Leavingt the tumble dryer on ...

[redskyatnight]

DH has "suggested" that I should not leave the tumble dryer on when I am out due to the risk of overheating and the house burning down. Apparently this happened to Terry Wogan.

I have never heard of tumble dryers being a particular fire risk and would rather not leave half dried clothes if I have to turn if off to go out. I am also of the opinion that the risk of fire is small and actually I would rather not be in the house if the tumble dryer is going to spontaneously combust . Also, we leave on (e.g) the oven, washing machine, other electrical applicances while we are out and surely these also have risk of catching fire?

I genuinely do not know if IABU and will organise my future tumble drying habits round the responses I get.

[CultOfSkaro]

I worked for a household insurer and was staggered to find how many house fires were started by washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers. Have never left them unattended since. Also, I would never use a PC that wasn't plugged into a surge protected power point, tons of computers wrecked by electrical surges during thunderstorms.

[littlewish]

My DH is a firefighter, we NEVER leave the house with any kitchen appliance left on, even if it's just to pop to a neighbours for 5 minutes. He has seen far too many lovely homes with fairly new tumble dryers etc have their kitchens ruined and worse. It's just not worth the risk. We have smoke alarms everywhere too! I switch my washing machine off at the wall and pop it back on when I get in and it carries on where it left off, a PITA but no risk of house burning down.

[Magneto]

I never leave it on if I'm not paying attention - so if i have to go out or if it's bedtime.

Anything electrical is potentially a fire risk, especially if it makes heat.

[PinotScreechio]

at using fairy wings to dry clothes hahaha

[HalfSpamHalfBrisket]

Earlier in the year I got home from work to a horrible acrid, electrical burning smell. The fridge had burned out (all the food was warm!). I dread to think what would have happened if it had actually 'caught' as there is no door between the kitchen and the stairwell.
I've always turned my tumble drier off but this has made me even more careful with my electricals. A lovely firefighter told me to always unplug mobile phone chargers as there is a big risk of them overheating if you leave them in permanently

[oreocrumbs]

We had a dishwasher fire, a couple of years ago pre DD when I was a smoker, DP went to bed and I pottered around tidying up and set the dishwasher away. Decided to have a last ciggarette so was stood at the back door and saw the smoke start to come out of the dishwasher! Was able to turn it off and shout for DP to help but I still shudder to think what could have happened if I had just gone to bed and not stayed up for that last fag - possibly the only time a ciggarette has been beneficial.

[blackeyedsusan]

don't have a tumble dryer, or an unused room... washing still dries.