The days of back and forth between the laundrette are more or less over, the convenience of saving money at home between using your own washing washing and a dryer if you are lucky enough is a light load lifted off on wash days, but it is easy to forget that not only do your clothes need the care they do to stay clean, so do your appliances to make sure they are functioning properly without causing any problems down the line.
Whilst it is easy to put your clothes in the dryer week after week without giving it an after thought of its funtion, reports show washing machines and tumble dryers remain a leading cause of fires, with 1,047 or almost three every day on average. According to the latest fire statistics published by the Home Office in 2024, nearly 10,000 fires (9,643) each year are linked to kitchen appliances alone. Tumble dryers, in particular, contribute significantly to appliance-related fires, often due to neglected maintenance, lint buildup, or electrical faults. Overtime you may notice changes about your dryer taking longer to dry clothes, or the clothes do not come out as hot or even suddenly the dryer shutting down all together.
Firefighters every year respond to over 13,000 home fires caused by tumble dryers across the country according to the latest figures from the National Fire Protection Association. Some newer dryers have built in technology to alert you when there is a build up detected, however, past testing has revealed that whilst that is a good indicator they aren’t as good at detecting partial blockages.
Tumble dryers generate heat and need proper ventilation to function safely. However, neglecting maintenance can turn them into a fire hazard. One of the most common causes of dryer fires is lint buildup in the filter and vents. Over time, this restricts airflow, causes overheating, and can ignite if left unchecked.
Overloading the dryer is another risk, as it reduces air circulation and increases heat buildup. Electrical malfunctions, such as faulty wiring or overheating components, can also spark fires, especially in older or poorly maintained machines. By keeping vents clean, avoiding overloading, and ensuring proper maintenance, households can significantly reduce the risk of a dryer fire.
Experts at Consumer Reports suggested ways to reduce risk of a fire happening with these simple tips to follow below:
Clean the lint buildup
A clean filter prevents fire hazards, improves drying efficiency, and extends the lifespan of your dryer.
Replace an Accordian-style duct
If you see a plastic or foil accordion-style duct connecting your appliance to the vent, it’s a good idea to replace it. This type of duct is risky because it can sag, allowing lint to build up at low points and trapping lint in its ridges.
Clean the dryer duct at least once a year
If you are starting to notice clothes are taking a lot longer to dry than they use to, this could mean there may be a blockage to the dryers vent system. In this case, it is advised to disconnect the dryer from the power source so that you can access the vent that is typically at the back of the dryer and hoover both the dryer and duct as much as you can access and its surrounding area as lint can be built up there too. Once you have done this step you can reconnect the dryer back to the power.
Handle Chemical Stains on Laundry With Care
Laundry stained with gas, cooking oil, cleaning agents, or other flammable chemicals or substances needs special care. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends washing stained clothing or other items more than once to minimize volatile chemicals, then hanging them to dry.
If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that concludes with a cool-down period.