Tumble dryers and washing machines contain powerful motors with fast moving parts that get very hot. If you don’t clean and maintain your machine, excess fluff or lint can build up over time and catch fire.
There are a number of warning signs to watch out for:
- Does your tumble dryer smell of burning?
- Are your textiles taking longer to dry?
- Do the dried items feel hotter at the end of the cycle?
- Does the external vent flap stay shut when the dryer is on?
If you notice any of the above, clean the filter and check the vent pipe immediately.
In addition, remember to:
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using your dryer.
- Never leave your appliance unattended or running overnight.
- Never put rags or materials into your tumble dryer if they have been used to soak up flammable liquids.
- Keep your dryer well ventilated, ensuring that the vent pipe is kink free, not blocked or crushed in any way.
- Never cover the vent or any other opening, and only use recommended vent pipes and not improvised ones.
- Clean the filter in your dryer after every use.
- Only vent the warm air to the outside of the building.
- Have your dryer serviced regularly by a qualified engineer.
- Always have working smoke alarms installed in your home and test them regularly.
Our advice is to never use tumble dryers and washing machines overnight; there is a risk of fire if these appliances develop a fault, and if this happens when people are sleeping, the risk to life is far greater.
Whirlpool washing machines
In December 2019, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) committed to supporting Whirlpool with their recall campaign to ensure that as many people as possible are made safe from the fire risk relating to affected models of Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines.
More than half a million washing machines will be recalled, which is around 20% of the models sold from 2014. This translates as one in 60 homes potentially having a washing machine which may pose a fire risk. NFCC is aware of 79 fires caused by affected machines.
The fault lies with the door switch and the issue appears to be unique to certain Hotpoint and Indesit models. Whirlpool have launched a full product recall of the affected washing machines and will replace the machine or if, the customer prefers, make a repair to the machine (the choice is with the consumer).
NFCC are advising customers that have confirmed they have an affected model to unplug and not use the machine at all. Whirlpool are advising customers against using their affected washing machines but, if they are still going to, advise using it at a temperature of 20c or lower to reduce the risk – NFCC does not endorse this advice.
To check whether you have an affected machine, you will need its model and the serial number. These can be found either in the recess of the door or on the back of washing machine. You can find the list of affected models below:
For further advice, contac Whirlpool on 0800 316 1442 or visit www.washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.co.uk
Whirlpool tumble dryers
Whirlpool has identified potential concern with two types of tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015. In some rare cases, excess fluff can come into contact with the heating element and present a risk of fire. The affected brands are Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda. Whirlpool branded tumble dryers are not affected by this safety notice.
The company has said it will arrange a visit from an engineer, free of charge, to modify your appliance. The service call will take approximately one hour. The improvements believed are necessary will further enhance the safety and quality of your dryer.
Trading Standards has advised that updated usage advice should be communicated to affected consumers. If your tumble dryer is affected by this issue, you should unplug it and do not use it until the modification has taken place.
Visit https://safety.hotpoint.eu/index.jsp for further information about this safety notice.
FAQs
In some rare cases, excess fluff can come into contact with the heating element and present a risk of fire. The affected brands are Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda.
How many house fires are caused by a tumble dryer? ›
Electrical Contracting News reports there were 668 tumble dryer fires and 624 washing machine fires in 2019/20203 and according to UK government fire statistics, there were 884 tumble dryer fires and 509 washing fires in 2021/20224.
Which tumble dryers have been recalled? ›
We have identified a potential concern with two types of tumble dryer manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015. Please choose the brand. For Creda, Ariston, Proline and Swan users please choose Hotpoint. DO YOU HAVE AN INDESIT TUMBLE DRYER?
How much does a tumble dryer cost per hour? ›
Your average 9kg heat pump tumble dryer will use around 2.16 kWh for a full load cycle. Using your dryer two times a week will give you an average annual usage of 259 kWh – which translates to 63p for each cycle and £75.11 a year.
