Running the dryer overnight might seem like a convenient way to get ahead on laundry, but appliance experts advise against it. Lint buildup, overheating, electrical issues, and mechanical malfunctions can arise during a cycle, and if you’re asleep, you might not notice the warning signs in time to prevent a fire or minimize damage.
We spoke with dryer repair pros about the risks of running a dryer overnight, what can go wrong during a cycle, and how to use your appliance more safely.
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Dennis Godynuk is a licensed dryer expert at Comfort Appliance Repair Nashville.
Brooke Stafford is an appliance repair expert and senior service manager at Domestic & General US.
Lint Buildup Can Start a Fire
One of the most common problems with running a dryer when you’re not around is that it increases the risk of a fire getting out of control before you know it. “It’s always a bad idea to run the dryer overnight or even any time of the day unattended. Lint accumulation on the vent can start a fire,” says Dennis Godynuk, licensed dryer expert at Comfort Appliance Repair Nashville.
The combination of heat and lint buildup can cause the lint to catch fire. If you are awake, aware, and nearby, you can respond quickly by turning off and unplugging the dryer, then use an extinguisher to put out the fire or call the fire department if the fire has already grown beyond your ability to extinguish it.
Preventing lint trap fires is relatively easy. Clean the lint trap and dryer vents regularly so no lint can catch fire.
Appliance Malfunctions Can Go Unnoticed
Even if the lint trap and dryer vent are completely clean, the appliance can malfunction during use. “It’s important to be around to check on your laundry when it’s in the dryer because, while it doesn’t happen often, they can malfunction at any time,” explains Brooke Stafford, appliance repair expert and senior service manager at Domestic & General.
Monitoring the dryer during use helps catch these problems early, but you can also prevent appliance malfunctions by having the dryer serviced once a year to ensure it operates correctly and to address issues like a faulty thermostat.
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Electrical Problems Can Create a Fire Risk
Electrical problems can occur with any electrical device, so unplug the dryer if you will be away from home for an extended period. “The high heat it generates could potentially create a fire hazard if the machine experiences technical failures for an extended period, such as electrical shorts or mechanical faults. People can catch overheating when they check on their laundry and act accordingly,” mentions Stafford.
