Spontaneous Combustion
Cool weather is officially here!
With colder weather settling in, dryer usage is about to skyrocket. But are you aware of the risks associated with using a dryer and how to reduce them?
One of the biggest hazards in laundry care is spontaneous combustion, where a fire ignites without a clear heat source. This can occur when the intense heat from a dryer builds up on linens and clothing faster than it can disperse, which can continue to grow until reaching the ignition point.
Linens which are used in combination with hydrocarbon-based substances such as massage or essential oils may leave residual traces even after washing if detergents and water temperatures aren’t sufficient. During tumble drying, especially on high heat settings, these oils can oxidize, releasing heat and if items are left in a hot pile or drum without proper cooling the residual heat can’t dissipate. This combination can eventually ignite the fabric without ANY external flame/spark.
Overloading the dryer increases this risk, as it prevents hot air to flow between items and causes heat to generate quicker.
Leaving items inside after the cycle has finished also escalates this risk. A common scenario is starting a load before leaving, finishing a shift, or going to bed, intending to unload it later. Once the cycle ends, linens and clothes retain heat and moisture, and without continued rotation, the trapped heat creates an ideal environment for combustion.
Most dryers feature a cool-down cycle, where the drum continues to rotate without added heat, allowing fabrics to cool and residual heat to disperse. Often, dryers are opened mid cycle to check if items are dry, preventing them from going through this last cycle and increasing the risk of spontaneous combustion.
Here are some simple tricks to maximize your safety and prevent laundry fires this winter:
- Use effective chemicals that break down oils
- Do not overfill the dryer
- Allow the dryer to complete the full cycle - including the cool down
- Never leave laundry loads in the dryer or heaped in a basket after the cycle has completed. Fold and sort items immediately
- Regularly clean lint screens and drawers
- Don’t leave damp items in a warm dryer (from a previous load)
- Make sure oily and greasy items, such as rags or towels, have been properly laundered using specific chemicals to break down the grease
- Regularly service your machines to check they are in good working condition
- Take advantage of the latest Primus drying technology