Can a dryer catch on fire?

1/5/2023 (Permalink)

Dryer in laundry room.

Can a dryer catch on fire? You bet it can. But unfortunately, many homeowners don't ever think about the potential fire hazard a dryer can pose. 

Every year, thousands of house fires start due to dryers—but how do they start and what can you do to avoid dryer fires? Let’s break it down.

Can a dryer catch on fire?

Dryers are one of the most common causes of household fires. This is because lint is an extremely flammable material. 

As clothes are dried, small particles of lint become detached from the fabric and accumulate in the lint trap or vent. If these particles build up too much, they can easily catch on fire. 

Let’s dig a little deeper into the top causes of dryer fires.

Lint Buildup 

Every time you run a load of laundry in the dryer, lint builds up. However, lint is a highly combustible material, and when it builds up in the trap or the vent line, it can create a fire hazard. If you don’t remove the lint after every load of laundry, there is an increased risk that sparks could ignite and cause a fire. 

Overheating 

Your dryer might also start a fire if it overheats. This usually happens when you have too much clothing in the drum at once, which can obstruct airflow and cause the machine to overheat. This can eventually spark or catch fire. 

You should always follow manufacturers recommendations on load size or opt for low heat settings. 

Overloading

An overloaded dryer can also pose a risk for starting a fire. This is because too much weight will put extra strain on the dryer’s motor, which could cause it to short circuit or spark out of control. That being said, make sure not to overload your machine with more than what is recommended by the manufacturer. If you need more room for larger items (like comforters), then consider breaking up your dirty laundry into multiple loads – rather than forcing items into one load. This can easily damage the machine and potentially even lead to a house fire. 

How to prevent dryer fires

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk for a dryer-related house fire. These steps include but are not limited to:

• Clean out the lint trap after every use
• Clean out any external vents once every 3 months
• Check for any blockages in vents regularly
• Make sure you purchase a high-quality dryer that is designed for safety
• Have your dryer serviced annually by a professional technician  
• Never overload the dryer
• Clean up any lint around, under, or on top of your dryer

Taking these simple steps can help you keep your dryer working safely and efficiently. Bear in mind – if you ever smell something burning when using your dryer, turn it off immediately and have it checked by a professional before using it again.  

No one ever wants their home to be affected by a devastating fire caused by their appliances. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using your dryers and take action now to prevent them before they become an issue down the line. By following these tips outlined above, you can reduce your risk of experiencing dryer fire in your home!