Firefighters are reminding householders to follow some simple safety advice when using tumble dryers, washing machines or dishwashers.

General safety

• Don’t leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out. They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors.

Tumble dryer safety

• Remove the lint from the trap after every load of clothes dried
  
  
• Do not cover the vent or any other opening
  
  
• Ensure the vent pipe is free of kinks and is not crushed in any way
  
  
• Only used recommended vent pipes, and not improvised ones
  
  
• Only vent the warm air to the outside of a building
  
  
• Do not put rags or materials into your tumble dryer if they have been used to soak up flammable liquids.

Tell-tale signs that your tumble dryer is not properly ventilated

• Clothes take a very long time to dry, especially heavy articles of clothing such as towels or jeans
  
  
• Clothes feel hotter than usual at the end of the cycle
  
  
• The flapper on the vent hood remains closed when the dryer is on