One of the most common sources of fire are faulty electrical appliances, such as white goods. White goods include everyday appliances like fridges and freezers, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers.​

Use of dangerous or faulty appliances, or using them incorrectly, can lead to a fire starting. Here is what you need to know to reduce the risk of white goods causing a fire in your home: 

  • Keep your white goods out of the way if possible. If your fridge is in the hallway and a fire breaks out, your escape route may be blocked. 
  • If your white goods start making a strange noise, don't ignore it – if you suspect there might be a problem or you are concerned about the safety of a product stop using it, unplug it and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician. It is always better to be over cautious and get a problem checked, even if it turns out to be nothing. 
  • Clean your tumble dryer filter after every load.
  • White goods use a lot of energy, so it is important you don’t overload sockets. Follow the one plug per socket rule if you can to avoid overheating. 
  • Wherever possible always purchase new appliances from a reputable supplier. If you are buying a second-hand appliance, take extra care and ensure it has been safety checked and is not listed on the product recall register.
  • Always make sure new appliances are registered so that manufacturers can contact you in the event of any problems. There should be details of how to do this within the paperwork that came with the appliance, but you can either go to the manufacturer website or register online. 
  • Replace your kettle if it shows signs of leaking.
  • Do not leave appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers on at night.
  • You should aim to get your white good appliances serviced annually to ensure they are working correctly and without faults. 
  • Ensure plant pots or anything else containing water is not placed on top of or next to appliances. 
  • Ensure you have working smoke or heat alarms in your property in the event of a fire starting.

Remember, if a fire starts in your home, get out and call 999. 

For more information and advice on how to stay safe in your home, visit our Your Safety webpage.