Dryer Fires In Dry Cleaning- Understanding And Preventing Spontaneous Combustion

As part of our June Health and Safety campaign, we’re highlighting dryer fires, and specifically Spontaneous Combustion.

Drycleaning and laundry operations involve high temperatures, chemical residues, and complex workflows — a perfect storm for unexpected fire risks. Among these, spontaneous combustion poses a particularly dangerous threat. Fires in drycleaning and laundry plants caused by spontaneous combustion are unfortunately common and remain one of the leading causes of damage to these businesses.

🔥 What Is Spontaneous Combustion?

Spontaneous combustion happens when a material generates internal heat — without any external flame or spark — until it reaches ignition temperature. In drycleaning facilities, this can result from chemical oxidation (particularly of oils) combined with items that have just been dried being bagged up too quickly or left in a pile without cooling properly.

Common triggers include:

•       Oily towels or linen, especially those used in hospitality, physiotherapy, or massage industries.
•       Residual linseed or massage oils that remain in fabrics post-laundering.
•       Tea towels, towels, or sheets stacked while still hot, restricting airflow and allowing heat to build.
•       Use of cold water and inadequate detergents that fail to break down and remove oils.

If left unattended, these conditions can generate enough heat in the centre of a pile to ignite the material — even hours after it's been removed from a dryer.

🔎 Root Causes in Dry Cleaning & Laundry Operations

1. Chemical Oxidation of Oils
 Vegetable oils like linseed, safflower, fish oils and massage oils are prone to self-heating when exposed to air and heat. Oils that soak into cotton towels during use often remain post-wash unless a hot water cycle and strong detergent are used.

2. Inadequate Equipment and Water Temperature
 Domestic washing machines and detergents are not formulated to clean oily industrial laundry. Using them leads to retained contaminants that may later ignite. If using commercial-grade machines, ensure the detergent dosage is pre-programmed. Always use hot water — never cold.

3. Improper Handling After Drying
 If items are stacked in bundles, especially while still above 90°C, trapped heat may reach ignition temperature internally. A cooling cycle or flat drying process is essential to dissipate heat.

✅ How to Prevent Spontaneous Combustion

1. Implement SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures):
 Create protocols for handling towels, uniforms, or rags contaminated with oil or chemicals. Include steps for sorting, washing, drying, and cooling.

2. Use Commercial-Grade Equipment:
 Ensure washers and detergents are certified for industrial use and capable of removing heavy grease and oil residues.

3. Wash with Hot Water and Detergent:
 Use hot cycles to emulsify and eliminate oils.

4. Always Include a Cooling Cycle:
 Run a cooldown cycle in the dryer. Never leave items in a dryer overnight. Always spread them out flat to cool fully before folding or stacking.

5. Staff Training and Toolbox Talks:
 Regularly educate your team. One oversight could lead to devastating consequences.

📞 Need Support?

•       Contact Laundry and Dry Cleaning Training (LDCT) at (02) 4954 8065.
•       Reach out to your state fire authority for site-specific advice and safety checks.
•       Use DIA resources and safety bulletins for staff training and best-practice documentation.

💡 Final Thoughts

Spontaneous combustion is just one part of the overall fire risk picture in drycleaning and laundry operations. Businesses must also take steps to ensure lint filters and dryer exhaust tubes are cleaned regularly, machines are serviced, and workspaces are well ventilated.

This blog touches on just one aspect of dryer safety. Comprehensive fire safety also involves electrical inspections, ventilation system checks, routine maintenance, and operational best practices across the board.

🧯 Prevention is always better — and cheaper — than recovery.

Disclaimer:
 This blog is part of the DIA's June Health and Safety Awareness Campaign and is intended as general advice only. It addresses one specific fire risk: spontaneous combustion of laundry materials. It does not replace a full fire risk management plan. Additional safety precautions — such as cleaning lint filters, inspecting exhaust tubes, and servicing dryers — are critical and must be adhered to. For site-specific guidance, please consult professional fire safety experts and follow your equipment manufacturers’ recommendations.