How long would it take for a washing machine to explode if a liter of kerosene were poured into it?

Question

How big would the explosion be? I've heard about people who have done this, and am writing a short story about it, and need a little help with the scientific details.

Answer 1

Kerosene is the same as Number 1 fuel oil. Typical boiling point ranges are from about 347 degrees F to 612 degree F. The FI.P. is at or about 100 degrees F and below 140 F.

If the washing machine didn't spark, this could take a long time. Unlike easier vaporizing gasoline, kerosene has a hard time mixing with enough air to form a good explosive mixture. With a faulty machine this might just take seconds to start a fire, even if no explosion happened.