The appliances in our homes bring welcome convenience to our lives. They save us time, energy, and a lot of hassle as they get on with their tasks in the background. But that doesn’t mean they should be left running unattended, which can lead to accidents, increased energy bills, and safety hazards. Knowing which ones to keep an eye on is crucial.
Here’s a list of common appliances you should never leave running.
Washing Machines
Our washing machines feel like they can handle anything, but they’re not immune to problems. A loose hose or clogged drain can cause leaks, flooding, and water damage to your floors. That’s not the only risk: washing machines can overheat or malfunction during the spin cycle, posing fire hazards.
Leaving it running while you’re out is a gamble. It’s safer to stay home and periodically check on the machine while it runs.
Dryers
There are serious risks if dryers are left unattended. Lint buildup in the filter or vent can ignite, causing fires. Even if you clean the lint trap regularly, lint can accumulate in places you can’t see, like the exhaust duct. An overheating dryer can also damage clothes, wasting money. Always stay nearby when the dryer is in use and ensure proper ventilation.
Dishwashers
Convenient dishwashers might seem harmless, but they can leak, overheat, or spark an electrical fire. Water from a leaking dishwasher can damage your cabinets or flooring before you even notice. Sometimes, detergent buildup or clogs in the drain causes backups, leaving you with a messy cleanup.
Space Heaters
Portable space heaters provide us with welcome comfort during colder months, but they’re not designed to run without supervision. They can easily overheat or tip over, especially in a home with kids or pets. Nearby objects like curtains or furniture can catch fire if they’re too close.
Even newer models with safety features aren’t foolproof, so never leave a space heater on when you’re not in the room.
Ovens
To leave an oven on while you’re not home can be a recipe for disaster. Even when set to low temperatures, ovens can malfunction, causing smoke or even fires. If food is inside, grease or crumbs might ignite, creating a hazardous situation. Many of us assume electric ovens are safer, but they can overheat, too.
Stovetops
Gas and electric stovetops should never be left unattended. Flames from a gas stove can flare up unexpectedly, while electric burners can overheat or malfunction. Grease and food spills increase the risk of fire, especially if left unchecked. Staying nearby when cooking allows you to act quickly if something goes wrong.
Toasters
Crumbs and grease trapped inside toasters can ignite, causing smoke or flames to shoot out and start a fire, especially if you’re not around, Leaving a toaster running can also overheat the appliance, potentially damaging its wiring. Always unplug your toaster when it’s not in use and avoid walking away while it’s toasting.
Coffee Makers
It’s tempting to let the coffee maker run while we get on with chores elsewhere, but it’s not worth the risk. Old or faulty machines can overheat, causing electrical fires that quickly spread. Water leaks are another concern, especially for models with built-in reservoirs.
Newer coffee makers have automatic shutoff features, but they’re not foolproof. Remember to turn the machine off when you’re done brewing, and enjoy your coffee knowing your home is safe.
Irons
Never leave an irons unattended. Even a small lapse in attention can lead to scorched fabric or, worse, a fire. Some irons come with automatic shutoff features, but they’re not something you should rely on. Accidents happen, and an iron left on can quickly overheat. Always turn off and unplug your iron after use, and make sure it’s placed somewhere safe to cool down.
Slow Cookers
They’re designed for long, unattended cooking times, but that doesn’t mean slow cookers are risk-free. Older models can have faulty wiring that overheats, while overfilled pots can cause spills that short-circuit the appliance. It’s a good idea to inspect your slow cooker regularly and only use it when you’re confident it’s in good working condition.
Electric Blankets
Cosy electric blankets are our best friends on cold winter nights, but leaving them on can be dangerous. Over time, the internal wiring can wear out, increasing the risk of overheating or sparks.
Pets, kids, or heavy use can damage the blanket without us realizing it. To avoid burns or fires, only use electric blankets while you’re awake and avoid folding or pinching the fabric.
Microwaves
Even our microwaves aren’t foolproof. Leaving one running can lead to fires, especially if there’s a problem with the food inside, like grease splatters or metal causing s[arks after being mistakenly placed in the microwave.
Faulty seals or components can also spark issues. Keep an eye on your microwave while it’s in use, even for short cooking times.
Hair Dryers
Always unplug your hair dryer after use, and avoid leaving it running if you’re not actively drying your hair. Hair dryers are designed for short-term use and can overheat if left running. A motor that gets too hot can spark, causing a fire.
Computers
Many of us leave our computers running to save the delay of switching them back on and waiting for everything to reboot. They don’t seem like a typical appliance to worry about, but leaving them running unattended can cause problems. Dust buildup inside the machine can cause overheating, while old or faulty components increase the risk of electrical fires.
Laptops, in particular, will overheat if left running on soft surfaces like beds or couches. It’s wise to turn off your computer when not in use, especially if you’re stepping out for a while.
Air Conditioners
In very hot weather we often keep our air conditioners running non-stop, but running them unattended isn’t a good idea. Overworked units can freeze up or overheat, leading to water leaks or electrical malfunctions. Portable units with full reservoirs can spill, causing water damage.
Vacuum Cleaners
The powerful motor inside a modern vacuum cleaner should never be left running unattended. It can overheat quickly, especially if the vacuum encounters an obstacle like a rug or cord. Always monitor your vacuum cleaner while it’s in use, and turn it off as soon as the job is done. It’s a small effort that keeps your home safer.
Refrigerators
Appliances like refrigerators are built to run continuously, but that doesn’t mean they’re free from risks. Faulty wiring or overloaded circuits can cause fires, particularly in older models. Regularly cleaning the coils and ensuring proper airflow helps reduce the risk of overheating.
While you can’t monitor your refrigerator 24/7, it’s good to perform routine checks and address any unusual noises or performance issues as soon as they arise.
Dehumidifiers
Your dehumidifier works hard to keep your home comfortable, but it’s not meant to run endlessly without supervision. Full water reservoirs can overflow, causing water damage. Older units with worn-out wiring or components are prone to overheating.
Turning off the dehumidifier when you’re not home is a simple way to minimize risks and keep your space safe.