Many homeowners don’t realize the clothes dryer is one of the most dangerous appliances in the home.
Dryers are responsible for approximately 13,800 fires annually in the United States, or 4% of all home structure fires, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. That’s 38 fires caused by dryers every day!
Thankfully, they’re responsible for less than 1% of home fire deaths. Heating equipment (13%) and lighting (9%) are the only two hardware categories more dangerous than dryers.
Cooking (49%) and human error causes most residential fires.
Dryers catch fire for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are the failure to adequately clean the dryer (32%), mechanical malfunction (27%), electrical failure or malfunction (16%).
Dust, fiber 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.
A common mistake is to store items on top of a dryer. This is a bad idea. So, think twice if you’re putting these items on top of your dryer:
Laundry supplies – Powder and fabric softener bottles are heavy when full. It’s also common to see dryer sheets on the dryer, too. Anything and everything that’s flammable should be kept well away.
Cleaning chemicals – Bottles of bleach, cleaning sprays and cleaning cloths are another common sight. Again, you’re increasing the risk of a fire by storing such items in this way. They should all be stored in a cupboard beyond the reach of children.
General clutter – In some homes, the laundry is a dumping ground for coats, shoes and other items, such as papers and coins. The risk of blocking ventilation and the dryer overheating should not be discounted.
Clothing – It seems logical 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 falling into serious disrepair.