An explosion in the washing machine sounds absurd, but it is actually possible. Incorrect handling of certain detergents or textiles can cause gases to develop that can become dangerous. Here you can find out what causes this phenomenon and how to avoid this danger.

Which cleaning agents are dangerous?

The greatest danger to the washing machine comes from solvent-based cleaners such as stain removers, turpentine, white spirit or decolorizers. These products contain substances that volatilize at high temperatures and release gases. If pre-treated clothing is put directly into the washing machine, these Vapors accumulate in the drum and form an explosive gas-air mixture.

According to Maria Beltran, press spokeswoman for Robert Bosch Haushaltsgeräte GmbH, this is where the real danger lies: “Gases that concentrate in a confined space in the washing drum can react with the smallest sparks from the electronics.” Normally, such Sparks are harmless, but if they come into contact with a high concentration of gas, this can lead to a detonation.

Explosion hazard in the washing machine: these are the causes

The closed washing drum offers little space for escaping gases. Vapors from textiles that have been pre-treated with solvents accumulate. During the washing process, the Friction of the drum and the motor ensure that tiny sparks are produced – normally not a problem. However, in combination with a large quantity of flammable gases, this can lead to a dangerous explosion.

This is particularly problematic with textiles that are heavily contaminated with stain removers or chemicals. However, even with seemingly minor residues, for example after cleaning grease or oil stains with white spirit, the corresponding gas formation can be sufficient to damage a washing machine.

How you can avoid the danger

If you want to pre-treat textiles with solvent-based cleaners, you should never put them straight into the washing machine afterwards. Instead, it is recommended that you first thorough hand wash with plenty of water to remove as much of the chemicals as possible. Only when the smell of solvents is no longer perceptible can you put the garments in the machine.

Alternatively, there are now special stain removers that without solvents and are significantly safer. Many brands offer ecological forms that are effective but harmless. Check the packaging to see if the product is solvent-free.

Another safety measure: wash such pre-treated textiles separatelyto reduce the risk of contaminating other items of laundry.

Explosion hazard even in the dryer

Incidentally, the danger does not end in the washing machine. Flammable gases can also have an explosive effect in the dryer. It is particularly critical when treated textiles are washed together with synthetic materials should be dried. Plastics and foams increase the risk of fire as they can melt at high temperatures. Anyone wishing to dry pre-treated clothing should therefore ensure that all residues have been thoroughly removed and that the textiles have been fully aired.

You may also be interested in these articles:

Safety first

Although an explosion in the washing machine remains an unusual exception, it still pays to be careful. When pretreating textiles, avoid using solvent-based detergents if possible or rinse the garments thoroughly before putting them in the machine. After all, your safety – and the service life of your washing machine – comes first.

Source: t-online

Houseplants beautify your home, improve the indoor climate and make you feel good. But you can go wrong when watering them – especially if you use distilled water. You may have heard that it is particularly pure. But is that really true? Is it good or bad to water houseplants with it? Find out here.

What is distilled water anyway?

Distilled water is completely free of salts, minerals and other substances and is particularly suitable for technical devices in the household, is found in several components and circuits in cars and is also used in medicine. But can you also water your plants with purified water?

It only contains H₂O – nothing else. That sounds perfect at first, because it doesn’t contain any substances that are potentially harmful to plants, such as lime. But beware: your green pets also need certain minerals that are found in normal tap water.

Is it good for your houseplants?

If you water houseplants with distilled water, they won’t get any harmful substances, but they won’t get any nutrients either. This can be particularly problematic in the long term. Plants such as ferns or orchids, which are sensitive to lime, benefit from this for a short time. However, most other plants lack an important source of minerals.

When does it make sense to use it?

You can use distilled water if you mix it with rainwater or stale tap water. This prevents limescale deposits without sacrificing minerals. Alternatively, you can regularly add plant fertilizer if you don’t want to use alternative types of water.

You may also be interested in these articles:

Watering houseplants with distilled water – yes or no?

Watering your green friends with it is not fundamentally bad – but it is not ideal either. In the short term, it is suitable for limescale-sensitive species. In the long term, you should ensure a balanced water supply. It is best to mix it with tap water, add fertilizer or use rainwater directly. Your plants will thank you for it!

Source: My Homebook

Your amaryllis has bloomed for weeks, but now the splendor is gone and the flowers are drooping? No need to throw your amaryllis away after flowering – after all, amaryllis are perennial plants! With a few clever tricks, you can look after them properly so that they bloom beautifully again next year.

