Help me stifle a neurotic mother (washer/dryer operation)?
Question:I own a GE Model WWSE5200B washer and a GE DWSR405EB0CC dryer. My mother is under the impression one can not (and obsessively insists I do not) leave the house, even briefly mind you, when either one of the units are in operation. Assuming I am operating properly installed units, in a recently built, properly wired house and have modicum of common sense (i.e.: follow the guidelines in the manual as to use), should I be concerned about leaving these appliances unattended. Am I right in concluding fire is a negligible threat hardly worthy of consideration? Does anyone have safety records with regard to these particular units or washers and dryers in general? Apparently my mother had some 'bad' experience with a smoldering dryer some 20 years ago, aren't modern appliances much safer. I'd like to be able to multi-task and not feel compelled to supervise these appliances when they are in use. Please help me shut her up before she drives me insane, a million thanks.
Answers:
tell her you won't do it; then do! she will never know. OR...
Tell her you have thought it over and you think the washer and dryer should not be used at all! more-over, you will make your washer and dryer a personal monument to the industry. In addition, you now believe that only professionals should do your laundry( like herself) and you will drop it off tonite and every other day from now on.
Now, that aside, There is no reason to worry about operation of a modern , properly installed and vented washer and dryer. Some ever have timer's that start the operation at a predetermined time; when you are away. they are built for safety.
I would hate it if your house burned down, but I have been leaving the washer, dryer and dishwasher running when I leave the house for 20 years, and no problems yet
well as long as lint screen and where you put lint screen in at is cleaned out regularly, i wouldnt worry too much. cant help you with mother though she has issues that nothing can help. maybe you should see dr for prescription of valium for her visits, for you to take,ha ha
older dryers accumulated a TON of lint in their exhaust hoses, leading to smoldering and house fires.
Most newer appliances have a better filter, and cut down on lint accumulation considerably.
My friend bought a long brush to clean out his exhaust hose of lint, but after 3 years of use, there was hardly any buildup.
I think you are OK, and Mom is traumitized from her earlier experience.
I used to work for a company that made us unplug EVERYTHING before we left each day. Computers, calculators, typwriters. Apparantly 10yrs back they had a typewriter fire when nobody was there. Some people are just paranoid. Yes there is a possibility but the biggest cause of fires from these appliances are lint trays left uncleaned and faulty electrical outlets. Here is a fire department web page listing some saftey precautions to take when using washer & dryers: http://www.vbg.org/entouchcms/app/viewdo...
Notice it doesn't say anything about not operating them when your not home. As long as all of the saftey precations are met you should nto have to worry. If we were going to worry about running the dryer we should then worry about the furnace or the air conditioner or the dishwasher or lights left on. If there was a fire caused by your dryer, would you be able to prevent it by being home? No you would be at risk of getting hurt yourself. You could call the fire dept quicker but thats it. Tell your dear mother in law to mind her buisness. Good luck, It may be a losing battle, lol!
i do not have any real info, but it sounds to me like there was an old faulty appliance that spoiled her for life. i would not worry about a fire, the risk is probably so inconsequential that it would be silly to sit next to your wash for each load. do not let fear rule your life and try to appease her by not telling her that you left with the washer on!
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