Many homeowners don’t realize the clothes dryer is one of the most dangerous appliances in the home.
Across North America, dryers cause approximately 15,500 home structure fires annually – an average 42 fires every day.
This results in 29 deaths and approximately 400 injuries. Annual property damage is valued at nearly $200 million.
Many of these fires are ignited by lint, which overheats when not cleaned from a dryer regularly. Lint is highly flammable and will spill into heating elements, exhaust ducts and around the housing of the dryer motor.
Regular lint removal and electrical cord inspection can prevent up to 80% of common appliance fires.
Nearly 48% of residential fires are linked to distraction or human error during appliance operation. Kitchen ovens cause more than 50% of domestic appliance fires, making them the highest-risk appliance in Canadian homes.
Dryers catch fire for a variety of reasons. The most common are the failure to adequately clean the dryer (32%), mechanical failure or malfunction (27%), electrical failure or malfunction (16%).
Dust, fibre and lint (27%) are the most likely things to ignite, followed by clothing (25%) and the casing or housing of the dryer (12%).
Understanding the risks of using a dryer and not maintaining it properly is essential for the safety of your family and property.
One of the most common mistakes is to store items on top of a dryer. So, think twice if you’re putting these items on your dryer:
Laundry supplies – Powder and fabric conditioner bottles are heavy when full. It’s also common to see dryer sheets on the dryer. Anything and everything that’s flammable should be kept well away.
Cleaning chemicals – Bottles of bleach, cleaning sprays and cloths are another common sight. Again, you’re increasing the risk of a fire by storing such items in this way. They should be put in a cupboard beyond the reach of children.
General clutter – In some homes, the laundry is a dumping ground for coats, shoes and bits and pieces, such as paper and coins. The risk of blocking ventilation and the dryer overheating should not be discounted.
Clothing – It seems so obvious to put damp or wet clothing on a dryer just for convenience, especially if you’re prepping for the next load to go in a dryer. However, wet items will trap moisture and cause rusting. Over time, the dryer risks serious damage.