·Amended:
RTL
Of all the electronic devices you have in your home, the tumble dryer is the biggest cause of house fires. This is mainly due to the heat that is released during use, which in combination with dust can have disastrous consequences. However, there are more causes that can cause fire. We list them and tell you how to reduce the risk of house fires caused by your tumble dryer.
Cause of fire from tumble dryer
A fire caused by a tumble dryer can have several causes. We have listed the most common causes below:
- Clogged filters can cause the device to overheat.
- Accumulated dust can catch fire due to a hot heating element or a defective motor.
- Of drain hose may become clogged.
- The drain for warm air can be blocked to touch.
- Metal parts on your clothing (such as buttons and zippers) sparks cause when they bump into each other.
- Overheating of the power cord when the cord is not unrolled properly.
11 tips to prevent fires from your tumble dryer as much as possible
1. Empty and clean the filter after each drying cycle.
Many people only empty the lint filter when the appliance indicates it or even ignore this message. But it is actually advisable to empty this filter and rinse it clean after every drying cycle. Think not only of the filter itself, but also of the filter holder.
Keeping the filters clean is not only a lot safer, but also ensures that you save a lot on your energy consumption. After all, full filters ensure that the drying time takes longer.
2. Make sure the dryer can dissipate its heat
When installing a tumble dryer, it is especially important that the appliance can dissipate its heat well and that the space can ventilate during use. Always leave the door of the space – whether it is a separate laundry room or a cupboard conversion – open during use.
In addition, always keep the air supply and exhaust clear during use and ensure that the air exhaust hose is uncovered and cleaned regularly.
3. Provide a suitable surface
The surface is also very important for safe use. Always place the dryer on a smooth and dust-free surface. Carpeting is therefore an absolute no-go.
4. Clean the condenser regularly
Something that is often forgotten, but is at least as important: also regularly clean the condenser, also called the heat exchanger. This is usually located at the bottom left at the front of the dryer. Remove it – if possible – completely and make both the condenser itself and the space in which it is located completely dust-free. This can often be done with the vacuum cleaner nozzle, but you can also rinse the condenser with the tap or shower head. To be sure, check the cleaning instructions for your device.
5. Plug directly into wall socket (and not into a power strip)
Power strips and extension cords may be useful when you have too few cords or outlets, but not in combination with a dryer. Always put the plug directly into a grounded socket and therefore not in a power strip, extension cord or reel.
6. Be careful with certain substances and materials
Certain fabrics and materials – such as rubber or foam rubber – can increase the risk of fire under certain circumstances. Therefore, always adhere to the washing instructions on the washing label of your garment. After all, these instructions are not only intended to keep your clothing beautiful, but are also intended for your own safety.
How did that work again with those symbols? The icon with a square with a circle in it indicates that the garment can go in the dryer. If there is a cross in it, it can’t. The We explain other washing symbols here.
It is also better not to put textiles that have come into contact with chemicals such as acetone (nail polish remover), white spirit, stain remover and industrial chemicals in the dryer.
7. Be careful with fabric softener
It may sound crazy, but fabric softener can also increase the risk of fire. Fabric softener leaves a layer on your clothes and in the dryer, which makes it harder for the dryer to measure whether the laundry is dry. This causes the appliance to dry longer than necessary, resulting in overheating.
8. Watch out for loose parts and objects
Always check the pockets of your clothes to make sure no objects have been left behind.
9. Do not place anything on top of the dryer
Placing items – from clothing to detergent – on top of the dryer can cause the appliance to overheat more quickly and can spread any fire more quickly.
10. Take your laundry out immediately
Is the dryer finished? Switch off the appliance and remove your laundry immediately. The appliance can then quickly release its heat.
11. Stay home when the dryer is on (or turn it off)
Finally, perhaps the most important tip: always stay nearby or at least at home when you turn on the dryer. Do you have to leave the house quickly? To be on the safe side, turn the appliance off and only turn it on again when you are back, as the fire brigade also advises.
Be alert: Place a smoke detector near the dryer
Since July 2022, it is mandatory to install at least one smoke detector on every floor in your home. But an extra smoke detector near the tumble dryer is also definitely recommended. Especially when the dryer is in a place where you don’t go much, such as in the attic. Because despite the above tips that significantly reduce the chance of fire, you can never completely rule it out. The smoke detector ensures that you are hopefully alerted in time.
NB: Never place the smoke detector directly above the dryer, as the warm condensation released when you open the door after use can trigger a false alarm.
