A fire blanket is made of fire-resistant materials that can quickly extinguish small fires,  including grease fires and pit fires. You can also use a fire blanket to save someone on fire, especially when they can't stop, drop, and roll. 

As much as we want fire blankets to last forever, they don’t. Like any fire safety tool, fire blankets are prone to wear and tear. So, how many times can you use a fire blanket before replacing it? Find out below. 

Factors Affecting a Fire Blanket’s Lifespan

A fire blanket’s lifespan depends on many factors, including the quality of the materials used, how it’s stored, and how you care for it. Let’s take a look at factors affecting a fire blanket’s lifespan below: 

Quality

The quality of materials used determines how long a fire blanket lasts. 

Fire blankets made of high-quality materials withstand more extreme conditions and last longer. On the other hand, fire blankets made of low-quality materials only withstand lower temperatures and degrade faster.

For instance, durable materials like fiberglass and aramid fibers can resist high temperatures. If your fire blanket is made of these tough, fire-resistant materials, it can do its job and put out a fire quickly. But if your fire blanket is made of inferior materials that didn’t pass safety tests, it won’t hold up well under heat. This leaves you unprotected and in danger during fire emergencies. 

Usage

How you use a fire blanket affects its lifespan. When you use a fire blanket, its materials get exposed to heat and flames. While fire blankets are designed to withstand extreme heat and flames, they are not perfect.

Heat causes your fire blanket materials to degrade over time. The higher the heat, the more the materials degrade. In particular, the fibers undergo thermal degradation, which breaks down their molecular structure. As a result, their ability to resist high temperatures decreases. Repeated use also accelerates the degradation, making fire blankets less effective. 

For these reasons, most manufacturers don’t recommend using fire blankets multiple times. However, some fire blankets are designed for reuse, like the Emergency Fire Blanket and Hero Fire Blanket. You can store and use them again if they’re not damaged after use. Just wipe the fire blanket gently, fold it, and put it back in its pouch.

Prepared Hero's Emergency Fire Blanket and Hero Fire Blanket are made of interwoven fiberglass layers that can withstand even the hottest of fires. High-quality fiberglass is also less prone to degradation compared to other materials, so fire blankets made of it can be reused.

While Prepared Hero lets you reuse its fire blankets (given there’s no damage after use), other brands might not. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to make sure your fire blanket works when needed. 

Storage

How you store your fire blanket also affects how long it lasts. Proper storage helps prevent your blanket from getting damaged and makes it easy to access during emergencies. 

For example, storing your fire blanket in a tight space with a heavy object on top causes stress on the fabric. Over time, these stress points can lead to tears or brittleness. 

Additionally, your fire blanket should be in a spot that’s easy to access in an emergency. We recommend putting one on your kitchen wall using a fire blanket hook. If it’s buried under other items or placed in a hard-to-see spot, you will struggle to get it quickly when needed. By storing your fire blanket properly, you keep it in top shape and make sure it will work as intended during an emergency. Check out our guide to learn more about storing your fire blanket.

Exposure

Exposing your fire blanket to the elements can affect its lifespan. Aside from fire, elements like moisture and sunlight degrade the fabric over time.

Let’s take a wet fire blanket as an example. If you store your fire blanket under the sink and it gets wet without you noticing, the moisture can weaken the fabric. Mold and mildew will accumulate on it, making it less effective. 

Sunlight is another concern. If you leave your fire blanket out in the sun for too long, UV rays can cause your fire blanket to become brittle. This brittleness reduces the blanket’s fire resistance, making it less reliable. 

Keep your fire blanket in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and chemicals. Doing so helps ensure your fire blanket stays strong and ready when you need it most.

Maintenance

Many people don’t realize this, but how you take care of your fire blanket determines how long it will last. 

For starters, most fire blankets don’t require much maintenance. Most of the time, wiping it is enough. Experts also recommend not using harsh cleaners because they might damage the material. Remember, always check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing anything. 

Regularly check for any signs of damage as well. If you spot any issues, it’s better to replace the blanket than risk using a damaged one.

Do Fire Blankets Expire? 

Fire blankets do not expire. They don’t have fixed expiration dates but don’t last forever. Eventually, moisture, direct sunlight, dust, and wear and tear will make them less reliable.

For these reasons, manufacturers set guidelines about how long their fire blankets can last and how to take care of them. To learn more about fire blanket expiration, check out our “Do Fire Blankets Expire?” article here. 

How Long Does a Fire Blanket Last? 

How long a fire blanket lasts depends on many factors, including the quality of materials, how it’s stored, and how you take care of it. In general, a fire blanket can last up to seven years if it’s maintained properly and not damaged. 

Fire blankets made of durable materials like fiberglass or aramid fibers usually have longer lifespans than lower-quality options. However, the blanket’s lifespan can be significantly affected by how often it’s used, what type of fire it’s used for, and how it’s stored. Frequent use or exposure to extreme conditions can make it less reliable and shorten its lifespan.

In addition, manufacturers usually set guidelines on how long their fire blankets should last and when they should be replaced. For instance, some may recommend replacing the fire blanket every five to seven years, regardless of use.

Do You Need to Replace a Fire Blanket if It Looks Undamaged?

It depends on the manufacturer. For instance, Prepared Hero offers fire blankets that you don’t need to replace if undamaged. On the other hand, some manufacturers offer single-use fire blankets, so you have to replace them even if they’re not damaged after use. 

Choosing the right fire blanket depends on your needs and budget. If you prefer to spend less in the short run and don’t mind replacing the blanket after each use, single-use options might work for you. However, be careful when going this route since many manufacturers skimp on quality for low prices. 

On the other hand, investing in a high-quality, reusable fire blanket is often a better choice. They’re more durable and economical in the long run. Plus, they’re better for the environment since they reduce waste. 

Can You Reuse a Fire Blanket?

Yes, you can reuse a fire blanket if it’s designed for multiple uses and not damaged after use. 

Thoroughly inspect your fire blanket after use to make sure you can reuse it. Check for any signs of physical damage, like tears and holes. You should also look for signs of heat damage, such as stiffness, brittleness, or discoloration. If it’s been exposed to grease, smoke, or other residues, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific care because some blankets have particular features or set lifespans. 

How Many Times Can You Reuse A Fire Blanket?

How many times you can use a fire blanket before replacing it depends on how it’s made and how it’s been used. High-quality fire blankets made of durable materials like fiberglass are usually designed for multiple uses. However, they are still subject to wear and tear, especially if they’re always exposed to extreme heat or physical stress.

You can reuse these fire blankets if they’re not damaged after use—meaning no visible damage, tears, or holes. You should also inspect them regularly to see if they can be reused. Plus, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding reuse and maintenance.

On the other hand, fire blankets designed for single use must be replaced after each use, regardless of their condition. Learn more about disposing of used fire blankets here. 

Conclusion

High-quality fire blankets made of fire-resistant materials like fiberglass can be used several times if not damaged after use. Plus, reusable fire blankets are often better choices than single-use ones. By investing in a durable fire blanket and taking good care of it, you have a reliable tool that makes a positive impact on the environment. Stay prepared, hero!