Washing machines are not really considered to be dangerous appliances and when used properly there's no reason why they should be, but as with all electrical equipment, there's a danger if it's misused or not disposed of correctly. Here are some of the things that have come about as a result of misuse and inappropriate disposal.
In 2008, in St Columb in Cornwall, an unsuspecting cow got its head stuck in a washing machine that had been fly-tipped in a farmer's field. The RSPCA had to be called to the scene and managed to free the heifer which survived the ordeal but it showed the importance of recycling washing machines and not fly-tipping them.
Australian news reported the case of a kitten who survived a thirty-minute spin cycle in her owner's washing machine. Kimba, the four month old kitten, crawled into the washing machine and snuggled into the dirty washing while her owner's back was turned, Lindsay Rogers turned back around, shut the door and turned the dial without realising her precious kitten was inside. Luckily Mr Rogers had chosen a cold cycle and rushed her straight to the vet after discovered a very wet and unhappy cat at the end of the cycle otherwise Kimba would almost certainly have died.
In America a four year old boy pushed his seven month old brother into a front loading washing machine in a launderette and shut the door when his mother's back was turned. Not realising that the baby was inside the mother then turned on the machine before working out what had happened. She rushed to get help and it took three grown men around a minute to pry the locked door open and rescue the baby. Baby Valle made a full recovery and no charges were brought against the launderette as it was clearly an unfortunate accident.
The first of these stories demonstrates the important of recycling your old washing machines and other household appliances. Taking them to the tip is bad enough where they will end up in a landfill but fly-tipping is even worse and it is highly illegal, with penalties costing thousands of pounds and even jail terms for persistent offenders. The second and third stories show the need to be super vigilant around household appliances if you have pets or young children; always check that the washing machine is empty before loading it with dirty laundry as cats and babies are known to crawl inside, out of curiosity.
Buy a washing machine or tumble dryer that will last and save you money on your household bill by searching online for washing machines bearing the energy saving recommended logo.
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