OMG, just had a lucky escape!!

[Catrina]

I left mine on years ago, it was a brand new machine. It decided to do a boil wash, and I mean boil, it melted the top of the machine and the soap drawer and ruined the bedding inside it, the problem was it did not switch off it was just stuck in wash mode and kept on washing and boiling. Really scary. I was really cross but managed to get it sorted out. So now I never leave the washing machine or dishwasher on when I am not in. Also stopped using the tumble drier as well. But thats another story.

[squashysu]

wow you were lucky and i have now learnt from you and decided not to do any of that again as i always do!!!!!

Thanks for the warning - i would be lost without any of my electrial appliances!! my kids are way too messy!

SS

[Nicos]

I set my washing machine/tumble drier and dishwasher to work whilst I'm out so that it's quieter in the house...might think twice about that now

Charities won't take electrical goods in case they turn out to be fire hazards - I'm sure it wasn't faulty when the original owner passed it over to you- maybe something occurred in transit??

Glad you and your family are fine NG

[Mikey]

Just a little tip, always keep the transom bolts when you buy a new washing machine, as if you ever move you should reinsert them for transit. Failing to do so can cause all sorts of problems with the machines. Ours has holders on the back to store the bolts for future use.

[MrsC]

glad you're ok, i never leave anything on when i go out, the same thing happened to my sisters years ago, she only popped to the local shop, the washing machine was on fire when she got back.

[bluemoon]

I imagine this is the sort of What if......? that will occasionally haunt you for years, especially as your boys were asleep upstairs. My machine's on it's last legs with no hope of a new one until July, I just hope it hangs on until then, but I'm definitely going to stop putting it on when I go out. I've had a policy of not replacing appliances when they wear out for environmental reasons, but a washing machine is a necessity. I know people managed in the past, but they had all sorts of implements instead like boilers, washing boards, huge tubs, and those "stools on a broom-handle" wotsits, washing in the bath can't replicate that, especially when there's no way to get the water out of the clothes afterwards. I'm glad you're all safe NG and hope you find a replacement very soon.