one up for about
£5

Thank you for your suggestion but that's not the problem, it is duel
controlled with 24 hour programable timer. The problem is that it
makes us sweat, even when not switched on at all. It is the same as
when I sleep on a waterproof protector, it doesn't allow your skin
to breath and it makes you sweat, I don't normally sweat in bed
(unless I have flu). Imagine sleeping on vinyl.

You could approach the manufacturer for confirmation that the thing
*is* made of natural fibres rather than synthetic. It could perhaps
be a labelling error. But it seems a bit of a mystery if it still
causes problems when you use bath sheets and a mattress protector,
all cotton. After all, the surface of the mattress is likely to be
synthetic. So long as there is a barrier of cotton you ought not to
have this discomfort.
Maybe you've both had some illness like flu, which causes sweating?
No, you'd have ruled that out...

Thank you for your comments, I did try ringing the service line this evening
but they were closed, I will try again in the morning. I was going to ask if
the skirt material runs through the blanket or just egdes it. I hadn't
though of a labeling error though, I will confirm that too. My old blanket
is acrylic and polyester and never gave me these problems. If it were just
me I'd say it was just tough luck but the boyfriend is suffering too.

As it happens I do have flu like symptoms at the moment but I've only had
them since Mon evening, this problem has been from day one 3 or 4 weeks ago.

[Beck]

Post by Rachel

Post by Beck

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem.
I bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is
excluded from their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene
reasons. Unfortunately the blanket causes both my partner and
myself to sweat and we are both waking up in a cold damp clammy
bed, very unpleasant. We took it back off and the problem went
away, put it back on and it came back. We already had a quilted
mattress protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath
sheets plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are still
sweating. I have checked the label and it's made from cotton and
model but the elasticised skirt is nylon and I think that must
where the problem lies. Anyway....because it isn't serving the
purpose we bought it for..we can't use it..can we request a refund
or do we have to lump it. BTW it's not a cheap one, it cost £80.

Can I suggest you get yourself a timer. Set it to turn on say 30
mins before you go to bed, then switch itself off at a set time.
That way it will meet your needs. These timers are very good, I
have one at home for another purpose and are excellent for
controlling heating appliances. They are not expensive either, can
pick one up for about £5

Thank you for your suggestion but that's not the problem, it is duel
controlled with 24 hour programable timer. The problem is that it
makes us sweat, even when not switched on at all. It is the same as
when I sleep on a waterproof protector, it doesn't allow your skin to
breath and it makes you sweat, I don't normally sweat in bed (unless
I have flu). Imagine sleeping on vinyl.

Do you have it switched on while you are in bed? I dont think you are
supposed to.
It may be a faulty thermostat. My suggestion would be to take it back,
explain the problem and they can exchange it for a new one.

[Mark]

Post by Rachel
I don't normally sweat in bed (unless I have flu).

Well in that case I think it's a new partner you need, not a new electric
blanket :)

[Rachel]

Post by Mark

Post by Rachel
I don't normally sweat in bed (unless I have flu).

Well in that case I think it's a new partner you need, not a new
electric blanket :)

Cheeky bugger! :)

[bigbrian]

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem. I
bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is excluded from
their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene reasons. Unfortunately the
blanket causes both my partner and myself to sweat and we are both waking up
in a cold damp clammy bed, very unpleasant. We took it back off and the
problem went away, put it back on and it came back. We already had a quilted
mattress protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets
plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are still sweating. I have
checked the label and it's made from cotton and model but the elasticised
skirt is nylon and I think that must where the problem lies.
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..we can't
use it..can we request a refund or do we have to lump it.

They're under no obligation to take it back unless its faulty, which
it doesn't sound like it is. It should be fit for the purpose sold,
which it is - this is not the same as serving hte purpose for which it
was bought

If the problem is persisting even if you cover the blanket with
something else so its not against you skin ((which it certainly
shouldn't be anyway), I assume the sweating is caused by the heat of
the blanket and not a reaction to the material?

In principle, electric blankets are supposed to be used before you get
into the bed and *not* during, for safety reasons if nothing else

Post by Rachel
BTW it's not cheap one, it cost £80.

Unless you can either play on their goodwill, or demonstrate that, for
example the thermostat is defective and the blanket is operating at
too high a temperature, I don;t think you've got much of a chance

IANAL

Brian

[l***@uk2.net]

Post by bigbrian
In principle, electric blankets are supposed to be used before you get
into the bed and *not* during, for safety reasons if nothing else

Many electric blankets are specifically designed to be left on a low
heat overnight.

