We all have that one stubborn appliance at home that’s way past its prime. Maybe it’s your washing machine that sounds ready for lift-off. If it’s old and faulty, it’s not just annoying – it’s a safety hazard. You don’t have to toss everything just yet, though. You want to be smart about using and maintaining them. And when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call in a professional electrician.
Here are 3 practical (and seriously necessary) safety measures you want to take when dealing with old appliances.
Unplug When You’re Not Using It
Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often we leave stuff plugged in. Even if it’s turned off, it’s still drawing power—and if there’s faulty wiring inside, that means trouble.
If you’ve got an ancient microwave, coffee maker, or kettle, get into the habit of unplugging it when you’re done. It’s safer and it saves a little on your electricity bill too. Plus, if you notice the plug feels warm when you pull it out, that’s a big red flag that something’s wrong inside. Don’t brush it off—small signs like that can turn into bigger problems if you ignore them.
And honestly, unplugging doesn’t take more than a few seconds. It’s a small move that can make a really big difference for your home’s safety.
Watch Out for Frayed Cords and Loose Parts
Peeling cords or exposed wires? That’s a hard no. Faulty cords can cause shocks or fires, and loose parts like wobbly knobs or broken heating elements can turn simple tasks into serious risks.
You want to do regular checks, especially on appliances you use a lot. Look over cords, plugs, and casings. If you spot a damaged cord, don’t just slap on some duct tape and hope for the best. Replace it properly. Same with loose screws or panels—tighten them up or get them fixed before using the appliance again.
And if your iron starts overheating, trust your gut. Unplug it right away and don’t touch it until it’s checked out. Better safe than sorry.
Pay Attention to Weird Smells and Sounds
Old appliances send signals—creaking, buzzing, humming, even smelling like something’s burning. And you don’t want to ignore them. A weird smell, extra heat, or even a little spark is your cue to stop everything and unplug it.
Those could be signs of overheating, short-circuiting, or internal parts wearing out. Using an appliance that’s showing these signs means you’re risking an electrical fire—or worse.
If you notice these issues often, it’s a sign that it might be time to either repair or replace the appliance altogether. And if you’re not sure what’s going on, again – call a professional. It’s way cheaper (and safer) than dealing with fire damage later.
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