That innocent washing machine could be a deadly fire hazard lurking in your laundry

When you pop out for the school run or nip to the shops, the last thing on your mind is whether your faithful washing machine might turn into a fire hazard.

But a UK mother's frightening experience serves as a stark reminder that our trusty appliances aren't as harmless as we think.

The woman shared dramatic footage on social media of thick smoke billowing from her six-year-old washing machine after two loud bangs echoed through her home. She quickly turned it off from the main switch and later warned: 'Thank God I was in the house or this could have ended differently. I have learned my lesson.'

Her message was crystal clear: 'Don't leave the machine on even if you pop out for 10 minutes on the school run.'

The Samsung recall that's still putting Australian homes at risk

While this UK incident might seem like a one-off, the reality for Australians is far more alarming. A staggering 91,144 of the 144,451 Samsung washing machines sold in Australia have yet to be repaired following a major safety recall. That means over 91,000 Australian homes are at risk of fire from these washing machines every day.

The machines have an 'internal fault where condensation can penetrate an electrical connector causing deterioration which may in turn cause a fire.' Since the recall began there have been at least 207 fires or fire-related incidents as a result of the faulty machines.

Why seniors face the highest risk from house fires

The statistics make for sobering reading. Nearly 50 per cent of house fire fatalities are aged 65 years and over. Research has found that more than a third of those who died in residential fires were aged over 65.

Electrical appliances and faults cause almost 40 per cent of home fires. For older Australians, this combination of vulnerability and appliance reliance creates a perfect storm of risk.

Older people could be their own worst fire risk. A Netherlands study showed the elderly have limited knowledge about home fire safety. Yet the good news is that most house fires are entirely preventable with the right precautions.

What firefighters mean by 'attended appliances'

The TikTok responses revealed something many people don't know: 'People don't realise that appliances like washing machines are classed as attended appliances and shouldn't be left running while out or asleep,' one viewer wrote.

Another person shared: 'My ex was a fireman and told me never to put the dishwasher or washing machine on when I wasn't there due to the number of fires.'

This professional advice isn't just overcaution. Fire services classify washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers as appliances that require supervision because they involve water, electricity, heat, and mechanical movement—a combination that can go wrong quickly.

New safety standards aim to protect families

In response to growing concerns, Australian authorities have updated safety standards for washing machines. Under the updated standard, washing machines must now feature a dual-action switch mechanism. This means that starting a washing machine cycle requires two deliberate actions, intended to make it significantly harder for children to turn on the machine unintentionally.

While these changes primarily target child safety, they also add an extra layer of protection against accidental activation.

Beyond the washing machine: full laundry safety checklist

Your washing machine isn't the only potential fire hazard in the laundry. Here's what fire authorities recommend:

For washing machines:

• Never leave them running while you're out or asleep
• Don't overload the machine
• Turn off at the wall when not in use
• Check hoses regularly for wear and leaks
• Ensure proper ventilation around the appliance

For dryers:

• Clean the lint filter after every load—lint is highly flammable
• Allow complete cool-down between cycles
• Ensure proper ventilation and air space around the dryer
• Turn off at the wall when not in use

General electrical safety:

• Don't overload power points. Switch off small appliances when they are not in use
• Have residual current devices (RCDs) installed
• Replace old or damaged electrical cords immediately
• Keep appliances away from water sources where possible

If you notice any of these signs, turn off the appliance immediately at the wall and call a qualified technician.

What to do if the worst happens

If you discover smoke or suspect a fire in your laundry appliances:

• Turn off the appliance at the wall immediately
• Don't open the door or lid if you see flames inside
• Call 000 if there's any sign of fire
• Evacuate the area and close doors behind you
• Never use water on electrical fires—it conducts electricity

If you are unable to maintain your smoke alarms, contact your local fire station. Firefighters can assist elderly residents who live by themselves and need smoke alarms installed and batteries replaced.

The hidden cost: Water damage from unattended leaks

Fire isn't the only risk from leaving appliances unattended. Water damage from household appliances like washing machines can pose electrical hazards, especially where water comes into contact with electrical wiring, outlets, and other appliances.

A small leak that starts while you're out can quickly become a major flood, potentially affecting electrical systems and creating additional fire hazards. Being home means you can address leaks immediately rather than returning to a waterlogged laundry.

Insurance considerations you need to know

Most home insurance policies require homeowners to take 'reasonable care' to prevent damage. Leaving appliances unattended, especially those subject to safety recalls, could potentially affect your coverage if something goes wrong. It's worth checking your policy details and discussing this with your insurer.

The peace of mind from following these safety guidelines far outweighs the inconvenience of staying home during wash cycles. As the UK mother's experience shows, those two loud bangs could be the only warning you get.