Washing machine time delay - Fire risk?

YoungBlueEyes

I don’t put a wash on if I’m not there to see it to the end. I don’t leave the heating on all night, I do leave the f/f on though. Aren’t they designed for that? It’ll only be switched off if I move house or it dies. 

OP could you run the programme in the evening so it finishes before bedtime, then it’s ready for drying first thing? I’d have a look for a shorter cycle too. 

Mnoee

I'm happy to leave mine on a long eco cycle overnight (4 hours to just wash, 8 to wash and dry) - it's in an outside utility room that's attached to a workshop, so while a fire would be horrible it'd be unlikely to be a risk to life. There's a very loud heat alarm out there, but it's not connected to the main house. I think I'd be as likely to notice a problem while asleep as awake.

The fire brigade did come round when I moved in to do a fire safety check and they seemed happy enough - impressed I had a fire blanket in the kitchen more than anything! I'm sure they prefer doing safety checks than visiting aftermaths, so don't hesitate to see if that's available in your area. 

KittenChops

I never use the washing machine or dishwasher (no tumble dryer) overnight or when not in the house - but I am pretty rick adverse!

For those who've said that the smoke alarm would wake you up so no different to it happening during the day, I don't agree.  One of our battery operated smoke alarms downstairs started going off randomly at around 2am (it has since been replaced).  The first time it happened, I reckon it must have taken at least a couple of minutes to wake up / realise that the noise wasn't in my dream AND then realise it was the downstairs smoke alarm - then another minute to get out of bed & downstairs to make sure everything was ok.  (We don't live in a mansion, I'm a heavy sleeper & not 100% able.)