What to Do if Your Dryer Catches Fire

A dryer fire can be a frightening and dangerous situation, but knowing how to respond quickly can help prevent serious damages as well as keep you safe. Of course, if your dryer catches fire, we know that the first thing you are NOT going to do is search online for what to do however, we hope that you read this and remember this information in the unfortunate event that if your dryer ever does catch fire, you will be prepared.

Every year, firefighters respond to almost 14,000 home fires that were caused by dryers, so it is not uncommon. About 30 percent of these are due to lint accumulation. Discovering that your dryer has caught fire can be terrifying, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. Here’s what to do if your dryer catches fire and how you can mitigate smoke damage with professional help from Tobin Restoration.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your Dryer Catches Fire

Turn Off the Dryer – If safe to do so, unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker to cut power and reduce the risk of further electrical fire hazards.
Extinguish Small Flames – Use a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires (Class C) to put out small flames. Avoid using water, as it can conduct electricity and make the situation worse. See how to put out different types of fires here.
Evacuate Immediately – If the fire is growing or producing a lot of smoke, evacuate your home immediately and call 911 for emergency assistance.
Close the Laundry Room Door – If you leave the house, close the laundry room door to contain the fire and slow its spread.
Do Not Open the Dryer Door – Opening the door can allow more oxygen in, potentially fueling the fire.
Alert Others in the Home – Make sure all family members and pets are safely evacuated and accounted for.

After the Dryer Fire is Out

Once the fire has been extinguished, it’s essential to assess the damage and address lingering issues such as smoke and soot. Dryer fires can leave behind toxic smoke particles that seep into walls, ceilings, and furniture, creating long-lasting damage if not properly handled. This is where Tobin Restoration can help. Their professional team specializes in mitigating smoke damage, removing odors, and restoring your home to its pre-fire condition.

How to Handle Smoke and Soot Damage

Even if the fire itself was small, smoke damage can spread far beyond the laundry room, affecting multiple areas of your home. Here’s how Tobin Restoration can help:

Soot Removal – Soot can stain walls, ceilings, and fabrics, and requires professional-grade cleaning solutions to be fully removed.
Air Purification – Smoke particles linger in the air and can cause respiratory issues. Tobin Restoration uses specialized equipment to filter and purify indoor air.
Odor Elimination – Smoke odors can be persistent, but professional deodorization techniques ensure your home smells fresh again.
Structural Cleaning – In severe cases, drywall and insulation may need to be replaced to eliminate embedded smoke damage.

Preventing Future Dryer Fires

To reduce the risk of another dryer fire, follow these safety precautions:

Clean the Lint Trap Regularly – Empty the lint filter after every load to prevent buildup.
Check and Clean the Vent Hose – Ensure the vent hose is free of obstructions and cleaned at least once a year.
Avoid Overloading the Dryer – Too many clothes can cause the dryer to overheat.
Use a Professional for Maintenance – Regular inspections by a professional can help identify potential fire hazards before they become serious.
Inspect the Dryer Drum and Heating Elements – Over time, faulty heating elements or mechanical malfunctions can increase fire risks. If you notice unusual sounds or overheating, schedule a professional inspection.
Install a Smoke Detector in the Laundry Room – This can provide an early warning if a fire does occur, giving you valuable time to react.

Why Choose Tobin Restoration for a Dryer Fire?

After a dryer fire, the lingering effects of smoke and soot can be overwhelming. Tobin Restoration provides expert smoke damage mitigation, ensuring your home is safe and clean. Their team uses advanced cleaning techniques and equipment to remove harmful residues, eliminate odors, and restore your property efficiently. With years of experience handling fire and smoke damage, they offer:

24/7 Emergency Services
Fast Response Times
Certified Fire Damage Restoration Experts
Comprehensive Smoke and Odor Removal