DON'T use Calgon!

olly300

Soapy955 wrote: »

I was advised by the fire brigade that you shouldn't leave washing machines running overnight or when no-one is home as if it were to have some kind of electrical fault it could cause a house fire. The fireman said that alot of fires he attends are due to a flooded washing machine and the electrics affected by the flood.

Never heard of a washing machine catching fire.

Heard of tumble dryers catching fire when people where asleep or not present. None of the tumble dryers where the condensing types and all where a few years old.

Personally I run my washing machine at night so can hang but NEVER use a tumble dryer when I'm out or asleep.

Soapy955

Only passing on what I was told by the Fire Brigade representatives who came round doing safety checks.

I thought it was useful to know, as you don't know when something is going to break down, and if it's while you are asleep then lives could be at risk if water and electrics are involved!

beedeedee

Oh Crikey - yes my washing machine caught fire! Luckily it happened one evening when we were there. We smelt smoke and thought it was toast burning, but there was blue smoke coming from the back of the machine. Turned it off straightaway and then came the problem - trying to pull the machine out quickly. They're hard enough to move without being in a hurry! Anyway, after a bit of huffing and puffing we managed, and put dampened towels over the back, just as small flames were beginning to appear. Just so pleased we were there at the time - because otherwise the whole kitchen would have caught fire. I'll never, ever leave a washing machine on unattended again.

newbie71_2

Our local fire brigade has the following message on their website:

General safety

* Don't leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out. They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors.

but I must admit I've gone out and left my washer going before now!

*faith*_2

I don't leave my appliances going while unattended either after a friends dishwasher caught fire. Luckily she was in at the time so the damage was limited.

drowningnotwaving_2

Interesting thread. We stopped using calgon cos I got a dreadful allergic reaction all over my back (looked like the worst case of measles you've ever seen and itched like mad). I was concerned when we stopped using it cos I thought it would then ruin my machine, but now I don't need to worry!

Btw, I've also been told by the fire brigade about not leaving dishwashers and washing machines running while out cos of the risk of fire. Guess they see the causes of fires much more than we do so must know what they're talking about, but we do still take the risk.

DNW

Avoriaz

Another emphatic vote here for a water softener.

Our washing machine is 25 years old and still going strong. Our dishwasher lasted 22 years.

We use very little washing powder and dishwasher powder. Soap and shampoo lathers well and lasts for ages. Showers and face washing are far more pleasant with soft water. Our sanitary ware etc stays looking clean with just an occasional wipe. Shower heads stay unblocked and at full flow.

Lady_K, you can certainly have a water softener though you might need a high flow model.

Traditional water systems are gravity fed from a tank in the loft. The incoming water flows steadily through the softener into the loft tank

More modern mains pressure systems require a water softener designed for the higher flow rates of these systems. These are widely available.

Check with you local suppliers.

Alisonsvilla

I had an indesit washer for over 13 years.
Only got rid of it for a washer/dryer that lasted 2 minutes!

Bah!

hb1444

While eating dinner I was reading the ariel liquid bottle and found it did contain some water softening chemicals so an additional one is not required. I also know that Bold washing powder has these too.

Calgon is a waste of money we have never bought it and will never need to. They resemble dishwasher tablets with no cleaning agents. Calgon should include stain removers and fabric softner (a 3in 1) then maybe people will consider buying it. What is the point of buying calgon and using it with normal detergent?

Dealmad

I use Ecover washing tablets and wondered if these tablets would contain water softners?

Just brought a new washing machine and just wondered if it was wise for me to buy calgon but seems not and also its to expensive.