Parents across the UK are being urged to check their children's toys after safety experts uncovered a potentially deadly risk lurking in everyday playthings. The warning comes after multiple reports of toys causing dangerous incidents in washing machines.
The Hidden Hazard in Your Laundry
Recent investigations have revealed that certain popular toys contain components that can expand dramatically when exposed to water. When accidentally left in pockets and put through washing cycles, these items have caused machines to violently shake, leak, or even burst open.
Which Toys Pose the Greatest Risk?
- Squishy water beads that expand up to 100 times their original size
- Plastic figurines with hollow compartments
- Stuffed animals with internal electronic components
- Bath toys with small openings that trap water
Real-Life Incidents Spark Alarm
One mother from Manchester described her terrifying experience: "The machine started making awful banging noises, then water began pouring across the kitchen floor. When we opened it, we found a toy dinosaur that had swollen to three times its normal size."
Safety campaigners are calling for clearer warning labels and better public awareness about this overlooked household danger.
How to Protect Your Family
- Always check pockets before doing laundry
- Inspect toys for water-absorbent materials
- Consider using mesh laundry bags for children's clothes
- Regularly check toys for damage that could create hazards
- Report any dangerous incidents to the manufacturer and trading standards
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) advises: "This is a silent danger that many parents don't consider until it's too late. Taking simple precautions could prevent serious damage to your appliances and, more importantly, keep your family safe."
