Here's Why to Never Leave the Dryer On While You're Out

A laundry area with a washer and dryer plants and a folded blue shirt — Credit:
Eva-Katalin / Getty Images

If you're like most, you probably don’t give too much thought to starting the dryer for a morning load of laundry before leaving the house. After all, modern washers and dryers are such big and reliable appliances—how could anything go wrong?

But it turns out a lot can go wrong if you leave your dryer running unsupervised. “Any appliance that produces heat should never be left unattended,” cautions Paul Christofi, co-founder of FC Fire Prevention. “If something goes wrong, a quick response is what prevents a hazard from becoming a disaster.”

To learn exactly what risks are involved in leaving your dryer running unattended, we consulted appliance and safety experts and laundry care professionals.

Dennis Godynuk, licensed dryer expert at Comfort Appliance Repair Nashville
Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO at AspenClean
Paul Christofi, chief business development officer and co-founder at FC Fire Prevention
Landon Wimmer, owner at Empower Home Services

01 of 06

Mechanical Failures

A persons hand pressing a button on a washing machine control panel — Credit:
tonefotografia / Getty Images

Anything could happen to your dryer while you’re away, and mechanical malfunctions can escalate quickly. “Belts, pulleys, or bearings can fail mid-cycle, causing friction and even smoke,” warns Christofi.

Additionally, “Drums and belts can drag when a coin or zipper gets stuck,” notes licensed dryer expert Dennis Godynuk. This can scorch the felt seals, posing risk of damage and fire.

If you were at home, you would be likely to notice a sign of a minor malfunction with your dryer. It might emit a distinct smell or a noise, which would prompt you to turn off your dryer quickly. However, if left unattended, a minor malfunction can lead to smoke and fire. “If a fire starts when nobody is home, it can burn unnoticed for critical minutes,” warns Christofi. “That’s often the difference between minor damage and losing an entire home.”

02 of 06

Wasted Electricity

Less hazard to your direct person, your electric bill could also be impacted in the event of a malfunction. “If the dryer doesn’t shut off, it could potentially run for hours, wasting energy and racking up your bills,” cautions Landon Wimmer, owner Empower Home Services. Such excessive dryer use causes a needless pull on the electrical grid and a steep demand on your wallet.

03 of 06

Water Damage Risk

A laundry area with a washer and dryer stacked vertically surrounded by wooden cabinets — Credit:
Carlina Teteris / Getty Images

You might not associate your dryer with water, but they are actually closely related. “Some dryers are connected to a water source,” notes Wimmer. “A leak or hose failure can cause major water damage if it’s not resolved quickly.”

A blocked dryer vent can also increase the humidity in the room, causing condensation or leaks into walls or ceilings, adds laundry expert Alice Sokolowski. “If the dryer is left running while you’re away, this can go unnoticed and later cause water damage, mold, and ultimately expensive repairs,” she says.

04 of 06

Overheating and Electrical Malfunctions

“Dryers use high heat alongside strong electrical currents,” explains Sokolowski. “Faulty wiring, worn-out parts, or blocked vents often cause overheating, sparks, or even electrical fires.”

Overheating can also occur when airflow is weak. To the untrained eye, it might look like everything is fine, but, according to Godynuk, long vent runs can weaken the airflow, as can crushed hoses or an occasional bird's nest situated at the wall cap. “The machine keeps trying to dry, and the heat has nowhere to go,” he says.

Electrical parts can fail without warning, whether you’re miles away from home or even next door at the neighbor’s. “If you’re away, you can’t cut power fast,” reminds Godynuk.

05 of 06

Fire Risk From Lint Buildup

woman clearing dryer lint trap — Credit: Getty Images

You know all that fuzzy lint you pull out of your lint screen after every dryer cycle? That lint is highly flammable. “If it accumulates in the lint trap, exhaust vent, or around the heating element, it can ignite from the heat of the dryer.”

“Lint is fuel,” adds Godynuk. If the vent or lint screen becomes clogged, the heater could potentially run too hot, causing the lint to ignite, he explains. “If no one is home, a small flame can turn into a big fire.”

06 of 06

Carbon Monoxide Risks

Gas dryers bring an additional safety risk: If the exhaust vent is blocked or loose, exhaust can spill into the interior of your home. “That means heat, moisture, and in the worst case, carbon monoxide,” explains Godynuk.

Tips for Safe Dryer Use

Dryers are one of the leading causes of house fires in North America, according to a study conducted by FEMA, and many of these incidents occur when no one is home.

The following tips will help you keep your house and home safe from dryer disasters.

Clean the lint trap before every load. “Make sure to remove lint after each drying cycle,” urges Sokolowski. “This one simple step significantly reduces the chance of fire and improves airflow efficiency.”
Maintain the dryer vent and ductwork. “Lint can build up in places you can’t see,” says Sokolowski, “restricting airflow and creating a fire hazard.” According to Wimmer, cleaning out the dryer vent and ductwork “will clear out any blockages and reduce the risk of overheating.” You can do this yourself once or twice a year, or hire a professional.
Don’t overload the dryer. “Too many clothes make the motor and heating element work harder, increasing the risk of overheating,” says Christofi. Separate loads and dry heavier linens on their own.
Inspect electrical cords and connections. Don’t forget to give your dryer the regular once-over. “Make sure cords are not frayed, bent, or trapped under heavy appliances,” advises Sokolowski. “Faulty connections can spark or overheat.”
Give the dryer a few inches of space. When installing your dryer, make sure that there is space behind it for all of the components to function without restriction.
Schedule professional maintenance. Sokolowski recommends having a technician inspect your dryer and vent system every year or two, especially in the case of gas dryers. This way you can rest easy that everything is venting and functioning properly and safely.