Is it safe to leave this washer outlet hanging out of the wall box?

That dangling outlet is a textbook shock and fire hazard, expecially in an old basement. When a receptacle isn't secured to the box, the only thing keeping those live terminals from touching the metal casing is the stiffness of the wires. If the "hot" side of that outlet bumps against the grey metal box or the conduit, it's going to arc or energize the entire metal run. If you happen to touch the box while that's happening, you're the path to ground. Moving the washer to the cream-colored **GFCI outlet** is the smartest move you can make right now. Modern washers, especially those Samsung units, can be sensitive, but having that GFCI protection in a damp basement is non-negotiable for safety. If the GFCI trips immediately when you plug the washer in, it might be telling you there's already a leak or a fault in the machine, wich is actually the device doing its job.

As for the loose outlet, it probably just needs a proper industrial cover. You can't just screw a standard residential outlet directly into those 4-inch square metal boxes without a **raised cover** (sometimes called a "mud ring" or an industrial surface cover). Without the right plate, the outlet just flops around becuase it has nothing to bite into. It’s a five-minute fix for an electrician, but until it's secured, I’d definatly stop using that specific plug. The fact that it's near a dryer vent adds another layer of risk because of the lint and heat. Dust and lint are basically tinder for any sparks that might fly if those exposed terminals hit the metal box. Keep the washer off until your husband can switch it over to the GFCI tomorrow. It’s not worth risking a fire over a load of laundry. Once the electrician gets there on Monday, have him check if that circuit is even grounded properly, given the 1921 build date.

I had no idea about those raised covers. I always assumed a screw was just a screw, but that makes total sense why it's just flopping around. Since our place is from 1921, I'm also wondering about those metal pipes. Does the conduit itself act as a ground, or do we need an actual copper wire running thru there? I’ve seen some old wires in the attic that look like they’re wrapped in fabric, so I’m really hoping the basement isn't a total mess of different eras. Definitely staying away from that outlet until Monday.

Regarding the conduit grounding—if it’s old EMT or rigid pipe, it technically can act as the ground, but in a house from 1921, those connections are often loose or corroded. Don't trust it blindly.

Also, keep in mind that washers, expecially high-efficiency Samsungs, vibrate a ton during the spin cycle. That constant movement is the last thing you want for a dangling outlet with exposed terminals. It basially guarantees those live screws will eventually kiss the metal box. Make sure the electrician checks if that conduit run is acutally bonded back to the panel. Old fabric-wrapped wire is notorious for insulation crumbling the second you move it, so be prepared for a potential rewire.

Seriously, have your husband flip the breaker to that dangling outlet tonight before he even tries to move things around tomorrow. Even with nothing plugged in, those terminals are live and just waiting for a vibration to kick them against the metal box. Since the house is from the 20s, keep an eye out for brittle insulation. If those wires are wrapped in old cloth, moving them even a little bit can cause the casing to just crumble off. If that happens, you've got bare copper exposed right where it enters the box, wich is a whole other headache for the electrician on Monday.