7 Causes of Dryer Fires and How to Prevent Them

A dryer is meant to dry your clothes, but because of the amount of heat a dryer generates, it can end up causing a dryer fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), firefighters respond to over 13,000 home fires caused by dryers yearly. Let’s take a look at seven common causes of dryer fires and what you can do to prevent them and protect your home—while still getting fluffy laundry.

1. Lint Buildup

The NFPA report found that 27% of dryer fires resulted from dust, fiber, or lint igniting. Lint can build up in the lint trap if it isn’t emptied regularly and lead to fires if it ignites from the heat in the dryer.

The Solution

Make sure to clean the lint trap out every time you empty the dryer. Doing so will prevent lint buildup, which can be the source of a dryer fire.

2. Clogged Ducts and Vents

The ductwork that runs from the dryer to the exterior vent can get clogged with lint and even small articles of clothing. Or, small animals and rodents may make their home in the warm, sheltered environment of the duct. If you notice that clothes are taking longer to dry or don’t feel any hot air escaping from the exterior vent, a clogged duct or vent could be the problem.

The Solution

Remove the ductwork and clean it out, but make sure to replace it correctly. You can also clean your dryer vent where it exits your home to ensure it’s clear. If you suspect that an animal has made the vent its home, you should call a wildlife removal specialist near you so they can take the proper precautions and clean the area.

3. Crushed Vents

Pushing the dryer too close to the wall could crush the exhaust vent and prevent air from moving through it. In some cases, the dryer duct may get bent or twisted. In these cases, lint can build up in the duct and ignite when hot air gets trapped.

The Solution

Make sure you do a visual inspection of the ductwork periodically to ensure it’s not twisted, bent, or crushed. If it is, pull the dryer away from the wall and allow the duct to straighten. If it’s crushed beyond repair, you’ll need to replace it or call a local dryer repair pro near you.

4. Mechanical or Electrical Failure

Anything with mechanical components or electrical wiring comes with the risk of fire. So, if your dryer’s wiring is faulty or a mechanical component fails, it could catch on fire with little warning.

The Solution

Have your dryer professionally installed to reduce the risk of wiring issues. You can also have a dryer repair pro do yearly maintenance to ensure everything works properly. If you notice that it smells hot or hear noises you shouldn’t, turn the dryer off and call a pro.

5. Flammable Liquids

Avoid drying anything stained with flammable liquids, including oil, gas, or cleaning agents. These chemicals may not get cleaned thoroughly during the wash cycle and can ignite when exposed to the dryer's heat.

The Solution

Hand-wash any items that have been soiled with flammable materials. You may need to wash them twice to get them clean. Then, hang dry to avoid any contact with heat.

6. Improper Use

Drying things that aren’t intended to be dried, such as plastic, rubber, or foam items—for example, a bath mat with a rubber backing—can overheat and cause a dryer fire.

The Solution

This one’s really simple—don’t put items in the dryer that should be air-dried.

7. Overheating

A dryer can overheat because of a lint buildup, faulty wiring, mechanical issues, a malfunctioning thermostat, or items that shouldn’t be dried.

The Solution

If you think your dryer is overheating, turn it off immediately and try a few solutions on your own, such as cleaning the lint trap and checking for a clogged vent or duct. If you think you’ve fixed the issue, you can turn the dryer on again, but if it smells hot, turn it off and call a pro.

When to Call a Pro

While you can do some troubleshooting on your own if you think your dryer isn’t working as efficiently as it should, remember that you’re dealing with an electrical system and heat, and the risk of fire is very real. Call a pro if you think your drying isn’t functioning properly and you can’t find an obvious cause. You can also have a pro come out and inspect the dryer yearly to ensure it’s clean and there aren’t any mechanical or electrical issues.

How to Prevent Dryer Fires

Some dryer fires result from faulty electrical wiring or mechanical failures, but there are ways to prevent dryer fires from occurring.

• Clean the lint trap after every load

• Check the exterior vent periodically and clear any lint or debris

• Make sure the duct isn’t bent, twisted, or crushed

• Be on alert for a clogged duct and call a pro to clean it

• Only dry clothes, towels, or other items approved for use in the dryer

• Have a dryer repair pro inspect the unit yearly

• Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket near the laundry room for easy access if a fire does start