Tumble dryers are a useful addition to any household - but only when they're used safely. With a high profile safety notice issued about tumble dryers (more information here) there’s never been a better time to brush up on tumble dryer safety and learn what to look out for.
Tumble Dryer Safety
Safety First
- Always register a new appliance with the manufacturer. That way you can be contacted easily if a safety recall is required. While the chances of a faulty product causing serious damage are small, the risk is still there and returning a faulty product or ordering its repair is very easy to do. To register all your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
- Use our free online checker to see if your tumble dryer or any other electrical items have been recalled.
- If you're concerned about fitting a new tumble dryer yourself, ask a qualified electrician.
Safe Maintenance
- Clean out lint and fluff from the filter and around the door after every use.
- Watch out for scorching or burn marks, and check for loose or worn wires.
- Read the manufacturer's instructions; other parts of the appliance may also need to be cleaned periodically.
Safe Use
- Never overload – take large or bulky items such as duvets to the dry-cleaners.
- Always allow each drying programme, including the "cool down cycle", to complete fully.
- Don't stop the dryer before the end of the cycle unless all items are quickly removed and the door is left open to dissipate heat. In this case, do not leave the appliance unattended until it has sufficiently cooled down.
- Leave clothes contaminated with combustible substances such as solvents, grease, oils or fats out of tumble dryers.
- Don't leave dryers, dishwashers and washing machines on overnight. If possible, unplug or switch off appliances at the socket overnight and when going out to avoid the risk of an electrical fault causing a fire.
Tumble Dryer Safety Notice
A safety notice has been issued for Hotpoint, Indesit, Swan, Proline and Creda tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015 due to a risk of fire caused by fluff coming into contact with the heating elements.
If you believe you have an affected appliance please stop using it immediately and visit one of these websites to confirm and arrange a free visit from an engineer:
Creda and Proline customers should visit http://safety.hotpoint.eu
Freephone hotline at 0800 151 0905
Electrical Safety First recommends that anyone who discovers they have an electrical item that has been recalled should stop using it until it has been checked by the manufacturer.
Please note that Electrical Safety First is unfortunately unable to help with enquiries with regards to delays related to this recall as we are not affiliated with Hotpoint, Indesit or Creda - Please contact Hotpoint directly for any questions or updates via their UK call centre: 0800 151 0905.