Faulty wiring or overheated outlets can damage the machine, but they can also generate enough heat to start a fire that may spread through the home’s walls. For this reason, it’s best to avoid using your dryer while you are sleeping or away from home, so you can act quickly if a problem occurs.
Certain Materials Can Ignite
Placing certain items in the dryer can create blockages that restrict airflow and cause the dryer to overheat. Similarly, some substances can catch on fire from the heat the dryer generates, so it’s important to know what you put in your machine.
Generally, drying rubber, foam, or any material exposed to or made with oil can increase the risk of fire or overheating. While most clothing and linens have labels indicating whether they are safe for the dryer, it’s still a good idea to stay close to the appliance when you put in items you haven’t dried before, so you can catch any problems immediately.
Your Dryer Can Overheat
When the dryer overheats, it can transfer that heat to the clothing inside the dryer or to the lint in the lint trap and vent lines. “Risks homeowners face when drying their clothes without anyone home almost always come back to potential machine malfunctions that cause overheating,” Stafford says.
Check the machine regularly to ensure it works correctly, and keep the lint trap and vent lines clean. Also, keep the area around the dryer clear of anything unnecessary, and inspect the dryer hose for blockages or misshapen areas to reduce the risk of overheating.
Overloading Can Strain the Appliance
It may not seem like a big deal to add a few extra items to the dryer each time you use it, but this common mistake can cause the dryer to overheat and increase fire risk. “Don’t add too many items to the dryer in one load, as this prevents proper ventilation and forces the machine to overwork,” states Stafford.
While you may get away with it a few times, the more you overwork the machine, the more likely it is to overheat. If the machine overheats while you are sleeping, you may not have time to turn it off before the heat permanently damages the motor or electrical wiring. Similarly, an overheated dryer can cause a fire, and if you are asleep, you may not be able to respond quickly, allowing the fire to spread faster and farther than if you were awake and aware.
