Always Unplug These Laundry Room Appliances When A Storm Is Coming

When you feel a storm coming, you are most likely thinking about closing windows, securing your outdoor furniture, checking on your family, and making sure you have flashlights and other supplies ready. Your laundry room probably isn't at the top of your priorities. But there is another step you should add to your smart storm prep list to minimize damage: unplugging your washer and dryer. While it might seem like this is not a big deal, taking a moment to disconnect these heavy-duty appliances can help protect your home and your wallet from potential damage. It is a simple, proactive measure that really pays off if lightning strikes or there is a power surge.

This is why unplugging your laundry room appliances as a safety precaution works: when there is a lightning strike or a severe power surge, the electricity from either can travel through your home's electrical wiring. If your washer and dryer (or any appliances, for that matter) are plugged in, that surge can fry their sensitive internal electronic bits and pieces. The worst part (as you might assume) is that this kind of damage can be pricey to fix, with issues ranging from cleaning up after an electrical fire to a full replacement of your damaged appliance. By taking a moment to unplug your washer and dryer (and even other appliances, like these ones in your kitchen), you put a barrier between them and any surges from the electrical grid and safely isolate them from potential harm.

To properly unplug your washer and dryer, the first thing you need to do is locate their power cords. On these appliances, the cord will almost always be located on the back of the unit. For a dryer (especially an electric one), the cord will be thicker and connect to a 240-volt electrical outlet. Always grab the plug itself and not the cord to safely pull it from the wall and not damage it or the outlet. It is also a good idea to secure the cords once unplugged to keep them from getting in the way or becoming a tripping hazard. For a gas dryer, while the electrical cord is just for the motor and controls, it is still best to unplug it to help protect the electrical components.

Once the storm has passed, you are not out of the woods just yet. It is wise to wait about 20 minutes after the storm has completely cleared before plugging your appliances back in. Why? It allows time for any lingering power surges or fluctuations in the grid to stabilize. At that point, all you need to do is plug them back in, making sure they are pushed in all the way. Taking these careful steps helps keep your washer and dryer protected before, during, and right after a storm. And by adding this simple step into your pre-storm routine, you can make sure both your appliances and your home stay safe and sound, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.