Your home can be full of hidden dangers that can put your family at risk. One common culprit is the dryer. According to a 2020 report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2014 and 2018, 13,820 home fires per year were caused by dryers.
The leading cause of these house fires was the homeowners’ failure to properly clean the dryer, eliminating flammable lint, dust, and other particles from in and around the dryer, which helped start the fire. Here is some insight into what causes dryer fires and tips on how to prevent dryer fires to keep your home safe.
What Causes Dryer Fires?
There are several reasons why a clothes dryer might catch fire. Here are some of the main culprits to look out for.
A clogged lint filter
All dryers include instructions for users to clean the filter after every use. This is where the appliance catches excess lint and other debris from your laundry. On most machines, it is generally located on the exterior of the dryer or inside the door opening.
Unfortunately, some homeowners may forget to do this, which can cause lint buildup in the lint compartment. Heat and the over-accumulation of lint on the lint filter can spark a fire. Your diligence in removing lint from the filter is crucial to prevent a dryer fire.
A blocked dryer duct
Not only can lint build up on the lint filter, but it can also collect inside the dryer duct. The dryer duct vents from the back of the dryer to the outside, which helps push moisture and heat outdoors. If lint obstructs this process, the heat from the dryer can ignite the lint in the tubing and cause a fire.
Lint trapped in vents isn’t the only way dryer’s ducts can become blocked. If you have a pest problem and an animal becomes trapped inside or it sets up a nest in the duct, this can obstruct the necessary venting and potentially cause a fire.
Putting the wrong materials in a dryer
You might experience a dryer fire because you inadvertently put something in the dryer that shouldn’t go there. Anything made with rubber, foam, or plastic, for instance, a rubber-backed bath mat, should not go in the dryer. These types of items may catch fire inside the dryer drum if they get too hot.
Drying items soiled with flammables
Another way a fire can start in the dryer’s drum is by putting towels or rags in it that contain traces of gasoline, alcohol, cooking oil, cleaning agents, finishing oils, or stains. Placing these items in the washing machine might not have eliminated all the flammable liquid from them. As a result, when the dryer heats up, so could those towels or rags with residual flammable liquids on them.
Using the wrong type of dryer duct
Some homeowners might install a plastic or foil accordion-style duct, which isn’t the best choice for transferring lint, moisture, and heat. When a is duct made of one of these flexible materials, it is more likely to get kinked or crushed, which makes it easier for lint to get trapped and ultimately ignite.
A safer option is a metal duct, which is rigid and less likely to twist and collect lint to better maintain a clear airway. When purchasing or replacing a dryer duct, always opt for a metal one to minimize the risk of a dryer fire.
Mechanical or electrical failure
This can sometimes happen when homeowners install the dryer themselves. Improper grounding and faulty wiring can could lead to overheating and spark an electrical fire. Professional installation ensures that the dryer is set up and connected correctly, which will reduce the risk of electrical fires and other safety hazards. It’s also important to check that appliance is plugged into the correct outlet for the its electrical load.
Tips For Minimizing Dryer Fires
Sometimes, there are tell-tale signs that a dryer fire is on the horizon, but sometimes it may occur randomly. The more prepared you are to combat dryer fires, the less likely you’ll experience a fire. Here are some effective tips to keep you and your family safe.
Clean the lint filter.
Proper dryer maintenance is key. Make sure you are cleaning the lint that accumulates on the filter after each use. Luckily, it’s quick and easy: All you must do is scrap the mesh screen with your hand to remove the lint that has collected in the filter. Failure to clean the link trap is one of the main reasons for dryer fires. Keeping the lint filter clear will also help your dryer to work more effectively.
Clean the dryer duct at least twice a year.
Not only does lint and dust accumulate inside the vent, but pests and their nests can get trapped in the duct. This is why it is critical to clean the dryer vent at least twice a year to ensure there are no obstructions. You can also hire a dryer lint removal service who can ensure that the task is done thoroughly.
One way to protect you and your family from a dryer fire is to buy a dryer that can detect a blockage in the vent. Such dryers have a built-in alarm that beeps if there is an obstruction or if the dryer is overheating due to the obstruction. It may also alert the user to the problem with a message on the dryer display.
Pay attention to how the dryer is operating.
If your clothing still feels damp after drying on a full cycle, this could be a clue that the lint filter or dryer duct is clogged, so make sure to inspect those two places. This isn’t guaranteed, as something else may be mechanically wrong with your dryer.
Other signs of a potential dryer fire include a burning smell, excessive heat coming from the dryer, or the dryer shutting off unexpectedly. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to stop using the dryer immediately, unplug it, and call a professional for inspection and repair.
Install a smoke detector in the laundry room.
To protect your home, laundry fire safety is important, so be sure that you add a smoke detector in the laundry room in addition to the kitchen and near their bedrooms. If your laundry area is separate from the other parts of the house, like in a basement, it’s especially important that you have an alert system in case of fire. Periodically check that smoke detectors are working correctly and replace the batteries annually.
