Warning over tumble dryer fires as millions admit they never clean filters

Tumble dryer fires caused by dirty filters can put lives at risk and cost thousands of pounds in damage (Picture: Surrey Fire and Rescue Service)

A warning has been issued to anyone who owns a tumble dryer about the serious risk of a fire if you don’t keep it clean.

People are being urged to make sure they regularly empty their lint filters to avoid putting lives in danger and costing themselves thousands of pounds in damage.

Tumble dryers catching alight account for a huge number of appliance fires across the UK, according to new data released by Admiral Home Insurance.

Fire services have been called to 3,200 tumble dryer fires in England over the last five years – almost two a day.

Research also found that the equivalent of at least two million people across the UK don’t ever clean their lint filter.

Product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, Giuseppe Capanna, said: ‘Forgetting to clean your lint filter isn’t just potentially costly, it could put you and your home at risk. 

‘Lint is very flammable, and an excessive build-up could cause a fire that not only causes severe damage to your home but also puts you and your family’s life at risk.’

Tumble dryers cause serious damage when they catch fire (Picture: Surrey Fire and Rescue Service)

Millions of people in the UK never clean the lint filter on their tumble dryer (Picture: Surrey Fire and Rescue Service)

One in 20 Brits admitted never cleaning their tumble dryer filter, while one in 12 said they only do so once a year or less, increasing the likelihood of lint igniting when it heats up during a cycle.

Figures showed that the average insurance claim for a tumble dryer fire since 2020 was an eyewatering £25,000.

Claire Charlton, head of household claims at Admiral, said: ‘A fire that starts in a tumble dryer can be devastating. If the fire spreads, it can result in thousands of pounds of damage. 

‘Nobody wants to see their home ruined by a fire, so taking some time to ensure you clean your lint filter regularly can prevent heartbreak further down the line.’

Uncleaned lint filters create a serious risk of fire when the appliance heats up because the fluff is so flammable (Picture: Surrey Fire and Rescue Service)

It isn’t just build up in the lint filters that increases the risk of a fire, it’s also the use of extension leads to power them.

Almost 40% of tumble dryer owners in the UK admitted plugging their appliance into an extension lead. 

But experts warn that extension leads can be overloaded if too many high-power appliances are connected, begin to overheat, and result in a fire. 

Electrical Safety First urges people to plug their tumble dryers directly into a wall socket, as well as ensuring they have working smoke alarms on every floor of their home.

Mr Capanna added: ‘One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of a tumble dryer fire is to clean your lint filter after every use.

‘Get into the habit of cleaning your lint filter after every use to prevent a build-up of lint and fluff, avoid powering them by extension leads which can be overloaded and, where practically possible, avoid leaving it on whilst out of the house, especially overnight.’

Last month, a safety warning was issued after an e-bike and an e-scooter caused two devastating house fires.

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‘It puts you and your family’s life at risk.’