Safety experts have issued a warning to British households, advising them to never close the washing machine door immediately after use. Ignoring this advice could damage the device and, in serious cases, even lead to fires, according to Electrical Safety First.
The team at Electrical Safety First said: “Washing machines can be found in most homes, owned or rented, and are a useful addition to any household - but with any electrical appliance, there’s always a small risk of fire.” They emphasised the importance of proper usage to mitigate risks.
As part of their advice, they told people to “never overload” the machine. Overloading can cause motors to overheat, potentially damaging electronic components or, in rare cases, starting a fire. Hallock’s Appliances noted that washing machines have safety mechanisms like automatic shutoffs, but overloading wears those protections down.
Bosch advises filling the drum about three quarters full as a maximum limit. A simple test is to place a hand in the drum; if there is room to spare, it is not too full. Electrical Safety First also recommends buying from reputable dealers, following manufacturer’s instructions, and registering new appliances to be notified of safety recalls.
