The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Dryer Fires

Over the generations, home chores have gotten easier thanks to such modern marvels as dishwashers, microwaves and clothes dryers. But without proper use and care, these appliances can malfunction and even present risks to the home and its occupants. Some watchouts are more commonly known than others. Most people are aware, for example, that a metal fork or aluminum foil in a microwave can damage the microwave, cause sparks or even start a fire. The specific dangers associated with clothes dryers, on the other hand, tend to be less apparent. Simply hearing that “a dryer can catch on fire” doesn’t give a lot of instruction on how to operate one properly or keep it maintained. Not to worry though, since this guide has all the information you need to help you safely take your next load of laundry for a spin.

What causes dryer fires?

Knowing how dryer fires start will help you prevent them from happening. A dryer fire can start as the result of a mechanical malfunction or electrical failure, but the leading cause is actually something much more preventable—a buildup of lint in the filter or the vent line. There are two ways dryer lint can be a fire starter: It can cause the dryer to overheat, and it can combust due to the synthetics used in clothes.

5 common questions (and answers)

Q: How common are dryer fires?
A: About 4 percent of home fires involve a clothes dryer or washing machine, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Q: How many dryer fires happen per year?
A: Each year, clothes dryer fires cause almost 16,000 home fires, resulting in $238 million in property damage and 13 deaths, on average.

Q: Can putting dry clothes in the dryer start a fire?
A: Putting dry clothes in a properly working dryer to remove wrinkles is no more dangerous than running it with a load of wet clothes.

Q: Can a dryer catch fire when off?
A: Even when turned off, a dryer that has problems in its electrical system poses a risk of fire as long as it is left plugged into an outlet.

Q: Can overloading your dryer cause a fire?
A: More clothes will require the dryer to do more work, which may result in excessive heat. There’s also an increased chance of lint buildup, which will prevent proper ventilation and also can be the point where a fire might start. 

How to prevent dryer fires

The following tips cover a range of important things you can do to reduce the risk of a clothes dryer fire.

• New dryer? Have a qualified service technician install it. Hiring a professional will help to ensure the dryer is connected properly. Never use a typical extension cord with a dryer. Most are not rated for the electric load, and if they overheat they can start a fire.
• Know your dryer. Become familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings so you’ll understand how your appliance works.
• Clean, clean, clean. Remove lint from the filter before and after each load of laundry, and clean the filter with a nylon brush every six months (or whenever it becomes clogged). Never operate a dryer without the lint filter properly installed.
• Avoid obstructions in the vent line. The exhaust duct that leads from the back of your dryer to the outside of your home needs unrestricted air flow to release all the hot air the dryer produces. Fibers that collect in the duct can prevent the hot air from escaping and can also cause a dryer duct fire. Next, check to ensure air is flowing from the outdoor vent when the dryer is on and that the opening is not blocked by things like animal or insect nests.
• Use the right pipe. If the vent line is made of foil or plastic with coiled wire, it’s more likely to kink and collect lint. Replace it with a nonribbed metal duct that won’t crush.
• Easily ignitable items need special care. If clothes, bedding or other fabrics have anything flammable like gasoline or cooking oil on them, wash them more than once and consider drying them on a clothesline outside or in a well-ventilated room.
• Clear the area around your dryer. Nearby clutter could block airflow around the dryer and cause the appliance to overheat. A dryer duct fire can quickly spread to the area surrounding the dryer, causing combustion of adjacent structures. Items that can burn when hot, like some household cleaning materials, shouldn’t be on or near the dryer either.

What to do if you experience a dryer fire

If your dryer catches on fire, immediately call 911. In the case of a severe fire, evacuate the home at once and wait for help. If you stay, use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire by pointing it at the base of the flames and sweeping from side to side. Be aware that opening the dryer door to extinguish the fire will feed oxygen to the fire, and you may risk burns and/or exposure to carbon monoxide.

If you’re able to completely put out the fire, unplug the appliance—but only if you’re certain the connections are not damaged. Next, close the door to the room (or the nearest door, if the appliance is out in the open) to prevent the flames from spreading in case the fire reignites.

Damages caused by dryer fires can vary—from a simple cleanup to needing a specialist to make repairs or restorations. Be prepared by keeping a fire extinguisher accessible, and check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure fire and/or smoke damage is covered.