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Original poster

Our washing machine almost caught fire

37 replies

Peopleplease · 21/02/2019 16:34

I usually put on a wash before I head out to do the school run. For a while the washing machine had been making a knocking/banging noise but I figured use it till it gives up.

Today the kids are off on half term and DH is on a sick day so I was late putting on a wash. DH was in the kitchen and noticed the washing machine had started smoking! He plugged it out and we’ll get a new one at the weekend but it’s so scary how it can happen!!

OP posts:
Washingproblem · 21/02/2019 16:38

Scary! Are you okay OP?

Someone else mentioned something similar on page 2 of my thread about clothes getting ruined www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3505524-Please-help-washing-machine-keeps-ruining-my-clothes

Sounds like we all need to pay more attention to getting things fixed.

Flowers
greenelephantscarf · 21/02/2019 16:39

water + electricity = recipy for fire...
ever ever let the washer run unattended.
your insurance might not pay to rebuild your house.

GooodMythicalMorning · 21/02/2019 16:43

I cant leave mine on when out, im terrified something like that would happen. plus we have pets so definitely a no no. They go up so quick.

NicoAndTheNiners · 21/02/2019 16:44

I would ring the manufacturers and tell them even if it's out of warranty.

I had this happen to a 2yo dishwasher and rang Zannusi mainly because I thought they ought to know. Turns out there was a parts recall which I knew nothing about. They sent an engineer round who replaced the part and promised me it was now as safe as any other machine.

NicoAndTheNiners · 21/02/2019 16:45

Though I think a knocking noise indicates the bearings are knackered on the drum so guess that could be a wear and tear thing and then if the drum is catching it could heat up/catch fire. Glad you're ok.

Thesnobbymiddleclassone · 21/02/2019 16:48

I learnt from a neighbours fire to never leave the washing machine or a dryer running when no one is home or when everyone is asleep.

Once something goes wrong and can catch fire, it doesn't take that long for them to get out of hand.

troubleswillbeoutofsight · 21/02/2019 16:49

This is terrifying. My washing machine is in my outhouse and I often put it on before I go to bed or before going out. I’m going to stop doing this now

Original poster
Peopleplease · 21/02/2019 17:08

To be honest if I’d been here on my own with my 2 year old I probably would have just panicked. We do have a fire blanket but I just went looking and it was buried at the bottom of a press.

OP posts:
FaithInfinity · 21/02/2019 17:13

I’m glad you were in and it was dealt with quickly.

We had a fire when a food processor caught fire in the night. It was pretty bad (we were in rented accommodation for months while the repairs were done). I would always say do not run appliances while you are out or sleeping. We were told categorically that if we hadn’t had smoke detectors they’d have been pulling our bodies out 😕

avocadochocolate · 21/02/2019 17:14

I used to work for a well known laptop manufacturer. There was one particular model that had a habit of spontaneously catching fire. Some of them came back to us at HQ for examination.

DisrespectfulAdultFemale · 21/02/2019 17:16

Jeez, OP. Glad it was caught in time.

FrostedSnowdrops · 21/02/2019 17:20

I'm another who never leaves washers or dryers or dishwashers on at bedtime or when we go out. Super scary. Glad you were home and it was dealt with before it developed further!

FixTheBone · 21/02/2019 17:22

@greenelephantscarf

ours runs for about 7 hours a day, that's pretty restrictive if you need to stay at home...

gamerchick · 21/02/2019 17:27

ours runs for about 7 hours a day, that's pretty restrictive if you need to stay at home

Then you can make an informed choice.

There's no point in arguing your case because you have to go out sometimes or you don't have the time to supervise. Just know you're taking a risk and that your insurance may not pay out if it burns your house down.

Original poster
Peopleplease · 21/02/2019 17:34

I also feel the need to double check my insurance policy now (not that I ever plan to leave it unattended again!)

OP posts:
IndigoSpritz · 21/02/2019 17:36

I'll count myself lucky. My Indesit stopped halfway through its cycle this morning and has defied all my 'repair' attempts.

MountainPeakGeek · 21/02/2019 17:41

...your insurance may not pay out if it burns your house down.

Where do you get that idea from? Not disputing that the ideal situation is not to run a washing machine unattended, but I really cannot see any insurance company stating that the homeowner is being negligent if they do!?

ladybirdsarelovely33 · 21/02/2019 17:46

Yes washing machines should not be catching fire. Which manufacturer advises you have to be present when the machine is working? None.
It doesn't void your insurance if you are not there if it goes up in flames.

gamerchick · 21/02/2019 17:57

Really? Have you actually checked the t&cs?

Insurance is about unforseen risk. Washers and dryers are near the top of the fire hazard risk. How many people read instructions that come with a washer other than what the buttons do? Many people will stop a drier mid cycle if they have to go out, you shouldn't do that either.

Tbh it's something you can check for yourselves. I'm really not arsed whether you think it's true or not. Grin

gamerchick · 21/02/2019 17:57

*list

Harumphharagh · 21/02/2019 17:59

How did your food processor catch fire in middle of night, pp?

greenelephantscarf · 21/02/2019 18:02

actually, the manual of my washing mashine says to never run it unattended.
and also ti switch it off at the socket and to disconnect from water if not in use.

BettyUnderswoob · 21/02/2019 18:10

Yes, I'd read that you must never let those big appliances tum when you're out or overnight, so I don't.

I'm baffled as to how a PP has one on 7 hours per day! Super environmentally unfriendly apart from anything else!

BettyUnderswoob · 21/02/2019 18:11

tum = run

GregoryPeckingDuck · 21/02/2019 18:13

What kind of machine is it? It may be a fault.