Why You Shouldn’t Run Your Dishwasher During A Thunderstorm
Being able to start the dishwasher and forget about it while it cleans your dishes is the best part of having one. But if there’s a storm rolling in, you might want to hold off. It sounds like overkill, but there’s a real risk to running major appliances like a dishwasher during a thunderstorm. It’s not just about saving electricity or keeping noise down. There are hidden dangers involved that can do serious damage to both you and your home.
Power Surges Can Fry Your Dishwasher
When lightning strikes nearby, it can send a surge through your home’s electrical system. Even if you have a surge protector, many dishwashers are hardwired or directly plugged into the power source without added protection. That sudden jolt of power from the lightning can short out the control panel or fry the motor completely. It’s not a cheap problem to fix for something that could’ve been avoided by simply waiting until the storm passed.
Water and Electricity Don’t Mix Well
Dishwashers use a combination of water, heat, and electricity—all of which are already risky together. Add a thunderstorm into the equation, and it ups the danger. A strong enough surge or sudden loss of power could cause the machine to stop mid-cycle, leak, or even trip a breaker. In the worst case scenario, you could be left with a small flood in your kitchen or damage to your flooring.
It Can Void Your Appliance Warranty
Some appliance warranties quietly exclude damage from “acts of God,” which can include lightning strikes and storms. If your dishwasher gets knocked out by a surge during a thunderstorm, you might be stuck paying for the repairs or replacement out of pocket. Always double-check your warranty and consider waiting an hour or two. It could save you hundreds, or more.
Lightning Strikes Are More Common Than You Think
You don’t have to live in the lightning capital of the world to be worried about lightning and your dishwasher. Even in areas with fewer storms, lightning strikes can travel through the ground and into your home via utility lines or plumbing. It might not happen often, but all it takes is one time. And the only sign you’ll have is an incoming storm.
It’s Not Just Dishwashers
This advice applies to more than just dishwashers. Washing machines, dryers, and even your fridge can suffer from electrical surges during a thunderstorm. Anything that’s mid-cycle and drawing power is especially vulnerable. As a general rule, if it plugs in and runs a cycle, it’s safer to leave it off until the storm passes.
You’ll Get a Better Wash After the Storm
Aside from safety, there’s another practical reason to keep your dishwasher off: if the power goes out mid-cycle, your dishes are going to sit in murky water until the power returns. That can leave behind food residue or cause unpleasant smells. Waiting until things are stable means your dishwasher can run a full cycle without being interrupted and your dishes will actually get clean.
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We don’t always think about the risks of everyday habits, especially ones as routine as running the dishwasher. But during a thunderstorm, having your dishwasher running in the background can lead to big problems. So next time the skies turn gray and thunder rumbles, hit pause. You’ll avoid potential damage, keep your home safer, and have cleaner dishes in the long run.
Bliss Donahue-Power
