Fisher & Paykel Dryer Lint Fire Prevention — Safety Notices safety notice from the Fisher & Paykel repair guide.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), clothes dryers cause approximately 13,820 home fires annually in the United States, with failure to clean the dryer identified as the leading contributing factor. This notice applies to all Fisher & Paykel vented dryers in the DE and DG series.
Why It Matters
Lint is highly combustible. When it accumulates in the lint filter housing, inside the drum cabinet, or along the exhaust duct, a small spark from static electricity or an overheating heating element can ignite a lint fire. Fires that start inside the dryer duct can spread rapidly to wall cavities and attic spaces before being detected.
What to Check
- Clean the lint filter before every single load — do not skip this step even for short cycles.
- Every three months, remove the lint filter and vacuum inside the filter housing slot with a narrow attachment.
- Inspect the exterior vent cap to confirm the flap opens freely during operation and is not blocked by debris, nesting material, or ice in winter.
- Do not dry items that have been in contact with flammable substances such as cooking oils, gasoline, or cleaning solvents — even after washing.
- Never leave the dryer running while away from home or while sleeping.
When to Call a Pro
Professional duct cleaning is recommended annually. If the dryer takes more than one cycle to dry a normal load or the exterior of the machine feels excessively hot, schedule a service inspection with Fisher & Paykel authorized service.