Check the exterior exhaust vent.
Occasionally inspect the air exhaust vent pipe outside your home. Debris can blow into this vent and cause a blockage. You also want to look at the exhaust flap and make sure that it is open.
Clear lint behind the dryer and on the walls.
Sometimes, lint and dirt might collect on the back of your dryer and the walls behind it, making this area prone to sparks. Vacuuming or clearing away the lint with a long brush in this area can help safeguard your home from a fire.
Avoid running the dryer when you’re not home or asleep.
It’s crucial to stay present and aware while the dryer is in operation so that you can spot any issues immediately. For this reason, you should only run a dryer when you’re home and awake.
Have your gas dryer inspected.
The NFPA report revealed that electric dryers caused most dryer fires. However, this doesn’t mean that gas dryers are a safer option. Many homeowners use electric dryers because that’s how their house’s laundry room is set up. But those who have gas dryers should still be cautious to ensure the dryer gas line isn’t leaking gas. Having an annual inspection can keep you and your family safe. Installing a carbon monoxide detector in or near the laundry room with a gas dryer is also ideal.
Avoid using materials that aren’t allowed in the dryer.
Don’t put items that are made with rubber, plastic, or foam in the dryer. Likewise, use caution when cleaning fabrics, like towels, rags, or work clothes that have come into contact with gasoline, alcohol, cooking oil, cleaning agents, finishing oils, or stains. It’s a smart idea to wash these items twice to make sure you remove any flammable residue that could cause a fire. After washing such items, allowing them to air dry is best in lieu of using the dryer.
Switch to a metal duct.
If you currently have a plastic or foil accordion-style vent duct, it is a good idea to upgrade to a safer one, such as a metal duct marked by the Underwriters Laboratory. They set industry-wide standards. Choosing one that is UL 2158A is preferred.
Don’t place the dryer too close to the wall.
Besides eliminating the lint dust factory brewing behind your dryer, it is also smart to ensure there is sufficient space between the dryer and the wall. According to most dryer manuals, the space between the wall and the dryer should be at least five inches.
Consider replacing the dryer if it’s over 15 years old.
Generally, dryers last up to 15 years. However, if you’ve been getting regular maintenance and doing your part to keep it running well, you may even get up to 20 years of use out of your dryer. If your dryer is older, replacing it is a good idea. Not only will it guarantee your safety, but it could also save you some money since newer dryers are more energy efficient.
What to Do in the Event of a Dryer Fire
Dryer fire prevention is the best option. However, there might come a time when you are at risk for a fire and must do what you can to protect your family’s and your pets’ lives. Here are some tips on how to deal with an active dryer fire.
- Leave the dryer door closed. If you open the door, you will provide oxygen that will feed the flames. If you have a door to the laundry room, close it. This will also help contain the flames and prevent a house fire.
- Alert everyone inside to evacuate the home immediately and move to a safe location.
- Call 9-1-1 to report the dryer fire.
- If it is safe to remain in the house, use a fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires to put out the fire. Never use water to try to put out the fire.
- Only if you were successful in putting out the fire and the cord does not look damaged and you can easily access it, unplug the electric cord of the dryer. It’s also a good idea to turn the breaker off connected to the laundry room, especially if you were unable to unplug the appliance.
- Close the door to the laundry room in case the fire starts again while you wait for the fire department to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of dryer is more likely to cause a fire: electric or gas?
Electric dryers often post more of a fire risk because they heat up more quickly than gas dryers. However, gas dryers can be dangerous because their pipelines could be faulty. According to the NFPA report, “Seventy-eight percent of the dryers involved in home fires were powered by electricity, while 22% were powered by gas.”
That said, more Americans own electric dryers than gas dryers, so that factor could account for the difference. Regardless, of what type of dryer you have, it should be occasionally inspected to ensure it is working correctly.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover a dryer fire?
It is helpful to review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if it covers a dryer fire and the circumstances upon which a policy covers a dryer fire. If the insurance company finds the homeowner at fault for the dryer fire, they won’t cover it. This includes failure to get regular inspections and repairs. It could also include creating fire hazards, such as storing flammable items around the dryer or putting combustible items in the dryer.
Can a dryer that’s not in use catch on fire?
Yes. Mechanical or electrical failure or malfunction is usually to blame for dryers that catch on fire when not in use. Sparks from wiring can ignite the lint on the unit and cause a fire.
Can a washing machine start a fire?
Yes. Even though the heat of a dryer increases the risk of fire, there is a slight chance that the source of a laundry room fire could be a washing machine. Mechanical or electrical failure or malfunction could be the cause of a fire. Regular maintenance and checking for any signs of wear or damage can help prevent a washing machine fire. It’s also important to avoid overloading the machine, as this can strain its components and increase the fire risk.
