7 Appliances That Can Catch Fire

We love our home appliances. They do the laundry, keep food fresh, and wash the dishes, freeing us up to do whatever we want. But you might be surprised to learn that some of those hardworking machines can quietly become fire hazards.

Have you ever wondered if a refrigerator, a machine designed to stay cold, can catch fire? The answer is yes; it can. In fact, over 350,000 residential fires happen in the U.S. every year on average—and everyday appliances play a bigger role in that number than you may realize.

The good news is that most appliance fires are preventable. And if one does happen, you can limit the damage with quick action and professional cleanup.

Key Takeaways

Common household appliances, such as dryers, washing machines, and dishwashers, can all catch fire due to worn components, faulty wiring, or lack of maintenance.
Even a refrigerator can catch fire. Compressor relay failures can generate enough heat to ignite surrounding materials, even in an appliance that feels cold.
Most appliance fires are preventable. Regular cleaning, proper clearance, and monthly inspections go a long way toward reducing your risk.
Never run a dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer while you’re asleep or away from home.
If an appliance fire does occur, evacuate, call 911, and contact SERVPRO for professional fire damage restoration.

Can a Refrigerator Catch on Fire?

A lot of people are surprised to learn that their refrigerator can catch fire. The fridge seems like one of the safest appliances in your home because it’s cold inside. But the components that keep it running, especially the compressor relay and capacitor, generate heat. These parts run around the clock, year after year. When they wear out or fail, they can overheat and ignite the plastic housing around them.

This isn’t a theoretical risk. In 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of about 1.6 million Maytag-brand refrigerators due to a fire hazard caused by electrical failure in the compressor relay. CPSC received 41 reports of relay ignition and 16 reports of property damage.

According to a CPSC report on residential fire loss estimates, refrigerators and freezers cause an estimated 800 residential fires per year.

Watch for these warning signs:

Warm coils on the back or bottom of the unit
A burning smell coming from the fridge
The motor running constantly without cycling off
Flickering lights nearby
Tripped circuit breakers

To reduce your fire risk, vacuum the coils of your fridge twice a year and leave a few inches of clearance behind the unit.

Can a Washing Machine Catch Fire?

Your washing machine can also catch fire. That may seem unlikely given how much water is involved, but the combination of water, electricity, and moving parts actually creates multiple failure points. Faulty wiring, an overloaded motor, or a short circuit in the control board can all trigger a fire, often while the machine is running unattended.

According to the CPSC report, washing machines cause an estimated 400 residential fires every year. Front-loading washers carry a slightly higher risk of fire due to the complexity of their door seals and control boards. But all washing machines require basic care.

Washing machine fire warning signs:

A burning smell during or after a cycle
Unusual heat coming from the machine
Sparks or scorch marks near the control panel
Tripped breakers when the machine runs

To lower your risk, avoid overloading the machine and clean the lint trap regularly.

Can Dishwashers Catch Fire?

Like other appliances, dishwashers can catch fire. They bring together water, electricity, and heating elements that cycle through extreme temperature changes every single time you run a load. With that combination comes real fire risks.

The most common culprit in dishwasher fires is the heating element, but wiring failures can cause problems, too. In 2007, the CPSC announced a recall of about 2.5 million GE dishwashers after rinse aid leaked onto internal wiring, causing electrical shorts and overheating.

GE received 191 reports of overheated wiring and 56 reports of property damage. According to CPSC, dishwashers cause an estimated 500 residential fires per year.

Watch for these warning signs:

A burning smell during or after a cycle
Visible scorch marks inside the door or tub
The unit stops mid-cycle without explanation
Tripped breakers after running the dishwasher

To reduce the risk of fires, clean the door gasket of your dishwasher regularly.

Other Appliances to Watch

Fridges, washing machines, and dishwashers certainly aren’t the only appliances with fire risks. These next four appliances round out our list of seven that deserve close attention.

Dryers

Clothes dryers are one of the biggest fire risks in your home. According to the CPSC Fire Loss report, dryers cause an estimated 6,400 residential fires per year. The leading cause is lint. That cottony stuff that comes off your clothes can build up in the exhaust vent over time, then ignite from the heat of a normal drying cycle.