1. remove faded flowers correctly

As soon as the flowers have wilted, cut off the flower stalk just above the bulb. But leave the leaves! They are important so that the plant can store energy for the next flowering.

2. now the growth phase begins

How to care for your amaryllis after flowering:

3. Amaryllis in summer

You can put the amaryllis outside from May. A semi-shady spot in the garden or on the balcony is ideal. Continue to water and fertilize until the leaves turn yellow in late summer.

4. initiate the dormant phase

Things get exciting from mid-August/early September:

• Slowly stop watering and fertilizing.
• Allow the leaves to wither and cut off wilted leaves.
• Optional: Remove the onion from the pot and remove the soil.
• Store the onion in a dry and cool place (8 – 15° C), preferably in the cellar. The vegetable compartment of the fridge is also a good place.
  But: Amaryllis is highly poisonous, just two milligrams is fatal! Make sure that you keep the bulb wrapped separately in newspaper so that it is never accidentally eaten or comes into contact with food.

5. blooming splendor in winter

One month before the amaryllis is due to flower again, end the dormant phase. Plant it, water it and put it in a warm place. It will soon sprout again – and flowering will start all over again!

Special case: Waxed amaryllis bulb

If you have bought or been given a waxed amaryllis, don’t throw it away straight away! You can also keep them in the summer, but you’ll have to remove the wax first and get them to root again. Here’s how to do it:

• First, remove the wax from the underside of the bulb by cutting and peeling it off with a knife, being very careful not to damage the bulb.
• Then place the bulb in a narrow glass container, cover it with moss and spray the moss regularly with water! The moss should never dry out, so you can place a pine cone in the glass.
• As soon as you can see that enough roots have formed, you can remove the remaining wax from the amaryllis.
• To overwinter, plant it in a pot with fresh soil and continue with step two.

With these tricks and tips, your amaryllis will bloom anew every year – without much effort!

Share this ingenious trick with other plant fans!

Source: NDR, MDR
Preview image: ©Neils – stock.adobe.com

Want to bring the scent of sunshine and vacation right into your living room? Then go for a Lemon tree as a houseplant! Not only does it look beautiful, it also smells wonderfully fresh and, with a bit of luck, will even give you its own fruit. With a few tricks, you can take care of it in your own four walls.

The perfect location for your lemon tree

Your lemon tree loves light. So find it a bright spot by the window, ideally with direct sunlight or, if available, place it in the light-flooded conservatory. It will enjoy at least five hours of sunshine a day, so choose a south-facing window. In summer, you can also place it on the balcony or terrace. It is important that you bring it back into the warm when it gets below 10 degrees – otherwise it will quickly get into trouble.

Control humidity

Another point that should not be underestimated and is crucial for the well-being of many houseplants is the humidity. Your lemon tree likes to be regularly sprayed with water. A slightly higher humidity and regular ventilation without constant draughts will increase the well-being and robustness of your little tree, as air that is too dry attracts pests such as scale insects.

Watering with moderation and feeling

Lemon trees need regular watering, but waterlogging is harmful to them. Only water when the top layer of soil is dry. In winter it is sufficient to water once every two weeks, in summer it can be more often. Use low-lime water, preferably stagnant tap water or rainwater. Also make sure there is good drainage in the pot.

Fertilizing for strong leaves and flowers

Between March and September, your lemon tree will be happy to receive fertilizer every two weeks. It is best to use special citrus fertilizer 🛒. This will not only promote growth, but also flower formation – and with a bit of luck, even small lemons will grow.

You may also be interested in these articles:

A piece of Italy within your own four walls

A Lemon tree as a houseplant brings Mediterranean flair to your home. If you give it a sunny spot, water it regularly and provide it with nutrients, it will stay healthy for a long time and may even give you your own lemon harvest. With the right care, you can turn your home into a little lemon paradise – which not only smells fantastic, but also looks fantastic.

The links marked with the shopping cart 🛒 are affiliate links. The products are researched to the best of our authors’ knowledge and some are recommended from personal experience. If you click on such an affiliate link and buy something through it, our editorial team will receive a small commission from the online store in question. For you as a user, the price does not change and there are no additional costs. The income helps us to offer you high-quality, entertaining journalism free of charge.

Source: Utopia, Focus