With the extremely cold snap last week, the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) is calling for householders to be vigilant when using clothes dryers. 

MFS Community Engagement Officer, Ryan Baohm says it only takes a few quick actions to greatly reduce the chances of your house catching on fire.

“It’s important to remember to let the dryer complete its cool down cycle and remove dried clothing before turning it off, as fires have started with clothing being bunched up while still hot inside the dryer. 

See the MFS Fact Sheet - Self Heating and Spontaneous Combustion on the MFS website.

“The MFS strongly recommends cleaning the lint filter before every use and if using anti-static sheets, scrub the filter every month using warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly to remove the waxy build up.

“These quick steps can help avoid a fire tragedy. On average, 64 people a year lose their life in preventable house fires across Australia,” Mr Baohm says.

The MFS recommends following these safety tips to reduce the potential for a fire:

• Never the leave clothes dryer running while no-one is at home.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the lint filter is cleaned before every load.

• Never turn the dryer off before the cool down period is over. There have been fires resulting from clothing being left bunched up while still hot inside the dryer. Clothes dryers are designed to allow clothes to cool down before the cycle is finished.

• Never use the dryer for drying clothes or rags that have been used to absorb flammable liquids or oils. You need to wash clothes worn while using oils or sprays in hot water and detergent to remove such substances before putting them in a dryer.

• If you use anti-static sheets, scrub the lint filter with warm soapy water and then rinse every month. This will remove a waxy build up on the filter.

• Never use the dryer to dry clothes that have not been washed. Unwashed clothes have a greater build-up of contaminants, especially oils and grease. Lint from these clothes will be more combustible and can ignite when hot.

• Move the dryer and vacuum lint that has collected behind and underneath the unit, at least once a year.

• Ensure there is adequate room for ventilation around the dryer.

• Any repairs of your clothes dryer must be carried out by a qualified tradesperson in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

The MFS urges householders to combine the above safety tips with interconnected smoke alarms that are less than 10 years old and a Home Fire Escape Plan. 

For more information on home fire safety visit mfs.sa.gov.au