Surprised to read you shouldn't leave the washing-machine on in an empty house

[aliasjoey]

AIBU to be surprised to read on another thread about a washing-machine being used when no-one was home, and so many replies were that you should not leave it on!

We work full-time, if it wasn't switched on until I got home, then I would be hanging up wet washing really late at night.

Is it so different to other electrical items left on? The slow-cooker? The boiler might switch on in the winter, that's electricity and water combined. I think

It's one of those things you only ever hear on MN like not having a bog brush
I always put mine on when I'm going out as I don't like the noise when I'm in.

I have never heard this. I suppose if it leaked you would come back to a big mess?

Really? Our old washing machine had a timer so I used to set it to start at about 5 and then it'd be finished when I got home from work and could hang it up straight away. And I only ever run the dishwasher when we're at work as it's noisy. What's different about the machine?

I've always been told not to leave any appliance on and unattended. I thought it was a dryer though? Dryers can be v dangerous.

I think tumble driers are the worst culprits, but can understand why some people don't want to leave washers on, although I do myself. You have to weigh up the potential risks versus the benefits to you.

The problem is the possibility of it over-heating in the spin cycle.

I do know someone whose machine caught fire. The house was very badly damaged.

A compromise for me with the washing machine and dishwasher is to have them timed to finish when I will be home.

Dryers I don't. Have left the washing machine though.

To me the whole point of an automatic washing machine is that you stick it on in the morning and come home at night and "Ta Dah!" the washing is magically done. I've had an automatic washing machine for 30 years (not the same one ha ha) and have never had an issue with leaving it on "unattended". MN can be really weird sometimes.

I always leave mine on when I'm out the house. Or run it on a timer overnight.

I stopped running the dryer overnight, as I read somewhere that they were one of the biggest causes of house fires.

It is a bad idea. Someone I volunteered with did just that,and her house was wrecked while she was at work.

Cheshire Fire Brigade,first result that I found, has this to say.

'Washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher fire safety

We would like to remind residents to follow some simple safety advice when using tumble dryers, washing machines or dishwashers.

General safety

'Don't leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out. They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors.'

My brother's washing machine caught fire - luckily they were in at the time but it still caused a lot of damage as they didn't notice until smoke came into their living room which was at the front of the house and the kitchen was at the back.

Because of this I don't put it on if I'm not there. Husband still does though...

Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers are all fire risks...so you shouldn't run them overnight...
I guess because they have motors, pumps, heating elements as well as electronic bits (timers etc) - lots of things to potentially go wrong... and water and electricity - and fluff
I do know of a family whose dishwasher caught fire overnight and they lost everything - and it was just the 'finished' indicator light on at the time.
Do find it odd that a lot of these have delayed start timers etc too though...encouraging you to leave them unattended
(A fireman told me that you should never leave anything unnecessary plugged overnight - unless it was something designed to be left on all the time - like a clock, router or tv recorder...
And I guess a washing machine and dishwasher have added flood risks too...

It's not just a Mumsnet thing.

I have heard that washing machines are indeed a major cause of house fires.

Read on here just yesterday about someone who puts it on overnight as washing is ready to hang out first thing - I'd NEVER risk that.

Have put it (or left it) on when out, though.

Mine live in the extension and would be burning merrily before I noticed, anyway.

Mine live in the extension and would be burning merrily before I noticed, anyway.

Always leave mine on when I'm out.. Never given it a second thought before..

My sister's dishwasher started smoking

Sorry. Stupid kindle

It was a tumble dryer that was left on in the other thread not a washing machine.

my washer has a timer function so i can set it to start its cycle while i'm out so it finishes around the time i come home.

I don't leave my tumble dryer on whilst out. I don't like the idea of it overheating.

Cross post with milk...

I thought it was standard advice, I've read it plenty of places that aren't MN. Dishwashers too. I sometimes have to leave mine on and go out, but try not to. What I definitely won't do is have it on at night once we're in bed.

Sorry. Stupid kindle

I only run mine when I'm at home, but mainly because I tend to forget about the laundry otherwise, and it gets that sour smell and I have to rewash it anyway.

It is standard fire prevention advice, as washing machines, tumble driers and dishwashers are all higher risk due to high wattage, fast running motors and friction. Tumble driers are most likely to catch fire, as lint builds up within them, but washing machines do occasionally cause problems.