Washing machines are incredibly reliable appliances, running hundreds of cycles each year with minimal issues. However, like any appliance involving water, electricity, and moving parts, they do present certain safety considerations. Understanding these risks and following proper safety practices protects your family, prevents water damage to your home, and extends the life of your machine. This guide covers the essential safety practices every washing machine owner should know.
Water Safety
Water damage from washing machine failures is one of the most common sources of home insurance claims in Australia. A burst hose or drain blockage can release hundreds of litres of water in minutes, causing significant damage to floors, walls, and belongings.
Inspect Hoses Regularly
The inlet hoses connecting your washing machine to the water supply are under constant pressure, even when the machine isn't running. Over time, these hoses can deteriorate, bulge, crack, or fail entirely. Inspect your hoses at least every six months for signs of wear, and consider replacing them every five years as a preventive measure.
Look for bulging or blistering in the hose wall, cracks or splits particularly near the fittings, rust or corrosion on metal fittings, and any signs of moisture or drips. Braided stainless steel hoses are more durable than standard rubber hoses and are worth the small extra investment.
Critical Safety Step
Turn off the water taps when the washing machine is not in use, especially when you leave home for extended periods. This prevents catastrophic flooding if a hose fails while you're away. Some insurance policies require this practice for water damage claims to be valid.
Check the Drain
Ensure the drain hose is properly secured in the standpipe or laundry tub. A loose drain hose can pop out during the spin cycle, flooding your laundry. The drain hose should be inserted no more than 15cm into the standpipe and should have an air gap to prevent backflow.
Don't Leave Unattended
While it's not always practical, try to be home when the washing machine is running, especially during the first few uses of a new machine or after any maintenance work. This way, you can respond quickly if any issues arise.
Electrical Safety
Washing machines require significant electrical power and operate in wet environments, making electrical safety crucial.
Proper Grounding
Ensure your washing machine is connected to a properly grounded outlet. In Australia, modern homes should have power points in wet areas protected by residual current devices (RCDs), also known as safety switches. If your laundry doesn't have RCD protection, consider having an electrician install one.
Don't Use Extension Cords
Washing machines should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, not through extension cords or power boards. The high current draw can cause extension cords to overheat, creating a fire hazard. If the cord doesn't reach the outlet, have an electrician install an appropriate outlet closer to the machine.
Keep Controls Dry
Never operate the washing machine controls with wet hands. While modern machines are designed with safety in mind, minimising exposure to the combination of water and electricity is always wise. Wipe up any spills on the control panel promptly.
After a Flood
If your washing machine has been affected by flooding, do not use it until a qualified technician has inspected it. Flood water can damage electrical components and create serious safety hazards.
Child Safety
Washing machines can pose serious risks to young children. The enclosed drum, locking doors, and potential for drowning make child safety a priority in homes with little ones.
Supervision and Access
Never allow young children to play near or on the washing machine. Keep the laundry door closed or use a child safety gate to restrict access to the laundry area. Explain to children that the washing machine is not a toy and that they should never climb inside, even when it's not running.
Child Lock Features
Many modern washing machines include a child lock function that disables the control panel, preventing children from starting the machine or changing settings. Activate this feature if you have young children in the home. Consult your manual for instructions on enabling the child lock.
Keep Detergents Secure
Laundry detergents, especially brightly coloured pods, can be attractive to children but are highly toxic if ingested. Store all laundry products in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf well out of reach. Never leave open containers or pods accessible on the laundry bench.
Pet Safety
Pets, particularly cats, may find the warm, enclosed drum of a washing machine an attractive resting spot, especially front loaders with doors left ajar.
Always Check Before Starting
Before starting any wash, check inside the drum for pets. Cats especially are known to climb into warm, enclosed spaces. Make it a habit to close the washer door when not in use and always visually inspect the drum before loading clothes.
Preventing Fires
While washing machine fires are rare, they do occur, usually related to improper use or maintenance issues.
Flammable Substances
Never wash items that have been exposed to flammable substances like petrol, oil, paint thinner, or cooking oil in your washing machine. These substances may not wash out completely and can ignite in the dryer or even during hot wash cycles. Items contaminated with flammable substances should be disposed of or cleaned by professional services.
Lint and Debris
Keep the area around your washing machine clear of lint, dust, and debris. Clean the filter regularly to prevent buildup. While fires starting in washing machines are less common than in dryers, accumulated debris can contribute to overheating or provide fuel if an electrical fault occurs.
Don't Overload
Overloading the machine strains the motor and can cause overheating. Follow the manufacturer's capacity guidelines and leave adequate space for clothes to move freely.
Structural Safety
Level Installation
An unlevel washing machine can walk across the floor during the spin cycle, potentially disconnecting hoses or power cords. Ensure your machine is properly levelled using the adjustable feet, and check periodically that it hasn't shifted. Use a spirit level on the top of the machine to verify.
Floor Strength
Washing machines are heavy, especially when full of water and clothes. In elevated positions or older buildings, verify that the floor can safely support the weight. Excessive vibration from an unlevel machine can stress flooring over time.
Adequate Ventilation
Ensure your laundry has adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould growth and air quality issues. If your laundry lacks windows, consider installing an exhaust fan.
Chemical Safety
Proper Detergent Use
Always use the correct type and amount of detergent for your machine. High-efficiency machines require HE detergent; using regular detergent creates excessive suds that can damage the machine and leave residue on clothes. Never mix different cleaning products, as some combinations can create toxic gases.
Bleach Handling
If using bleach, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products. Use the designated bleach dispenser if your machine has one, and ensure the area is well-ventilated during use.
Key Takeaway
Washing machine safety comes down to vigilance and good habits: inspect hoses regularly and turn off taps when away, ensure proper electrical connections, keep children and pets safe from the machine and chemicals, avoid washing flammable items, and maintain proper installation. These simple practices prevent the most common accidents and protect your home and family.