[Rachel]

Post by bigbrian

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem.
I bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is
excluded from their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene
reasons. Unfortunately the blanket causes both my partner and myself
to sweat and we are both waking up in a cold damp clammy bed, very
unpleasant. We took it back off and the problem went away, put it
back on and it came back. We already had a quilted mattress
protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets
plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are still sweating. I
have checked the label and it's made from cotton and model but the
elasticised skirt is nylon and I think that must where the problem
lies. Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it
for..we can't use it..can we request a refund or do we have to lump
it.

They're under no obligation to take it back unless its faulty, which
it doesn't sound like it is. It should be fit for the purpose sold,
which it is - this is not the same as serving hte purpose for which it
was bought
If the problem is persisting even if you cover the blanket with
something else so its not against you skin ((which it certainly
shouldn't be anyway), I assume the sweating is caused by the heat of
the blanket and not a reaction to the material?

No it's not against out skin, at the very least it would be under a sheet
but we have had it under a quilted protector (not waterproof) and a sheet
and under thick bath sheets, the protector and the sheet....and not switched
on!

Post by bigbrian
In principle, electric blankets are supposed to be used before you get
into the bed and *not* during, for safety reasons if nothing else

This blanket is designed for all night use as are all Argos electric
blankets. This one has six settings, you must only use 1 to 3 for all night
use. We only use a blanket for pre-heating anyway.

Post by bigbrian

Post by Rachel
BTW it's not cheap one, it cost £80.

Unless you can either play on their goodwill, or demonstrate that, for
example the thermostat is defective and the blanket is operating at
too high a temperature, I don;t think you've got much of a chance

Thank you for your comments, we will try their goodwill, we are very happy
with the way the blanket works, it heats the bed up a treat, even through
towels and mattress protectors but it's like sleeping on vinyl.

[Colin Wilson]

Post by Rachel
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..

IANAL

It sounds to me like it works.

If you`ve tried towels etc to "isolate" yourselves from it, how does the
"nylon skirt" cause you a problem ?

Have you got the heat setting too high for your own comfort ?

This has to be a troll :-} (and I replied ?!?!?)

[Rachel]

Post by Colin Wilson

Post by Rachel
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..

IANAL
It sounds to me like it works.

It does, very well in fact as stated in another reply.

Post by Colin Wilson
If you`ve tried towels etc to "isolate" yourselves from it, how does
the "nylon skirt" cause you a problem ?

Well I'm assuming that the nylon runs through the blanket rather than just
being stitched onto the egdes and nylon being a horrible material is causing
us to sweat. It is a fleecy blanket which I've never used before and I did
wonder if that was the problem but it's made from cotton and modal which are
nateral fibres.

Post by Colin Wilson
Have you got the heat setting too high for your own comfort ?

No, this is happening when the blanket isn't in use.

Post by Colin Wilson
This has to be a troll :-} (and I replied ?!?!?)

I can assure you I'm not a troll, just unhappy that I bought the most
expensive, most luxury blanket that Argos had to offer and that it works
perfectly but we can't use it as it makes us sweat...even when not in use.

[Beck]

Post by Rachel

Post by Colin Wilson

Post by Rachel
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..

IANAL
It sounds to me like it works.

It does, very well in fact as stated in another reply.

Or maybe it works TOO well? Cold be a thermostat problem, in which case you
have grounds for replacment or refund

[Rachel]

Post by Beck

Post by Rachel

Post by Colin Wilson

Post by Rachel
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..

IANAL
It sounds to me like it works.

It does, very well in fact as stated in another reply.

Or maybe it works TOO well? Cold be a thermostat problem, in which
case you have grounds for replacment or refund

I would say that you have a very good point except that on several occasions
it's not switched on, unless you think it could be turning itself on?

Tonight I will try fitting it again but leave it unplugged and wait and
see..although at the moment I do have the flu so that won't work, not for me
anyway...boyfriend could report back though.

[Beck]

Post by Rachel

Post by Beck

Post by Rachel

Post by Colin Wilson

Post by Rachel
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..

IANAL
It sounds to me like it works.

It does, very well in fact as stated in another reply.

Or maybe it works TOO well? Cold be a thermostat problem, in which
case you have grounds for replacment or refund

I would say that you have a very good point except that on several
occasions it's not switched on, unless you think it could be turning
itself on?
Tonight I will try fitting it again but leave it unplugged and wait
and see..although at the moment I do have the flu so that won't work,
not for me anyway...boyfriend could report back though.

