Tumble dryer fire risk caused by filter

Why Filter Cleaning Matters

Tumble dryers work by circulating hot air through the drum. As this air passes through damp laundry it picks up moisture – and loose fibres. These fibres accumulate in the lint filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow through the drum, making the dryer work harder and longer to dry the same load. This increases energy consumption and drying time.

The more serious consequence is fire risk. When the filter is blocked or bypassed, loose fluff can circulate further into the machine and come into contact with the heating element. Lint is highly flammable. A dryer fire typically starts inside the machine and can spread rapidly.

How to Clean the Tumble Dryer Filter

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  After every cycle, remove and clean the main lint filter. The filter is usually located just inside the door opening. Pull it out, peel off the accumulated lint with your hand, and refit it before the next use. This takes 10 seconds and should become automatic.
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  Check the instruction manual for additional filter locations. Condenser dryers typically have a second filter – often accessed via a panel at the front base. Some models have a third. These secondary filters need less frequent cleaning but should be checked and cleaned regularly. Find your manual via our appliance user manuals page if needed.
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  Check the filter for damage when cleaning it. A torn, cracked, or damaged filter allows fluff to bypass it entirely. A damaged filter must be replaced – a missing or damaged filter is more dangerous than a clean machine because lint goes directly into the internal workings unimpeded. Replacement filters for most models are available at Spares4Appliances.
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  Do not run the dryer without the filter fitted. Never operate a tumble dryer with the filter removed, even for a single cycle. All lint produced goes directly into the machine interior.

Known Safety Notices Involving Dryer Fluff and Filters

Several tumble dryer models have been subject to safety notices specifically related to fluff and filter faults. In some cases the machine’s design allowed lint to bypass the filter and reach the heating element even when the filter was clean – resulting in fires. These notices affect millions of machines.

Check whether your dryer is subject to a safety notice

The Hotpoint/Indesit/Creda tumble dryer recall covers millions of machines where a design fault caused fluff to reach the heating element regardless of filter cleaning. See our guide on Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda tumble dryer fire risk, and our full tumble dryer safety notices list.

Related Guides

Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda Dryer Fire Risk
Millions of tumble dryers affected by a design fault causing fluff to reach the heating element – check if yours is covered.


Tumble Drying Duvets – Fire Risk
Why duvets and large items create a fire risk in most domestic tumble dryers – and the six safety rules to follow.


Never Stop a Tumble Dryer Mid-Cycle
Why interrupting the cool-down phase can cause smouldering in hot laundry even after the drum stops.


8 Ways to Make Appliances Safer
Practical steps every household can take to reduce fire and electrical risks from large appliances.

Frequently Asked Questions