Using a Space Heater in the Bathroom

A warmer morning routine

Cold tile and a chilly bathroom make winter mornings hard, especially for older adults. Warming the bathroom for a few minutes before a shower makes the routine more comfortable.

Bathroom safety first

Water and electricity don't mix. Use an outlet well away from the sink, tub and shower, never touch the heater with wet hands, and never let it get splashed. Bathroom outlets should be GFCI-protected — the kind with Test and Reset buttons.

Plug it straight into a wall outlet — never an extension cord or power strip — and keep about 3 feet of clear space in front of it.

Use the timer

Set the timer so the heater switches off on its own after you've finished getting ready.