You have flu? Well that could be why you are sweating under the blanket
It is possible that it is turning itself on. But its also possible it is
getting too hot.

[Rachel]

Post by Beck

Post by Rachel

Post by Beck

Post by Rachel

Post by Colin Wilson

Post by Rachel
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..

IANAL
It sounds to me like it works.

It does, very well in fact as stated in another reply.

Or maybe it works TOO well? Cold be a thermostat problem, in which
case you have grounds for replacment or refund

I would say that you have a very good point except that on several
occasions it's not switched on, unless you think it could be turning
itself on?
Tonight I will try fitting it again but leave it unplugged and wait
and see..although at the moment I do have the flu so that won't work,
not for me anyway...boyfriend could report back though.

You have flu? Well that could be why you are sweating under the
blanket It is possible that it is turning itself on. But its also
possible it is getting too hot.

Yes I have the flu/chest infection but I didn't have it 3 weeks ago. To be
honest I don't think there is anything wrong with the controls as there are
two of them and both would have to be faulty. Also because we only use for
pre-heat it is left on the highest setting and if it came on we would know
about it, it gets very warm on number 6 which is why you mustn't use it for
all night use on that setting. We are not getting too hot, it's more the
opposite really, we are ending up in a cold damp clammy bed, gross I know.

[Cynic]

Post by Rachel
Yes I have the flu/chest infection but I didn't have it 3 weeks ago. To be
honest I don't think there is anything wrong with the controls as there are
two of them and both would have to be faulty.

A friend of mine had a dual-control electric blanket. The controls
became mixed up. Feeling a bit cold, he turned up his half of the
blanket. This caused his wife to become too hot, and so she turned
down her half - etc.


Well *I* thought it was funny!

[Take a Walk]

Post by Cynic

Post by Rachel
Yes I have the flu/chest infection but I didn't have it 3 weeks ago. To be
honest I don't think there is anything wrong with the controls as there are
two of them and both would have to be faulty.

A friend of mine had a dual-control electric blanket. The controls
became mixed up. Feeling a bit cold, he turned up his half of the
blanket. This caused his wife to become too hot, and so she turned
down her half - etc.
Well *I* thought it was funny!

Reminds me of the first heated seats I had in a car.
Put the passenger side on whist driving home from a date with a girl was
like foreplay - they arrived home all .....
oh legal group, story stopped on legal advice!

[Take a Walk]

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem. I
bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is excluded from
their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene reasons. Unfortunately the
blanket causes both my partner and myself to sweat and we are both waking up
in a cold damp clammy bed, very unpleasant. We took it back off and the
problem went away, put it back on and it came back. We already had a quilted
mattress protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets
plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are still sweating. I have
checked the label and it's made from cotton and model but the elasticised
skirt is nylon and I think that must where the problem lies.
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..we can't
use it..can we request a refund or do we have to lump it. BTW it's not a
cheap one, it cost £80.
Many thanks
Rachel

Mmm, how about putting it beneath the mattress (sounds like a stupid idea
but bear with me) - on a higher heat and put on sooner than normal - the
heat WILL percolate up thru the mattress and give the desired effect -
taking the chill out of the bed.

Thus you will still be sleeping on your usual and non-sweat-causing
mattress and covers.

[n***@email.com]

Post by Take a Walk
Mmm, how about putting it beneath the mattress (sounds like a stupid idea
but bear with me)

<snip>

Hot water bottles.

QED.

[Rachel]

Post by Take a Walk

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem.
I bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is
excluded from their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene
reasons. Unfortunately the blanket causes both my partner and myself
to sweat and we are both waking up in a cold damp clammy bed, very
unpleasant. We took it back off and the problem went away, put it
back on and it came back. We already had a quilted mattress
protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets
plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are still sweating. I
have checked the label and it's made from cotton and model but the
elasticised skirt is nylon and I think that must where the problem
lies. Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it
for..we can't use it..can we request a refund or do we have to lump
it. BTW it's not a cheap one, it cost £80.
Many thanks
Rachel

Mmm, how about putting it beneath the mattress (sounds like a stupid idea
but bear with me) - on a higher heat and put on sooner than normal - the
heat WILL percolate up thru the mattress and give the desired effect -
taking the chill out of the bed.
Thus you will still be sleeping on your usual and non-sweat-causing
mattress and covers.

