Essential Safety Tips for Using Washing Machines

Washing machines and dryers are among the most commonly used appliances in Australian homes, running hundreds of cycles each year. While modern laundry appliances are designed with numerous safety features, improper use can still lead to accidents, fires, water damage, or appliance failure. Understanding and following basic safety guidelines protects your family, your home, and extends the life of your appliances.

This guide covers essential safety practices for washing machines, dryers, and the laundry space itself. Whether you're a new homeowner, renter, or simply want to refresh your knowledge, these tips will help you maintain a safe laundry environment.

Electrical Safety

Laundry appliances draw significant electrical current, making proper electrical installation and use critical for safety. Water and electricity in close proximity require extra caution.

Proper Installation Requirements

Washing machines and dryers should be connected to properly grounded outlets that meet Australian electrical standards. In Australia, most washing machines use standard 10-amp outlets, while many dryers require dedicated circuits with higher amperage. Never use extension cords or powerboards with these appliances—they can overheat and create fire hazards.

Ensure adequate space around power points and keep them accessible. You should be able to quickly disconnect appliances in an emergency. Avoid running cords under rugs or behind walls where damage might go unnoticed.

Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

RCDs (also called safety switches) should protect all circuits in your laundry. These devices detect electrical faults and cut power within milliseconds, preventing electric shock. Test your RCDs every three months by pressing the test button—they should trip immediately and reset when the reset button is pressed.

Water Safety and Flood Prevention

Water damage from washing machine failures is one of the most common and expensive home insurance claims in Australia. A burst hose or failed connection can release thousands of litres of water, causing extensive damage to floors, walls, and belongings.

Hose Maintenance

Washing machine hoses deteriorate over time and are a leading cause of laundry floods. Inspect inlet hoses every six months for bulging, cracking, or signs of wear. Replace rubber hoses every five years regardless of appearance, or upgrade to braided stainless steel hoses that offer greater durability and burst resistance.

Check that connections are secure but not over-tightened—excessive force can crack fittings. Ensure hoses aren't kinked or compressed behind the machine, which can weaken them over time.

Drain and Overflow Considerations

Ensure your laundry has adequate drainage and, ideally, a floor drain or flood-safe flooring. If your machine drains into a laundry tub, keep the tub clear of debris that could cause overflow. Never leave drain hoses on the floor—they can come loose and flood the space.

Fire Safety

While washing machines rarely cause fires, dryers are responsible for numerous house fires each year in Australia. Understanding fire risks and taking preventive measures is essential.

Lint Trap Maintenance

Lint is highly flammable. Clean your dryer's lint filter before or after every load—this is the single most important fire prevention measure for dryers. A clogged lint filter not only creates fire risk but also reduces drying efficiency and increases energy consumption.

Periodically clean the lint trap housing using a vacuum cleaner attachment. Even with regular filter cleaning, fine lint accumulates in the housing and exhaust system over time.

Exhaust Vent Maintenance

If your dryer vents to the outside, inspect the exhaust duct annually. Lint buildup in exhaust systems is a major fire hazard. Signs of restricted airflow include clothes taking longer to dry, the dryer becoming excessively hot, or a burning smell during operation.

Professional duct cleaning is recommended every one to two years, or more frequently if you notice signs of blockage. Rigid metal ducts are safer than flexible plastic or foil ducts, which can trap lint and collapse.

What Not to Put in the Dryer

Certain items should never go in the dryer due to fire risk:

• Items soiled with flammable substances: Anything contaminated with cooking oil, petrol, cleaning solvents, or other flammable substances can ignite even after washing. Air dry these items instead.
• Rubber-backed mats: The rubber can overheat and catch fire. Always air dry bathroom mats and rugs with rubber backing.
• Foam or rubber items: These can break down and become fire hazards when heated.
• Items with plastic components: These can melt and create both fire and damage risks.

Child Safety

Modern washing machines and dryers include child safety features, but parental supervision and additional precautions remain important. Young children are naturally curious about appliances and may not understand the dangers.

Prevention Measures

Keep the laundry door closed when appliances aren't in use, particularly if you have young children. Many modern machines have child lock features that prevent the door from opening or the cycle from starting—activate these if available. Never allow children to climb on or play inside washing machines or dryers, even when not in operation.

Store detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry products in locked cabinets or high shelves out of children's reach. Laundry pods are particularly dangerous—their bright colours and candy-like appearance attract children, and ingestion can cause serious injury or death.

Proper Loading and Operation

Don't Overload

Overloading washing machines causes excessive strain on motors, bearings, and suspension systems. It also results in poor cleaning and can cause machines to become unbalanced during spin cycles, potentially walking across the floor or damaging internal components. Follow your machine's capacity guidelines—typically, you should be able to fit your hand between the clothes and the top of the drum.

Check Pockets

Always check pockets before loading clothes. Coins, keys, and other hard objects can damage the drum or become lodged in pumps and drains. Lighters and batteries can be particularly dangerous—lighters can explode, and batteries can leak corrosive chemicals or cause fires.

Secure Loose Items

Bra underwires, drawstrings, and other loose items can become caught in drums or pump mechanisms, causing damage. Use mesh laundry bags for items with hooks, ties, or small parts. Tie drawstrings to prevent tangling.

Installation and Positioning

Proper installation is fundamental to safe operation. Washing machines must be level to operate correctly—an unlevel machine will vibrate excessively, walk across the floor, and experience premature wear. Use a spirit level to check alignment and adjust the feet as needed.

Leave adequate space around appliances for ventilation and access to connections. Front-load washers need space to fully open the door. Dryers need clearance for airflow. Never install dryers in enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation.

Emergency Procedures

Know how to respond to laundry emergencies:

• Water leak: Shut off water supply at the taps immediately, then disconnect power. Don't stand in pooled water while touching electrical appliances.
• Smoke or burning smell: Disconnect power immediately. Don't open the dryer door if you suspect fire inside—this can feed oxygen to flames. Call emergency services if needed.
• Electrical issues: Don't touch the appliance if you suspect electrical fault. Turn off power at the circuit breaker and call a licensed electrician.

Regular maintenance, proper use, and awareness of potential hazards keep your laundry safe for your family. While these appliances are designed to be safe and reliable, treating them with appropriate respect prevents accidents and extends their operational life.