Always clean the lint trap before every load, and clean your exhaust vent every year.

Microwaves

Microwaves can catch fire if you leave food inside them for too long, if you accidentally put metal in them, or if internal components fail. Never turn on your microwave and just walk away. Stop using it immediately if you notice sparking or a burning smell.

Stoves and Ranges

Cooking equipment is the leading cause of residential fires in the U.S., according to the CPSC. It accounts for a staggering 165,000 fires per year. Stoves and ranges are the biggest contributors. Fires can happen if grease builds up on your cooking pans or if you leave flammable items close to burners.

Never walk away from an active stove and keep your burners clean.

Toasters and Toaster Ovens

Toasters and toaster ovens build up crumbs and grease over time, which can ignite during normal use. It’s easy to push these small appliances against cabinets or walls, which can block heat from escaping. To lower the risk of fires and empty the crumb tray regularly, unplug toasters and toaster ovens when you aren’t using them.

How to Prevent Appliance Fires

There’s no need to start eyeing your appliances with dread or to begin washing all your clothes by hand and hanging them on a clothesline to dry. Most appliance fires are preventable. Here are a few simple habits that can go a long way toward keeping your home safe:

Plug major appliances directly into wall outlets. Never use extension cords or power strips.
Register every new appliance with the manufacturer, so you receive recall notices right away.
Never run a dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer while you’re asleep or away from home.
Inspect cords, plugs, and outlets on a regular basis. Look for fraying or discoloration and check to see if they’re warm to the touch.
Schedule a professional inspection when your appliances reach 10 years old.
Install smoke detectors in your kitchen and laundry room and test them each month.
Keep your appliances clean. Get rid of grease, lint, and any debris buildup.
Make sure any appliance that generates heat has adequate clearance.
Unplug small appliances like toasters and toaster ovens when you aren’t using them.

What to Do If an Appliance Catches Fire

It can be really scary when you smell smoke and notice an appliance burning. Try not to panic. If the fire’s small and contained, unplug the appliance immediately, if you can do so safely. Smother the flames with a metal lid or use a fire extinguisher. Never use water on an electrical fire.

If the fire spreads beyond the appliance, get everyone out of the house and call 911. As tempting as it might be, don’t stop to grab your belongings. Your safety’s more important than any physical item. Don’t return to your home until fire officials clear it.

After the danger has passed, contact a professional fire damage restoration company before you begin cleaning. Even a small appliance fire will leave behind soot and smoke residue that can affect your indoor air quality and your home’s value.

Stay Protected with SERVPRO

Appliance fires are rare, but as the CPSC report proves, they do happen. Just keep in mind that you can prevent most appliance fires with simple, consistent habits. A little maintenance and awareness go a long way.

If the worst does happen, SERVPRO is ready to help 24/7. Our trained technicians can handle everything from soot and smoke removal to structural cleanup and air quality restoration.

Are you facing the results of an appliance fire? Contact your local SERVPRO today.

FAQs

Can an Unplugged Appliance Catch Fire?

An unplugged appliance can’t catch fire from an electrical failure, since no current is running through the wires. It can, however, still pose a risk. If you leave grease and debris inside a toaster oven or stove, it can ignite from residual heat. Always clean your appliances after you use them.

What to Do If an Appliance Catches Fire?

If the fire is small, unplug the appliance and smother the flames with a metal lid or fire extinguisher. Never use water on an electrical fire. If the fire spreads, evacuate your home and call 911. Don’t go back to the house until the fire team clears it.

Are New Appliances Less Likely to Catch Fire?

Generally, yes. Newer appliances must meet current safety standards. They also don’t have worn wiring or degraded components that can make older units riskier. However, that doesn’t mean new appliances are 100% risk-free. They can still have manufacturing defects. It’s important to register new appliances with the manufacturer in order to get recall alerts.

Can a Fridge, Dishwasher and Other Appliances Catch Fire?