That's not such a daft idea and I have thought of it myself, one night we
just plugged it in and left it under the duvet and then dumped it on the
floor before getting into bed, it had the desired effect, a warm bed but
surely this brings me back to my orignal point, do you have to go to such
lengths to be able to get some use out of a blanket designed to heat your
bed, or is not fit for the purpose intended.

I guess you all think I'm barmy and right now I feel it but I'm genuinely
upset about not being able to use my deluxe blanket!

[Chris Street]

Post by Take a Walk

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem. I
bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is excluded from
their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene reasons. Unfortunately the
blanket causes both my partner and myself to sweat and we are both waking up
in a cold damp clammy bed, very unpleasant. We took it back off and the
problem went away, put it back on and it came back. We already had a quilted
mattress protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets
plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are still sweating. I have
checked the label and it's made from cotton and model but the elasticised
skirt is nylon and I think that must where the problem lies.
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..we can't
use it..can we request a refund or do we have to lump it. BTW it's not a
cheap one, it cost £80.
Many thanks
Rachel

Mmm, how about putting it beneath the mattress (sounds like a stupid idea
but bear with me) - on a higher heat and put on sooner than normal - the
heat WILL percolate up thru the mattress and give the desired effect -
taking the chill out of the bed.

This is exactly what my late grandmother used to do with hers. The only
advice is to make sure that you don't have any broken springs that can
dig into the blanket - she ended up with a shorted blanket which used to
mysteriously blow fuses until I figured out what the problem was. (it
fails safe - the heating elements are fairly low voltages.)

Post by Take a Walk
Thus you will still be sleeping on your usual and non-sweat-causing
mattress and covers.

[bigbrian]

Post by Take a Walk

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem. I
bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is excluded from
their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene reasons. Unfortunately the
blanket causes both my partner and myself to sweat and we are both waking up
in a cold damp clammy bed, very unpleasant. We took it back off and the
problem went away, put it back on and it came back. We already had a quilted
mattress protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets
plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are still sweating. I have
checked the label and it's made from cotton and model but the elasticised
skirt is nylon and I think that must where the problem lies.
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..we can't
use it..can we request a refund or do we have to lump it. BTW it's not a
cheap one, it cost £80.
Many thanks
Rachel

Mmm, how about putting it beneath the mattress (sounds like a stupid idea
but bear with me) - on a higher heat and put on sooner than normal - the
heat WILL percolate up thru the mattress and give the desired effect -
taking the chill out of the bed.
Thus you will still be sleeping on your usual and non-sweat-causing
mattress and covers.

Unless she has a water bed, in which case she'll poach to death :-)

Brian

[Paul Burridge]

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem. I
bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is excluded from
their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene reasons. Unfortunately the
blanket causes both my partner and myself to sweat and we are both waking up
in a cold damp clammy bed, very unpleasant. We took it back off and the
problem went away, put it back on and it came back. We already had a quilted
mattress protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets
plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are still sweating. I have
checked the label and it's made from cotton and model but the elasticised
skirt is nylon and I think that must where the problem lies.
Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it for..we can't
use it..can we request a refund or do we have to lump it. BTW it's not a
cheap one, it cost £80.

Good consumer law question. We don't get too many of those on this
newsgroup!

<faint>

[Rachel]

Post by Paul Burridge

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem.
I bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is
excluded from their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene
reasons. Unfortunately the blanket causes both my partner and myself
to sweat and we are both waking up in a cold damp clammy bed, very
unpleasant. We took it back off and the problem went away, put it
back on and it came back. We already had a quilted mattress
protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets
plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are still sweating. I
have checked the label and it's made from cotton and model but the
elasticised skirt is nylon and I think that must where the problem
lies. Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it
for..we can't use it..can we request a refund or do we have to lump
it. BTW it's not a cheap one, it cost £80.

Good consumer law question. We don't get too many of those on this
newsgroup!
<faint>

Yes I know it's a common question but I feel this is different because the
blanket does work, it's just that it makes me and my boyfriend sweat when
the blanket ISN'T SWITCHED ON, ON EITHER SIDE. I don't know if this is just
a problem with us or if others may experince that same thing..would it make
a difference? Should I lend the damm thing out to friends and ask them if it
makes them sweat? At the moment we are trying the rather absurd thing of
having it under the mattress which to be honest is probably a saftey issue
as the instructions say not to place items such as a suitcase on the bed and
here we have the weight of a heavy mattress on it. I guess the concensus is
that we are stuck with it?

[CapStick]

What a palaver
This is easy.

