Can You Put A Condenser Tumble Dryer On Carpet?
This is generally not even a consideration as most tumble dryers are sited in kitchens which are usually not carpeted. If you have no space in the kitchen for your tumble dryer, and you are considering placing it in another room in your home, you’ll need to think about the floor covering. Keep reading for all you need to know to answer the question, can you put a condenser tumble dryer on a carpet?
All of the major tumble dryer manufacturers advise not to put a tumble dryer onto carpet. So we advise you to check your handbook for more information.
Why Should You Not Put A Tumble Dryer On Carpet?
On the surface, there doesn’t seem to be any reason why you shouldn’t put your tumble dryer on carpet. The dryer has feet that keep it above the ground, so it won’t actually be touching the carpet. However, what isn’t obvious is just how much heat a tumble dryer can generate when in operation.
Tumble Dryers Generate A Considerable Amount Of Heat
The exhaust duct of the dryer can easily reach a temperature of 85 degrees C (185 F). If for any reason this duct was to become blocked, it could cause a massive build up of heat that has no means of escape. Which could cause a major fire if conditions were right.
The thicker the carpet the more potentially dangerous the situation could become. Imagine a luxury shag pile carpet, it’s thick and lush and perfect for blocking the air ducts on a tumble dryer. Especially if the air duct on the dryer is located at the back on the bottom of the machine.
The Carpet Could Become Damaged Too!
Sometimes tumble dryers can accumulate a large amount of lint. Which under the right circumstances could fall from the machine, land on the carpet and burn it.
Alternatively, condenser tumble dryers have water reservoirs into which the moisture from the hot air used to dry the clothes drips into. If this was to become damaged in some way and sprung a leak, the wetness could cause mould to form or the carpet to rot. The mould and rot is also likely to cause bad smells in your home, and all because you put your tumble dryer on carpet.
The Tumble Dryer Could Stop Working altogether
Carpet is a great insulator which means it will keep heat in. The problem with this is some tumble dryers will automatically cut out if they get above a certain temperature.
If the tumble dryer is placed on carpet the heat generated by the tumble dryer could build up and cause the machine to cut out.
What To Do If You Have To Put Your Tumble Dryer On Carpet
If you have no choice but to put your tumble dryer on carpet, we advise you to buy fire and water resistant carpet. There is also fire resistant sheeting that can be used as a buffer between the carpet and the dryer.
Remove Lint Regularly
No matter which type of tumble dryer you own it is vitally important to remove the lint from the lint filter regularly. There are a couple of reasons for this which are;
- A buildup of lint will make your machine work harder to dry your clothes
- Lint is a flammable material which could potentially cause a fire hazard if left unchecked
Never Overload Your Dryer
If the dryer is too full, air will not be able to move around freely, which ultimately means your machine will need to work far harder to dry your clothes. This could lead to the machine overheating which could mean the machine cuts out altogether or it could catch fire. Plus if the dryer has to work for longer, it will cost more to run.
SEE ALSO: Heat Pump Vs Condenser Tumble Dryer (what’s the difference & which to choose)
Frequently Asked Questions
You can put a condenser tumble dryer anywhere within reason. It is not advisable to put a condenser tumble dryer in an area of less than 3 metres (10 foot) square, and you should never put a condenser tumble dryer in an area where the temperature drops below 5 degrees C (41F). It is also not advisable to put a condenser tumble dryer on carpet as this could lead to a fire hazard.
You can put a condenser tumble dryer in a bedroom but only if the room has adequate ventilation. You should also not put a condenser tumble dryer on the carpet.
You should not put a dryer on a rug as the fibres from the rug could block the air ducts at the back of the dryer and cause it to overheat. This could lead to a fire and potentially endanger life.
