Is your tumble dryer a fire hazard?
It is not advisable to use your tumble dryer at night to save money on electricity bills. This is because leaving electrical appliances on overnight can pose a serious risk of fire. Despite the common belief that electricity is cheaper at night, most people are charged a flat rate for energy usage throughout the day. Therefore, using electrical products at night may not necessarily save you money.
According to safety charity Electrical Safety First, there were 2,661 instances of tumble dryer fires between 2014 and 2019. In 2019, there were 668 incidents of tumble dryer fires and 624 incidents of washing machine fires, as reported by Electrical Contracting News. Additionally, UK government fire statistics reveal that in 2021, there were 884 tumble dryer fires and 509 washing machine fires.
A recall notice was issued for an estimated 500,000 Whirlpool tumble dryers posing a potential fire risk, and prior to this, millions of Whirlpool machines sold under its Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan and Proline brands were identified as dangerous and requiring a fix to make them safe. According to Government figures, faulty Whirlpool machines led to 750 fires over 11 years. Worryingly, some of the machines may well be still in use.
Why do tumble dryers catch fire?
Tumble dryers are equipped with a powerful motor that contains fast-moving parts that generate a lot of heat. These parts can become the cause of a fire hazard if not taken care of properly. The buildup of fluff is one of the most common reasons for a tumble dryer fire. The fluff can ignite when exposed to the heating elements inside the machine.
To avoid such hazards, it is recommended to regularly clean the lint filter of your tumble dryer. Research suggests that only one in twelve people clean the filter once a year, while one in twenty admits to never cleaning it. Cheaper, unbranded tumble dryers, overloaded sockets, and faulty wiring are also potential causes of fire.
It is essential to look for warning signs of fire risk, such as a smell of burning, items taking longer to dry, and dried clothes feeling hotter at the end of the cycle. If you observe any such signs, stop using the appliance immediately and have it checked by a professional.
Welsh Fire and Rescue Services advise allowing each drying program, including the 'cool down cycle,' to complete before emptying the machine. If you stop the appliance mid-cycle, the clothing will still be hot.
The do’s and don’ts of using a tumble dryer:
- Buy a safer, branded appliance
- Always follow the manufacturer’s advice
- Never leave the dryer unattended or running overnight
- Never put items into the dryer that have been used to soak up flammable liquids
- Never overload: take bulky items such as a duvet to the dry cleaners
- Avoid overloading sockets: a tumble dryer needs its own 13-amp socket
- Check for any visible electrical wires
- Have the dryer serviced regularly by a qualified electrician
- Ensure your tumble dryer is properly and regularly maintained
- Clean the filter after every use
- Make sure the tumble dryer is well ventilated
- Check if the external vent flap stays shut when the dryer is on
- Never cover the vent and only use recommended vent pipes
- Ensure the vent pipe is kink-free and not blocked or crushed
- Vent the warm air to the outside of the building
- Have smoke alarms regularly tested
Preventing a tumble dryer fire
As the weather gets colder and use of tumble dryers increases during the winter months, it’s just as well to be aware of the risks and take appropriate steps to ensure your appliance is well maintained and that you’re using it correctly. The best advice is never to leave your tumble dryer or washing machine unattended, don’t turn it on before you leave the house or go to bed, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance.
You can register new and older models at www.registermyappliance.org.uk This will enable the manufacturer to contact you if any faults become apparent or recall notices are issued. If you want to check on appliances that have been recalled or for manufacturers’ information on defects (click here).
Perhaps most important, make sure you have a working, regularly checked smoke alarm and an escape plan for you and your family should a fire occur. If there is a fire, once you are outside, never go back into the house. Also, follow Electrical Safety First’s advice to regularly clean the lint filter. It could help you avoid a potentially expensive insurance claim and the inconvenience of being unable to use your home while the damage is rectified.
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