Argos are always helpful.
All you do is go into Argos and say
"I am Unhappy with this electric Blanket,
when its been on for X length of time i can smell singeing or burning
smell".

They will either offer you a refund or alternative goods

If they ask if you would like it exchanged for same product
Say No i am not happy with the safety aspect of that make.


Buyer "Learn To Lie"

Retailers Do It All Day Long.


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.541 / Virus Database: 335 - Release Date: 15/11/2003

[Paul Burridge]

Post by Rachel
Yes I know it's a common question but I feel this is different

I wasn't being sarcastic! It *is* an interesting point that raises
some pertinent legal questions.
Not that this will help you with the legal side of it, but you really
*mustn't* place that blanket beneath the mattress whatever you do.
With any electric appliance - but especially these - it's important to
follow the manufacturer's instructions.

[Cynic]

Post by Rachel

Post by Paul Burridge
Good consumer law question. We don't get too many of those on this
newsgroup!
<faint>

Yes I know it's a common question but I feel this is different because the
blanket does work, it's just that it makes me and my boyfriend sweat when
the blanket ISN'T SWITCHED ON, ON EITHER SIDE.

I don't think that Paul was being sarcastic - it does raise an
interesting point.

Let's assume that the blanket is made of a material that would cause
everyone, or at least most people who use it to be uncomfortable.
Could it them be said to be "fit for purpose"? I would say not, but
IANAL.

OTOH, if it was made of a material that only caused, say, 5% of the
population to become uncomfortable, would it *then* be fit for
purpose? 0.5%? 1 person in 10000?

At present you have no idea whether you happen to be two people who
both have a relatively uncommon allergy or other reaction to the
material, or whether the blanket would be uncomfortable to the
majority of people. Perhaps it *would* be a good idea to lend it to
some friends to try in order to determine whether there is a design
flaw.

I doubt that a product could be returned on the grounds that it
produces an uncommon allergic reaction in the buyer that nobody could
have foreseen, but if the product would be unsuitable for a
substantial proportion of the population, then ISTM that it would be
returnable as being unfit for the purpose it was sold. But IANAL.

[half_pint]

Post by Rachel

Post by Paul Burridge

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem.
I bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is
excluded from their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene
reasons. Unfortunately the blanket causes both my partner and myself
to sweat and we are both waking up in a cold damp clammy bed, very
unpleasant. We took it back off and the problem went away, put it
back on and it came back. We already had a quilted mattress
protector on the bed anyway but then we tried 2 thick bath sheets
plus the protector as an extra barrier but we are still sweating. I
have checked the label and it's made from cotton and model but the
elasticised skirt is nylon and I think that must where the problem
lies. Anyway....because it isn't serving the purpose we bought it
for..we can't use it..can we request a refund or do we have to lump
it. BTW it's not a cheap one, it cost £80.

Good consumer law question. We don't get too many of those on this
newsgroup!
<faint>

Yes I know it's a common question but I feel this is different because the
blanket does work, it's just that it makes me and my boyfriend sweat when
the blanket ISN'T SWITCHED ON, ON EITHER SIDE. I don't know if this is just
a problem with us or if others may experince that same thing..would it make
a difference? Should I lend the damm thing out to friends and ask them if it
makes them sweat? At the moment we are trying the rather absurd thing of
having it under the mattress which to be honest is probably a saftey issue
as the instructions say not to place items such as a suitcase on the bed and
here we have the weight of a heavy mattress on it. I guess the concensus is
that we are stuck with it?

What are you getting up to to work up such a sweat?

half_pint

[Paul Burridge]

Post by half_pint
What are you getting up to to work up such a sweat?

I'm so sorry. He's from Barcelona.

[Here Kitty Kitty]

Post by Paul Burridge

Post by half_pint
What are you getting up to to work up such a sweat?

I'm so sorry. He's from Barcelona.
--

Iss no rat. Iss Siberian Hamster. Last one in shop.

[Hywel Jenkins]

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem. I
bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is excluded from
their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene reasons. Unfortunately the
blanket causes both my partner and myself to sweat

Switch it off, yer numpty.

[Rachel]

Post by Hywel Jenkins

Post by Rachel
I hope someone can give my a little advice on the following problem.
I bought an electric blanket from Argos about a month ago, it is
excluded from their 16 day guarantee due to I assume hygiene
reasons. Unfortunately the blanket causes both my partner and myself
to sweat

Switch it off, yer numpty.

Yes, I understand that perhaps I didn't make myself clear in my orignal post
but you will find if you read any of my follow up posts that it *is*
switched off.