I hate to say this but.................(Think Ela will remember this from another board)
When Missy was a few weeks old she did 10mins of a 40deg wash cycle
I had put washing in machine and then remembered a pair of trousers, got them, put them in, shut the door, turned on machine and walked away.
Went and sat in front room for about 5/10mins and then popped back into kitchen - Heard a funny crying noise and knew straight away what had happened. I pressed stop on the machine and ran round to my neighbour hysterical.
I dont know how he got the door open it was all a blurr
He got Missy out (alive but quiet) and i wrapped her up in a towel and rushed her up to vets - they took her straight in and said she had gone into shock and rushed her out of the back and gave her some adrenaline.
Anyway, She was fine and pulled through ok.
So YES i am very paranoid about checked the washing machine