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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:
Vettrianofan · 19/05/2024 12:57

I do not run tumble dryer when outside. But I do briefly leave the dishwasher and washing machine running when leaving the house to do a school run. Usually load is ready before then but sometimes it isn't.

motherofawhirlwind · 19/05/2024 12:54

Nanny0gg · 19/05/2024 12:30

Because they're different??

WM can get stuck on a spin cycle and the motor will burn out

Fridges don't have moving parts

Show quote history

They have a big compressor (which has moving parts.....) that produces loads of heat, and until 2019 we're allowed to be manufactured with flammable plastic backs.

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 19/05/2024 12:50

Our washing machine once developed an electrical fault late at night, just as we were about to go to bed. I no longer leave washing machine, dishwasher or tumble drier on overnight or when we go out. The dishwasher almost caused a flood once, which was only averted because we were at home.

Nat6999 · 19/05/2024 12:45

I put my dishwasher & tumbledryer on when I go to bed but I don't go to sleep until they finish, I'm in a flat so tumble dryer is in utility room next to my bedroom & dishwasher is just across the hall in the kitchen. Anyone on economy 7 is encouraged to use appliances on a timer when electricity is at the cheaper rate.

Jellycatspyjamas · 19/05/2024 12:45

I wonder if house insurance would cover fire damage from an unattended washing machine/dryer?

Of course it would, the point of insurance is to reimburse you following a fire, flood etc. A high proportion of claims are due to human error or lack of foresight - in normal use the vast majority of appliances don’t catch fire, it’s unreasonable to expect that someone would constantly watch their washing machine or tumble drier while in use.

Auburngal · 19/05/2024 12:42

Some people put on their TD until their clothes and laundry are too dry - that’s when the fires start

fieldsofbutterflies · 19/05/2024 12:36

If they say not to leave unattended then you won't be insured if you do

I don't think that's true. You may not be able to claim off the manufacturer but most household insurance should pay out.

Nanny0gg · 19/05/2024 12:34

Also read the manufacturers info

If they say not to leave unattended then you won't be insured if you do

fieldsofbutterflies · 19/05/2024 12:33

Nanny0gg · 19/05/2024 12:30

Because they're different??

WM can get stuck on a spin cycle and the motor will burn out

Fridges don't have moving parts

Show quote history

Fridges can still short and catch fire though.

peakygold · 19/05/2024 12:32

All of the MNetters declaring they "would never have any clean clothes if I had to be at home when the washing machine/tumbler drier was working". I thought you all WFH?

Nanny0gg · 19/05/2024 12:30

motherofawhirlwind · 19/05/2024 12:26

Do you turn your fridge off overnight / when you go out??? No, then why would you worry so much about a washing machine?!?

Because they're different??

WM can get stuck on a spin cycle and the motor will burn out

Fridges don't have moving parts

Nanny0gg · 19/05/2024 12:28

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?

Use the timers so only on briefly when you're out

Nanny0gg · 19/05/2024 12:27

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.

But washing machines can get stuck on spin and burn out...

motherofawhirlwind · 19/05/2024 12:26

Do you turn your fridge off overnight / when you go out??? No, then why would you worry so much about a washing machine?!?

fieldsofbutterflies · 19/05/2024 12:17

Tospyornottospy · 19/05/2024 12:01

I genuinely didn’t know this was a thing and always leave everything running when out 😳 this has taken me down a pretty dark hole of what the hell you do if you’re home and they catch on fire. Like how do you put it out? Does everyone have a fire extinguisher?

You don't even try - ring 999 and get everyone out of the house.

NewGreenDuck · 19/05/2024 12:14

You get people and pets out & you dial 999. You don't attack the fire unless you can safely do so. Then you get your insurance to cough up for repairs. Bear in mind that your electrics might have to be checked,:water damage, smoke damage, all add up. That's even before you consider actual fire damage. That's exactly what happened to my neighbour. Better to be safe than sorry.

Tospyornottospy · 19/05/2024 12:01

I genuinely didn’t know this was a thing and always leave everything running when out 😳 this has taken me down a pretty dark hole of what the hell you do if you’re home and they catch on fire. Like how do you put it out? Does everyone have a fire extinguisher?

NoWordForFluffy · 19/05/2024 12:00

Borborygmus · 19/05/2024 11:56

I once had a washing machine inlet valve get stuck open, which meant the drum just kept filling up with water until it was full. Fortunately I spotted it happening and was able to do something about it. I guess I may have ended up with a flooded house otherwise. So I try to stay home whilst its running, just in case, though I'm aware that it's probably highly unlikely to happen again.

I don't sit and watch my washing machine, so unless I happened to spot this happening, it would flood while I was in the house.

Borborygmus · 19/05/2024 11:56

I once had a washing machine inlet valve get stuck open, which meant the drum just kept filling up with water until it was full. Fortunately I spotted it happening and was able to do something about it. I guess I may have ended up with a flooded house otherwise. So I try to stay home whilst its running, just in case, though I'm aware that it's probably highly unlikely to happen again.

Boomer55 · 19/05/2024 11:54

I never leave any of them on if I’m going out. Dryers can catch fire, washing machines and dishwashers can flood.

johnd2 · 19/05/2024 11:52

We have a deck chair in front of the washing machine and sit beside it when we do a wash just in case. We also got one of those red emergency stop mushroom buttons fitted. Can't be too careful nowadays.

In all seriousness you'd be better off getting a smoke detector with a contactor relay to cut the power, then at least you know once it starts smouldering it won't get any worse

buffyslayer · 19/05/2024 11:52

Don't have a dishwasher but no, never leave the washing machine on if I'm out

CreepyDibillo · 19/05/2024 11:51

I thought the risk was low until it happened to me. The washing machine started smoking and set on fire about halfway through a wash, it wasn't very old. Very luckily, I was at home and smelt the smoke before too much damage was done.

Auburngal · 19/05/2024 11:46

I do the washing machine when I’m out. Only use tumble drier for towels and dont go out when using it.

People need to clean their TD filters regularly. Seen one filters and they are thick

Justrolledmyeyesoutloud · 19/05/2024 11:34

I used to think nah, wouldn't happen to mr and thankfully it never did, but when l saw thick black smoke bellowing from a tumble dryer that was kept in a neighbour's shed, l decided there and then to never leave applicances eunning overnight or if l am out