Dryer safety: Protect your home and belongings

Always clean the lint trap after each use¹. Lint buildup can restrict the airflow in your tumble dryer and increase the risk of a fire starting.

You should also regularly clean the dryer vent, at least once a year or more frequently if needed. If the vent is ducted to the outside, remove any lint that has built up from the duct, in the vent pipe, and in the vent opening outside your home. This will reduce the risk of overheating².

Keep the area around your dryer clear

Make sure the area around your tumble dryer is clear of any flammable items such as clothing, cardboard boxes, and cleaning supplies¹. Flammable materials like this can easily catch fire if they come into contact with a hot dryer.

Don't overload your dryer

Avoid overloading your tumble dryer with too many clothes at once³. Overloading it can decrease the airflow, which causes your dryer to work harder and potentially overheat. Or worse, it can cause your clothes to combust⁴. Filling the dryer just over halfway is best practice⁵.

You'll also protect your clothes, and they'll last longer if you pop them in the dryer with other similar clothing made of the same fabric, resulting in more even drying.

Never leave your dryer unattended

Don't leave your house or head to bed while your tumble dryer is running! It's important to make sure you're around and alert while it's on in case any issues arise that need your immediate attention. Better yet, turn it off at the wall when you're out or asleep².

Check for signs of trouble

Be alert and look out for signs of trouble such as strange smells, excessive heat, or your tumble dryer is taking longer than usual to run. If you notice anything like this, stop using your dryer immediately, unplug it from the wall, and contact a professional to inspect it. A professional technician will be able to identify potential issues and prevent safety hazards.

Install smoke alarms

Install smoke detectors near your laundry area and regularly ensure they are in working order. This can help alert you to any potential fires and provide an early warning.

A heat detector is a great idea for inside your laundry room, as it won't set off a false alarm!

Check your insurance cover

Make sure your insurance is in place and give yourself peace of mind for when the unexpected happens. If you're unsure whether your cover is right for you, our blog, 'Ways to save on house insurance', can guide you when selecting the right insurance policy. If you're a Tower customer, you can easily manage your insurance by logging into My Tower, joining our online chat, or giving us a call on 0800 379 372.

Need to make a claim due to dryer damage?

If you have house insurance and/or contents insurance with Tower and have damage to your home or belongings because of your tumble dryer*, it's easy to make a claim online or via My Tower.

Follow these tips and make it a habit to do regular maintenance checks on your dryer to make sure your home and valuables can be protected from future damage caused by an unexpected fire.

Looking for other smart tips? Take a look at our 'How to prevent plumbing problems' blog for more handy tips on how you can prevent damage to your home and belongings.

*Please make sure you read your Tower policy wording to understand the terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions that may apply to any claim.