The horrifying explanation why you should never run your dishwasher at night: ‘We are devastated’d

According to Nypost, Millions of Americans routinely run their dishwashers at night, but a recent incident in Kansas serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers involved.

Earlier this month, Simone Anderson’s home was engulfed in flames while she and her family were asleep. The 29-year-old mother, who lives in Topeka with her husband Paul and their two young children, Nola, 4, and Ansel, 1, had followed her usual routine of running the dishwasher before bed.

However, a malfunction within the dishwasher led to a devastating fire that destroyed their home, leaving it “completely unlivable,” according to Anderson. The family’s entire house was covered in soot, and their kitchen will need to be entirely rebuilt.

“We’re now looking for an Airbnb to stay in until we can return,” Anderson said. “It’s heartbreaking to lose all our belongings, especially for my daughter who lost all her birthday presents. But it’s even more terrifying to think that we could have died if we hadn’t heard the smoke alarms.”

The Andersons were fortunate to escape the blaze, which could have had even graver consequences if they had not been alerted in time. The family is expected to be displaced for at least six months while they rebuild their lives.

Anderson, now deeply aware of the risks, has taken to social media to warn others about the dangers of running appliances unattended. She shared footage of the aftermath on TikTok, expressing her devastation and urging others to be cautious.

Ryan Gregor, an electrician at RCG Electrical, highlights that appliance fires can be triggered by various factors including the age and condition of the appliance, as well as the overall electrical system. He advises regular inspections and maintenance of household appliances, proper ventilation, and avoiding the overloading of electrical circuits.

“Smoke detectors are essential,” Gregor said, echoing the recommendations of the US Fire Administration, which notes that electrical malfunctions are a leading cause of residential fires, particularly between midnight and 8 a.m. The agency suggests plugging major appliances directly into wall sockets and keeping flammable materials away from light sources.

Reflecting on the incident, Anderson urges others to avoid running appliances while asleep or away from home. “It’s easy to think, ‘This won’t happen to me,’ but fires can and do occur,” she said. “I hope by sharing our story, others can avoid the same fate. We’re grateful to be safe, even if we’ve lost so much.”