Which tumble dryers had problems? ›
Tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015 have been identified as being at risk. The affected brands are: Hotpoint. Indesit.
What is the life expectancy of a tumble dryer? ›
The average lifespan of a tumble dryer
On average a tumble dryer should last 10 to 15 years. This depends on factors such as maintenance, ventilation, and quality.
What appliance causes the most house fires? ›
Refrigerators. Did you know that refrigerators are actually the most common fire-causing appliance in the U.S.? You can blame the fact that refrigerators run all day and night, leading to tired old relay switches and worn-out compressors, both of which are serious fire risks.
How to avoid tumble dryer fire? ›
Keep your dryer well ventilated, make sure the vent pipe is kink free and not blocked or crushed in any way. Always clean out the filter after using your tumble dryer. Always allow each drying programme, including the 'cool down cycle', to complete fully before emptying the machine.
How do most dryer fires start? ›
Lint is the leading cause of dryer fires. It's highly flammable, and it's everywhere. Lint naturally accumulates in your dryer and dryer exhaust system. This buildup makes the dryer work harder for each load and the lint can work its way into the heating element, which is bad news.
Are tumble dryers safe now? ›
Generally, tumble dryers are safe products to use. The advice which Whirlpool give is good, general tumble dryer safety advice. Cleaning the filter after every use prevents fluff from building up and potentially combusting as it's heated. And you should never leave any appliance running unattended or overnight anyway.
Tumble dryer safety
If possible, unplug or switch them off to avoid the risk of an electrical fault causing a fire. Don't leave the dryer unattended until the cycle has finished and the appliance has sufficiently cooled down. Don't overload plug sockets.
What is the least reliable dryer? ›
Least reliable? Frigidaire and Fisher & Paykel received our low- est predicted reliability rating, and GE was subpar, too. We do not recommend them at this time. These three brands also got troublesome owner satisfaction ratings.
Does a tumble dryer use a lot of electricity? ›
The >Energy Saving Trust tells us that a tumble dryer uses roughly 4.5 kWh per cycle on average and that, as of April 2022, the average cost for electricity in the UK is 28.3p per kWh. Working on those averages, a tumble dryer would cost you £1.27 per cycle, or £132.44 a year if you use your tumble dryer twice a week.
Are tumble dryers worth it? ›
Will They Save Me Money? Absolutely, but it will depend on your specific usage. The more frequently you use your dryer, the quicker you'll recoup the initial expense through reduced energy bills. Many users find that they break even within a couple of years.
What uses the most electricity in the home? ›
What Can I Unplug? These Household Items Cost the Most Electricity
- Cooling and heating: 47% of energy use.
- Water heater: 14% of energy use.
- Washer and dryer: 13% of energy use.
- Lighting: 12% of energy use.
- Refrigerator: 4% of energy use.
- Electric oven: 3-4% of energy use.
- TV, DVD, cable box: 3% of energy use.
The Top 10 Household Appliances that are Most Likely to Catch Fire
| Appliance | Total Number of Fires |
|---|
| Cooker (incl. oven) | 7,658 |
| Wiring, cabling, plugs | 4,721 |
| Ring/hot plate | 1,620 |
| Grill/Toaster | 1,221 |
16 more rowsElectric dryers catch fire often because they are designed to heat up quickly, so they overheat easily. They also have a fan that sometimes can blow hot air into the room.
What is the best way to prevent tumble dryer fires? ›
Ensure that lint filters in tumble dryers are cleaned before use and that lint is not allowed to accumulate in and around the appliance. Ensure that the 'cool down' cycle of the tumble dryer is adequate to reduce the temperature of the items. Items should not be removed from the dryer or piled/stacked while hot.
Are heat pump dryers less likely to catch fire? ›
Reduced Fire Hazard: The majority of dryer fires start when built-up lint near the motor, gas burners, or heating elements catch on fire. The fire then spreads to ignite lint in the vent pipe. Because heat pump dryers are ventless, that fire hazard is reduced.
