Fire experts issue £35,000 warning to anyone with a tumble dryer

Fire experts have issued a warning to anyone with a tumble dryer after the appliances caused as much as £35,000 damage.

Far from a niche product, more than half of UK households own a tumble dryer, but they're involved in more than 3,000 incidents a year linked to defective or faulty goods, according to fire safety firm Crusader Fire.

It says that the figures are a 'stark reminder' that millions of families 'could be at risk' due to their tumble dryer after ignoring a product recall.

Fire safety assessment specialist Jonny Smith of Crusader Fire said: "When more than half the country owns one, tumble dryer safety isn't a niche concern; it's a national issue. Too many households assume recalls are rare or irrelevant, but ignoring them could have devastating consequences."

The firm says that the financial impact of appliance fires is 'significant'. Insurance and fire restoration experts report that repair bills typically range from £10,000 to £20,000, with severe cases exceeding £35,000 once smoke and water damage are taken into account.

Jonny adds: "A single fire can leave a home uninhabitable and wipe out years of savings. Prevention is always cheaper, and safer, than the aftermath of a blaze.

"With over half of UK households relying on a tumble dryer, this recall should serve as a wake-up call. Acting quickly on safety notices and sticking to basic maintenance checks could prevent thousands of pounds in damage, and save lives."

Jonny advises tumble dryer owners to follow these precautions:

• Register appliances so you're alerted to safety recalls.
• Unplug machines immediately if you suspect a fault.
• Clean lint filters after every use to reduce overheating risks.
• Ensure ventilation and keep dryers away from flammable items.
• Never leave dryers running overnight or when no one is home.
• Check smoke alarms monthly to ensure early warning if a fire starts.