Two recent kitchen fires in North Lincolnshire were caused by faulty Hotpoint tumble dryers. Similar incidents across the country have led the Whirlpool Corporation to issue a safety notice regarding their Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda brands.
Humberside Fire and Rescue (HFRS) is therefore urging the public to check their tumble dryer and go to the following link if they think their appliance might need checking and modifying:
The manufacturer’s page states that there is concern with two types of tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015. In some rare cases, excess fluff can come into contact with the heating element and present a risk of fire. The affected brands are:
• Hotpoint
• Indesit
• Creda
[Pictured is the Hotpoint tumble dryer following the fire in Winterton last week]
HFRS has issued some generic tips for the safe use of tumble dryers whatever the make and model:
• Remove the lint from the trap after every load of clothes dried
• Do not cover the vent or any other opening
• Ensure the vent pipe is free of kinks and is not crushed in any way
• Only used recommended vent pipes, and not improvised ones
• Only vent the warm air to the outside of a building
• Do not put rags or materials into your tumble dryer if they have been used to soak up flammable liquids.
Signs that your tumble dryer is not properly ventilated:
• Clothes take a very long time to dry, especially heavy articles of clothing such as towels or jeans
• Clothes feel hotter than usual at the end of the cycle
• The flapper on the vent hood remains closed when the dryer is on
Tumble dryers and washing machines contain powerful motors with fast moving parts that get very hot. If you do not clean and maintain your machine, excess fluff or lint can build up over time and catch fire.
Remember to:
• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using your dryer
• Never leave your appliance unattended or running overnight
• Never overload your washing machine or dryer or put items in that have been used to soak up flammable liquids
• Keep your dryer well ventilated ensuring the vent pipe is kink free, not blocked or crushed in any way
• Clean the filter in your dryer after every use
• Have your dryer serviced regularly by a qualified engineer
• DON’T ignore the warning signs – Does your tumble dryer smell of burning? Are your clothes taking longer to dry? Do the clothes feel hotter at the end of the cycle?
• Does the external vent flap stay shut when the dryer is on?
If you notice any of the above, clean the filter and check the vent pipe immediately.