For months, a flood of claims has been sent to insurance companies for dryer fires. Massage gels, massage oils, massage creams, and essential oils all have a certain level of flammability when exposed to high heat. That is why it is essential to do everything possible to degrease, dilute, and eliminate these residues as much as possible.

Indeed, tumble dryers are among the leading causes of residential fires. According to data available in 2023, more than 500 fires on average have been caused by electrical appliances, often due to insufficient maintenance or improper use. Slow combustion is the surprise enemy. 

Slow combustion: What is it?

Slow combustion is a gradual heating without flames, often caused by stacked or compressed fabrics after drying. This process can lead to a fire if the heat does not dissipate properly. To avoid this risk, spread out or fold the laundry immediately after drying.

Recommendation: Print and display this cheat sheet in your laundry room.

Washing and drying procedure

1. Preprocessing: Soak the sheets and towels soiled with oil in hot soapy water for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the degree of soiling.

2. Washing: Use a professional detergent like ProTextile+Bio and, for stubborn stains, combine it with Florisa Concentrated Stain Remover. Prefer hot water for sheets and cold water for towels. Do not overload the washing machine to ensure effective cleaning.

3. Rinsing: Perform a double rinse to eliminate any residue of oil or detergent. If traces persist, repeat the wash.

Clean the lint filter (dryer filter) before each cycle. Wash it periodically with hot soapy water. Limit the use of fabric softener sheets, which can clog the filter.

4. Drying: Air dry when possible. Never dry textiles soaked in oil or flammable substances. If you use a dryer, choose a low temperature and small loads. Remove hot laundry immediately to avoid slow combustion, a phenomenon where heat accumulated in stacked textiles can cause a fire.

Train and raise awareness among your staff

As massage therapists, self-employed individuals or owners, following clear procedures and training your colleagues or staff on equipment maintenance is essential to ensure safety. A proactive approach reduces risks and preserves your work environment.

For any additional questions or advice on fire prevention, feel free to consult the user guide for your washer and dryer and other relevant resources. Your safety and that of your customers remains a top priority.

Note: This guide does not replace the requirements of your dryer manufacturer or the recommendations of your insurer or any other entity.

References

How to prevent dryer fires? (2022, September 29). Retrieved from L'Unique General Insurance: https://www.lunique.qc.ca/en/prevention-tips/home/prevent-dryer-fires

Denis, M. (2019, 09 21). When should you clean your air ducts? Retrieved from Radio-Canada: https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1310095/nettoyage-conduits-air-environnement-pollution-sante

Deschênes, L. (2024, 12 28). Misfortune strikes the Nordic spa of Stoneham, which must once again close its doors, this time after a fire.. Retrieved from TVA Nouvelles: https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2024/12/28/misfortune-strikes-the-nordic-spa-of-stoneham-which-must-close-its-doors-again-this-time-after-a-fire

Poulin, M.-E. (2023, 04 12). Second fire in six months at the AMERA Center. Retrieved from Le Nord-Côtier: https://lenord-cotier.com/2023/04/12/deuxieme-incendie-en-six-mois-au-centre-amera/

Fire safety statistics. (2023). Retrieved from Government of Quebec: https://www.quebec.ca/gouvernement/ministere/securite-publique/publications/statistiques-securite-incendie

A fire may have been caused by a dryer. (2022, 11 15). Retrieved from Zone 911 News and information: https://zone911.com/incendies/33574-un-incendie-aurait-ete-cause-par-une-secheuse