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Original poster

Leaving the tumble dryer/washing machine on when going out

329 replies

DustyLee123 · 19/05/2024 07:46

I came home the other day to find that DH had left the tumbler/washing machine on and gone out for 30 minutes or so.
It makes me so mad that the house could have burned down due to his laziness, yet I get looked at like I’m nagging.
And we both know a couple whose garage went on fire due to the tumbler being left on.

YABU - stop nagging and be grateful he did some washing.
YANBU - everyone knows you don’t go out and leave the tumble dryer on.

OP posts:
Choice4567 · 19/05/2024 08:09

I agree with turning the tumble dryer off. But seriously how do any of you have clean clothes or dishes if you have to be home for them to be on?

RatATatTatty · 19/05/2024 08:09

Washing machine - yes I do leave in. Tumble drier - never would.

qwertyqwertyqwertyqwerty · 19/05/2024 08:08

I'm surprised by the answers on here, it's been advice for a long time not to leave the WM on when out or in bed.

Rocknrollstar · 19/05/2024 08:08

Years ago I put the washing machine on when I went to bed and it ‘washed’ all night. All the towels were reduced to shreds. We also had a machine that emptied on the floor overnight. all machines are off when we go out/ go to bed.

KatyaKabanova · 19/05/2024 08:07

I'm with pp, I wouldn't go out and leave any of those appliances on - particularly not a tumble dryer.

KatyaKabanova · 19/05/2024 08:06

StarlightLady · 19/05/2024 08:03

I leave the washing machine on when l go out (‘don't have a tumble dryer), if the house is going to burn down, l’d prefer it to happen when l’m not in it!

I don't think those are the only two options!

StarlightLady · 19/05/2024 08:03

I leave the washing machine on when l go out (‘don't have a tumble dryer), if the house is going to burn down, l’d prefer it to happen when l’m not in it!

ErnestCelendine · 19/05/2024 08:02

None on overnight
Washing machine and dishwasher left on if out
Dishwasher only on if in

isthesolution · 19/05/2024 07:59

Same as above - I'd never get my washing done if I didn't leave the machine on when I was out.

I don't have a tumble dryer.

I can't imagine having the time / organisation to ensure that I'd be home for the entire cycle. We do one load of washing a day.

Mindymomo · 19/05/2024 07:59

My best friend from school burnt down her house by leaving tumble dryer on and going out. I leave washing machine on, but DH says to never go out when dishwasher is on.

anon2022anon · 19/05/2024 07:58

Well to be honest, I don't stay in the same room as any appliance while it is on (just get on with my day, both in and out the house), and if my house is going to burn down, I'd much rather I wasn't in it. So I don't turn it on while going to bed, but I do put it on while I go out. I honestly wouldn't have an idea if it was on fire and I was in a different room until the fire alarm went off more than likely.

DinnaeFashYersel · 19/05/2024 07:58

I leave them on and go out all the time.

We'd never have clean clothes otherwise

Original poster
DustyLee123 · 19/05/2024 07:58

Sorry, mine are separate washer and dryer, so he could have just stopped the dryer while out.

OP posts:
Yellowhammer09 · 19/05/2024 07:57

I've recently stopped leaving the tumble dryer on whilst we are sleeping or out. Dishwasher and washing machine are fine, but I could do without a house fire tbh

ChaosAndCrumbs · 19/05/2024 07:56

MyOtherCarisAVauxhallZafira · 19/05/2024 07:49

I would never get our washing done if I only used the washing machine when we were at home and awake.

This.

Currently only have space for a washer-dryer and cycles take a long time. I appreciate you’ve had a very negative experience and that will have given you strong feelings about it, but we personally wouldn’t have clothes ready if I didn’t leave it on.

taxguru · 19/05/2024 07:56

A washing machine or dishwasher is absolutely fine, very low risk.

A drier or a combo washer/drier is very high fire risk. The only times we've had fire engines on our road over the 25+ years we've lived here are two occasions when different neighbours left their drier or combo washer/drier unattended and caught fire, ruining their kitchens.

JosiePosey · 19/05/2024 07:55

I'd leave a washing machine on bit not a tumble dryer.

Dearg · 19/05/2024 07:54

My new tumble dryer started smoking in the first month of use. It was a decent German make. Luckily I was in at the time and able to cut the power. It was an electrical short and melted the plug and socket.

So no, I would never leave the tumble dryer on while in bed or out. Washing machine and dishwasher might be on overnight, or while out, but not if the dogs are home alone. Don’t entirely trust them either.

qwertyqwertyqwertyqwerty · 19/05/2024 07:54

YANBU. Advice from the fire service is never leave the washing machine or tumble dryer running when you are out, they are the cause of a great many house fires.

itsgoingtobeabumpyride · 19/05/2024 07:53

YANBU
I have a separate washing machine and tumbler, I leave the washing machine on but never the tumbler.
Dsis left hers on and went to bed and it caught on fire, the smoke alarm went off thankfully.
I thought everyone knew that they were a fire risk, I was really surprised that dsis didn't.

Original poster
DustyLee123 · 19/05/2024 07:53

The couple I know went to bed and left the tumble dryer on in the garage. They awoke to the garage ablaze, and a neighbour banging on their door.
That’s why I won’t leave it on when I go out, and I don’t see why our home should be put at risk by him when he knows what can happen.

OP posts:
minimo15 · 19/05/2024 07:52

Washing Machine & Dishwasher yes, Tumble Dryer no.

Wowthislife · 19/05/2024 07:51

My tumble dryer caught fire , the firemen who turned up said never leave washing machine or tumble dryer on either overnight or when you go out .

Nyland · 19/05/2024 07:51

I never go out with the tumble dryer on but often leave the washing machine / dishwasher on.

Setyoufree · 19/05/2024 07:51

I always leave the washing machine and dishwasher on when I go out, nothing would ever get cleaned otherwise. I do switch off the tumble drier though.

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