Tumble dried laundry: How to reduce risk of combustion
11/07/2022
What do spa towels and dressing gowns, kitchen tea towels and workers’ overalls all have in common? Each of these can come into contact with oils and as a result, have the potential to cause a major fire. Whilst the presence of oil is not an issue in and of itself, the potential for self-combustion arises if they are tumble dried after being washed. When used correctly, tumble dryers can be a safe and effective appliance to have in your home or organisation. But due to the heat produced, it is important to be aware of the risks involved, and how to avoid these types of fires occurring.
How can self-combustion of laundry occur?
In many organisations, it is important to launder and dry items quickly, this is however where the risks of self-combustion can occur.
Self-combustion of cloths is more likely to occur if the laundry is contaminated with oils. If the laundry is washed but not all of the oil is removed, then the high temperatures produced through tumble drying or ironing can cause the residual oil to oxidise and produce heat, thereby potentially producing a fire.
Given the current economic and political climate, many will be looking for ways to cut resources and costs. As a result, washing laundry at a lower temperature or using less washing powder may seem more economical, but this risks not sufficiently washing out the oils.
In addition, it may seem tempting to end the tumble dryer’s cycle early before items are fully dry or have not properly cooled down, to reduce the time and electricity your tumble dryer uses, however this can also lead to self-combustion.
When the tumble dryer cycle has ended before it is finished, this prevents the laundry from cooling properly. Placing into a pile, whether neatly folded or thrown into a laundry basket can increase the potential for the residing oil on the items to oxidate and produce heat, possibly to the point of ignition.
Cleveland Fire Brigade have experienced several fires involving the spontaneous combustion of materials after being laundered. “We ask launderettes, householders, and businesses with large volumes of washing such as hospitality and hairdressers to take care with laundry,” states Craig Strike, Head of Prevention & Engagement at Cleveland Fire Brigade. “A number of fires have occurred when the dried laundry is left in piles or bags ready for re-use.”
“This is caused because hot items coming out of the dryer which have not been allowed to cool down fully before folding or packing are left close together and the heat builds up and ignites. Always allow the dryer to go through its “cool down” cycle before unloading the machine. Allow the laundry to air and cool properly before storage and please ensure the dryer is well-maintained and the exhausted air is not restricted.”
Here are some simple precautions you can take to prevent these fires occurring, as well as actions to avoid when washing and tumble-drying laundry:
DO
- Ensure wash temperatures and detergents are suitable to remove oil-based contaminants. Washing cotton at 40 °C will NOT remove oily residues
- Allow laundry to complete the cooling cycle in the tumble dryer
- If possible, dry tea towels on a washing line, rather than in a tumble dryer
- Shake out laundry to ventilate and allow laundered items to cool
- Clean filters, remove fluff, lint and debris from dryers and keep them regularly maintained in accordance with manufacturers guidelines
- Provide employee training to highlight issues with laundered items
- Provide fire protection within the laundry area where possible
DON'T
- Leave laundry in the tumble dryer overnight
- Place warm, damp laundry in polythene bags, combustible containers or baskets or in poorly ventilated areas
- Remove laundry from the tumble dryer before completing the cooling cycle
- Leave freshly laundered fabrics stacked overnight
