Clothes dryer safety
Electrical contractors are urged to remind householders that poorly maintained clothes dryers can cause a fire or damage to their homes.
Householders should always take precautions when using clothes dryers. Lack of care of clothes drying appliances can create unsafe conditions leading to fires.
Clothes dryers should be regularly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. While householders can clean the lint filter, exhaust duct, vent and the exterior of the dryer, only a licensed electrical contractor can maintain and clean the interior of the dryer.
The two main types of clothes drying appliances are tumble dryers and heated towel rails. Householders need to always:
- install, maintain and use a clothes drying appliance as stated in the manufacturer's instructions;
- read the manufacturer's instructions before first use, and keep them for future reference;
- clean the tumble dryer’s lint filter every time before use;
- keep the area around the tumble dryer well ventilated and free of clothes or clutter;
- let the tumble dryer ‘cool down’ cycle finish to avoid the risk of hot clothes igniting in the drum; and
- mount heated towel rails so that the lowest heated rail is at least 600mm above the floor, to protect young children.
Never tumble dry hazardous articles
Do not place articles in a tumble dryer that have been previously cleaned, washed, soaked in or spotted with flammable or explosive substances. Items deemed unsafe for tumble dryers include plastic, rubber or foam articles, items with metal reinforcing/fasteners, unwashed clothes or any items that have come in contact with oil-based products.
See a full list of hazardous substances and more information about clothes dryer safety.