Tumble dryers are a quick way to get laundry done — but simple mistakes in using the unit can result in a hefty bill.
The errors can not only cost money, in the worst case even endanger lives.
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Electrical Safety First’s Giuseppe Capanna has warned of the dangers of dryers
With regular use of your tumble dryer, lint can build up inside the appliance, something many people are unaware of.
According to Electrical Safety First (ESF), millions of us never clean up, putting homes at greater risk of fire.
Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at the safety group, said: “One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of a dryer fire is to clean the lint filter after each use.”
“Not only is forgetting to clean your lint filter potentially costly, it could put you and your home at risk.
“Fluff is very flammable and excessive accumulation could cause a fire that not only severely damages your home but also endangers the lives of you and your family.”
Repair costs after a fire can range from a few hundred pounds for replacing the dryer itself to tens of thousands of pounds for major repair work, depending on the severity.
According to Admiral, the average insurance claim for a tumble dryer fire is £25,000.
Without the right insurance, you may end up having to spend money yourself.
But even if you have household contents insurance that protects you against high upfront costs, it is possible that a claim will drive up your premium in the future.
Claire Charlton, head of home claims at the insurer, said: “A fire that starts in a tumble dryer can be devastating.”
“If the fire spreads, it could cause millions of dollars in damage.
“Nobody wants their home to be destroyed by fire. So by taking the time to clean your lint filter regularly, you can avoid heartaches later.”
Regular cleaning of your dryer could also help reduce your energy bills.
Lisa Barber, which ones? The home products and services publisher previously told The Sun: “Maintaining your tumble dryer could lower your bill as filters clogged by dust and lint from clothes can add almost £20 to annual laundry costs.”
For information on how to remove lint from your tumble dryer, please refer to your owner’s manual as this may vary by appliance.
In general, the devices have a lint filter that catches the small fibers that come loose when drying your clothes.
Take it out, wipe away any accumulated material and also run it under the tap before letting it dry and putting it back in.
You should clean the tumble dryer regularly as the lint can ignite during use due to the high heat.
ESF recommends removing lint and lint around the dryer door every time you use it, and checking for any burn or burn marks and loose cords.
On average, two of these fires per day are attended to by the fire brigade.
And the accumulation of fluff is not the only mistake that can lead to dangerous and costly consequences.
Using an extension cord to power a tumble dryer is an absolute no-no.
Leaving your machine on overnight also poses a risk as you are less likely to notice a fire starting while you sleep.
Many now admit they live without a working fire alarm, the ESF found. This could help prevent a fire from spreading, especially overnight.
At Dunelm you can purchase a smoke alarm for just £6.
Giuseppe said: “Make a habit of cleaning your lint filter after each use to prevent lint and lint build-up, avoid powering it from extension cords which can become overloaded and, whenever practical, avoid leaving it on to leave when he’s not around the house, especially overnight.”
You should also avoid overloading the tumble dryer and throwing items contaminated with grease, oil, or combustible fats into the tumble dryer.
www.thesun.co.uk
https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/22545832/expert-tumble-dryer-mistake-costly-avoid-lint-fire/
