Firefighters have issued advice to the public on unplugging large appliances overnight.
According to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, tumble dryers and washing machines contain powerful motors with fast moving parts that get very hot. They say that, if you don’t clean and maintain your machine, excess fluff or lint can build up over time and catch fire.
To avoid this happening, the fire service has issued advice on warning signs to look 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.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “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.”
For more information, visit https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-at-home/causes-of-fires/tumble-dryers-washing-machines/.
