White goods appliances can be dangerous – not just through misuse, but sometimes through faults or design issues that the owner could not have anticipated. This section covers the genuine risks, official safety notices, and practical steps you can take to make your home safer.
When manufacturers identify a serious risk with one of their appliances, they are required to issue an official safety notice. These are not issued lightly – they cover fire risk, electric shock, and gas leaks that have caused deaths and serious injuries. Check the full list and share it with family members who may have older appliances.
Featured Safety Warnings
These are among the most significant and widely-reported appliance safety issues. If you own any of the appliances below, check whether your specific model is affected.
Tumble dryer fire risk – multiple brands affected
Several brands of heat pump and vented tumble dryers have been subject to fire risk safety notices. Millions of machines affected across Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan, Proline, and others. Check if your model is included.
Washing machine door glass shattering
Dozens of reported incidents of washing machine door glass shattering without warning – sometimes while the machine is switched off. What causes it, which brands are involved, and what to do if it happens.
Dishwasher fires
Dishwashers are among the most common sources of domestic appliance fires. Real accounts from households who experienced dishwasher fires, the causes, and what you can do to reduce the risk.
Detergent capsules – danger to children
Laundry and dishwasher detergent capsules have hospitalised many children, some with life-threatening injuries. The capsules look attractive and can appear edible. How to store and use them safely.
Washing machines exploding
Documented cases of washing machines from Hoover, Candy, Hotpoint, and Indesit catching fire or exploding. Causes, brands affected, and safety notices.
Hotpoint, Creda and Indesit tumble dryer fire risk
Over 100 tumble dryer models manufactured over almost 12 years are covered by a fire risk safety notice. Millions of machines affected. Check your model number immediately.
Safety Tips and Advice
These articles cover the practical safety habits and lesser-known risks that every appliance owner should be aware of.
Just how dangerous are our appliances?
An honest look at the fire, flood, and injury risks from domestic white goods, and what the statistics actually show about how often incidents occur
8 ways to make your appliances safer
Practical steps every household can take to reduce the risk of fire, flood, and injury from washing machines, tumble dryers, and other appliances
Is it safe to leave the washing machine on when out or in bed?
The genuine fire risk from unattended washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers – and how to weigh the risk practically
Why you should not stop a tumble dryer mid-cycle
The fire risk created when a tumble dryer is stopped before the cool-down phase completes, and why this is more dangerous than most people realise
Tumble drying a duvet – fire risk
Why drying duvets and large filled items in a tumble dryer carries a specific fire risk, and how to do it safely if you need to
Getting electric shocks from an appliance
Why electric shocks from washing machines and other appliances happen, and why any shock – however mild – should always be investigated immediately
Do not use fabric softener on children’s sleepwear
Why fabric softener reduces the flame resistance of children’s nightwear and what to use instead
Children and pets dying in washing machines and tumble dryers
Documented incidents of children and pets becoming trapped inside front-loading appliances, and the practical steps to prevent it
Using extension sockets and adapters with appliances
The fire risk of using multi-socket adapters and extension leads with high-current appliances, and what to do instead
Official Safety Notices by Appliance Type
Use the links below to find official safety notices for specific appliance categories. If your appliance is listed in any notice, stop using it immediately and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
All appliance safety notices
The full list of official manufacturer safety notices for all white goods appliance types on Whitegoods Help
Washing machine safety notices
All official safety notices issued for washing machine models, including fire risk and electric shock notices
Tumble dryer safety notices
All official safety notices issued for tumble dryer models – including the major Hotpoint, Indesit, and Haier recalls
Dishwasher safety notices
All official safety notices issued for dishwasher models, including fire risk notices from major brands
Fridge and freezer safety notices
All official safety notices issued for fridge, freezer, and fridge-freezer models
Cooker and oven safety notices
All official safety notices issued for gas and electric cookers, ovens, and hobs
For the most current and comprehensive list of all UK product safety alerts, check the OPSS product safety database on GOV.UK. Register your appliances at registermyappliance.org.uk to be contacted directly if a notice is issued for your model.
DIY Repair Safety
Many appliance repairs can be carried out safely by a competent DIYer – but there are real risks if the correct precautions are not followed. These guides cover the rules and the mistakes that cause injuries.
Top 4 DIY repair safety rules
The non-negotiable safety rules before working on any appliance internally – from an engineer with decades of experience of what goes wrong
8 things you should never do when repairing a washing machine
The specific mistakes that cause injuries, create new faults, or void warranties during DIY washing machine repairs
10 tips on safe DIY washing machine repair
Comprehensive safety guidance for anyone attempting a DIY repair on a washing machine or other domestic appliance
DIY washing machine repair disaster
A real account of a DIY repair that went badly wrong – and what it shows about the risks of overconfidence when working on appliances
For safety notices, fault guides, and repair help on specific appliance types, use the dedicated pages below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my appliance has a safety notice?
Check the full list of official safety notices on Whitegoods Help at all appliance safety notices, or use the individual appliance category pages. For the most up-to-date and comprehensive list, also check the OPSS product safety database on GOV.UK. The most reliable way to be notified automatically is to register your appliance at registermyappliance.org.uk.
Is it safe to leave a washing machine or tumble dryer running when I am out?
Whitegoods Help advises against it. Appliance fires are well documented, and the majority occur when no one is present to respond. The risk is low in absolute terms, but it is entirely avoidable. Run appliances while you are at home and awake. If you use time-of-use tariffs and run cycles overnight, ensure smoke alarms are fitted and tested near the appliance area. Read the full guide: is it safe to leave the washing machine on?
I got a mild electric shock from my washing machine – is it serious?
Yes – you should treat any electric shock from an appliance as a serious warning, however mild it felt. A mild tingle can indicate an earthing fault that could deliver a more serious shock under different circumstances. Stop using the appliance immediately, do not assume it is safe, and have it inspected by a qualified engineer before using it again. Read: getting electric shocks from an appliance.
Can I use an extension lead with my washing machine or tumble dryer?
This is not recommended. Washing machines and tumble dryers draw significant current, and a standard domestic extension lead may not be rated for the sustained load. Underrated extension leads can overheat and cause fires. If you need a socket in a different location, the correct solution is to have a new socket fitted by a qualified electrician. Read: using extension sockets and adapters with appliances.
Why should I not use fabric softener on children’s nightwear?
Children’s sleepwear sold in the UK is required to meet flame resistance standards. Fabric softener coats fabric fibres and significantly reduces this flame resistance over time, making nightwear more likely to catch fire and burn faster if exposed to a flame. Always wash children’s nightwear without fabric softener. Read: do not use fabric softener on children’s sleepwear.