How Dryer Fires Start (and How to Prevent Them)
By Sarah Stasik
January 26, 2025
You move a load of laundry from the washer to the dryer, toss in a dryer sheet to ward off static cling and go about your day. You might handle other housework, binge a couple of episodes of something or even run out for groceries — probably without considering the potential of a dryer fire.
This May Also Interest You: How to Clean Your Dryer Vent
However, dryer fires do happen. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 dryers catch fire annually in the United States, causing millions in property damage, hundreds of injuries and several fatalities. The good news is that most laundry fires are preventable. Knowing about common causes of dryer fires helps you avoid them.
5 Common Reasons for a Dryer Catching Fire
Dryer fires tend to be caused by improper use, negligent care and maintenance or problems with the machine. Here's a look at five common scenarios that can lead to a dryer catching fire.
1. Lint Buildup
Did you know that you can gather the lint from your dryer's lint trap, wrap it up to keep moisture away from it and use it as a fire starter while camping? This trick works because lint is often highly flammable — good on a cold day in the woods but bad in your laundry room.
If you don't clean your lint trap regularly, lint can build up to the point that it moves into other areas of the machine and comes into contact with the heating element, catching fire. It can also trap heat inside the machine, causing increased heat exposure that might ignite the flammable substance. A lint fire might also occur if lint builds up in the exhaust vent or anywhere else in the dryer.
2. Mechanical Overheating
Your dryer might overheat and catch fire for reasons other than lint buildup. A malfunctioning thermostat that doesn't regulate internal dryer temperature correctly could lead to overheating. If your dryer gets too hot for any reason, there's a risk that clothing, lint or debris inside might ignite.
3. Issues With Electric Components
Faulty wiring and short circuits could create sparks that might start a laundry fire. Again, dry clothing or lint inside the machine is often the fodder for such fires. However, dust, lint and debris that have built up around your dryer could also help start a blaze.
4. Improper Use
Putting flammable items into the dryer substantially increases the risk of a laundry fire. That includes clothing or towels that are soiled with flammable liquids like motor oil or alcohol. Certain plastics and synthetics can catch fire if they're overheated — and you probably want to avoid putting these in the dryer simply because you could melt and ruin them. Overloading your dryer or running the same load repeatedly on high heat settings can also increase dryer fire risks.
5. Inadequate Clearance
If your dryer is placed too close to walls, it can impact venting capabilities and safety. Storing flammable materials too close to or around your dryer also increases the risks of laundry fires.
More Related Articles:
Should You Buy a Used Appliance? Weigh the Risks and Rewards
What’s the Difference Between a Warranty and a Protection Plan for Appliances?
What Are Some Things You Can Do to Prevent Dryer Fires?
You can substantially reduce the risks of a dryer fire by cleaning your lint trap after every load of laundry you dry. You might also want to use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to vacuum the lint trap area once a month or so, as lint can back up inside or get stuck below the trap filter.
Inspect your vent and hose a few times a year, cleaning them out as necessary, and ensure your dryer has plenty of clearance and is set away from your walls. If you're not sure how to install a dryer, invest in professional installation to ensure proper and safe connections. Anytime you smell something strange or hear strange noises from your dryer, investigate the issue and call in a professional dryer repair person if you aren't sure what's causing the issue and how to fix it.
View Plans in Your Area
Popular


Apr 26, 2021


Apr 01, 2024
Get the latest news, tips and promotional messages, including special offers.