Everyday Household Items You Shouldn’t Leave Plugged In — And What to Do Instead
We all have those “always-on” gadgets. Some are fine to leave plugged in. Others quietly burn electricity, wear out faster, or — worst of all — become a fire or shock hazard. This guide walks through the most common culprits, reasons why you should unplug them, and simple alternatives that keep your home safer and your energy bill from quietly creeping higher.
Quick tip: if you only do one thing today, snag a single smart power strip (or a few inexpensive outlet timers) and use it for the devices you want to control without fiddling with plugs.
1. Phone and laptop chargers (when not charging)
Chargers left plugged in without a device attached still draw “vampire” power. Individually the draw is small, but across a house and over months it adds up. More importantly, older or cheap chargers can overheat, especially if they’re tucked under furniture or behind other cords.
- Risk: unnecessary energy use and overheating.
- Do instead: unplug chargers when phones/laptops are done charging. Use a single multi-port charger or a smart strip for the charging station so you can switch the whole cluster off.
2. Space heaters and electric blankets
Portable space heaters and electric blankets generate lots of heat and have been linked to house fires when left unattended. Heaters should never be left on overnight or when no one is home; electric blanket controls and old blankets can short out if left powered for hours.
- Risk: fire hazard and high energy use.
- Do instead: use built-in thermostat features, keep heaters in the clear (no fabrics nearby), and unplug when not actively needed. For blankets, turn power off before sleeping.
3. Irons and steamers
An iron left plugged in and face down is an obvious fire risk — but many irons also continue to cycle power while on a bed of clothing or a crowded surface, and unattended steamers can leak hot water. Even modern irons with auto-off aren’t foolproof if the device is faulty.
- Risk: burns, scorched fabric, fire.
- Do instead: unplug immediately after use; store upright; inspect cords for frays.
4. Power tools and battery chargers (garage/workshop)
Battery chargers for drills, saws, and other tools often run indefinitely unless unplugged, slowly degrading battery health and sometimes emitting small sparks during faults. A charged battery left on a dock is at greater risk of swelling or failure if charging circuits fail.
- Risk: battery damage, fire risk in cluttered garages.
- Do instead: charge only when needed and keep chargers off the workbench when not in use. Consider a dedicated outlet with switch or unplug after charging.
5. Space-saver electric kitchen appliances (toasters, coffee makers, slow cookers)
Some countertop devices, especially older models, can be left plugged in and accidentally switched on or left in a “hot plate” mode that keeps elements warm. Slow cookers are a special case — they’re designed to run long, but only when monitored for proper liquid levels and placement.
- Risk: fire from crumbs, grease, or faulty switches.
- Do instead: unplug small appliances after use, keep toasters crumb-clean, and place warmers on heat-resistant surfaces.
6. Holiday lights and decorative lighting
Twinkly strands left in year-round can degrade, especially outdoors or in attics. Exposed wiring, cracked insulation, and damaged plugs become hazards the longer the lights stay connected.
- Risk: electrical shorts and fires.
- Do instead: unplug seasonal lights when not in use; use outdoor-rated extension cords and GFCI outlets for exterior runs.
7. Televisions and entertainment systems (standby mode)
Modern TVs and receivers use very little energy in standby, but multiple devices (soundbar, game console, streaming box) each add a small drain. Over time they cost you money and keep a cluster of electronics hot.
- Risk: energy waste and accidental power cycles that can stress electronics.
- Do instead: use a single smart power strip to kill power to the whole entertainment center when it’s not in use — faster and safer than unplugging 4 different cords.
8. Desktop printers and scanners
Many office devices remain in low-power standby but will pop on periodically for updates, network checks, or maintenance cycles. That’s convenient, but if the device is in a bedroom, small office, or a child’s reach, it’s a safety issue and an energy drain.
- Risk: unintended power use, small electrical faults.
- Do instead: unplug or use a switched outlet when you know you won’t use the device for days; consider a surge protector with a switch.
