For months, an avalanche of claims has been filed with insurance companies for dryer fires. Massage gels, massage oils, massage creams and essential oils all present some level of flammability when exposed to high heat. That's why it's essential to do everything you can to degrease, dilute and remove these residues as much as possible.

Indeed, dryers are among the leading causes of residential fires. According to data available in 2023, electrical appliances caused an average of more than 500 fires, often due to insufficient maintenance or improper use. Smoldering is the hidden enemy. 

A fire forces the temporary closure of Nordique Spa Stoneham

Often, there are oil residues in it [...] The sheets were washed, taken out of the dryer, placed on a table in the back, and then, during the night of December 2024, they caught fire. The fire spread to the walls, but its spread was limited to the laundry room. the assistant director of Nordique spa Stoneham explained in an interview with Radio-Canada.

Slow burning : What is it ?

Smoldering is a gradual heating without flames, often caused by piled or compressed fabrics after drying. This process can lead to a fire if the heat does not dissipate properly. 

Washing and drying instructions

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

2. Washing : Use a laundry detergent together with an effective degreaser, such as a professional degreaser detergent ProTextile+Organic 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 washer to ensure effective cleaning.

Some massage therapists prefer to use other products to remove oil, such as vinegar, sodium percarbonate, Tide Ultra Oxy, etc. The important thing is that you find a solution that works for you.

3. Rinse : Effectuez un double rinçage pour éliminer tout résidu d'huile ou de détergent. Si des traces persistent, répétez le lavage.

4. Drying : 

Never dry textiles that have traces of oil, cream, massage gel, or flammable substances inside your dryer. 

If you do not comply with the prohibition on drying textiles that have been in contact with the product in a tumble dryer, the textiles may ignite, either during drying or later if left in the dryer or piled with other textiles. Your security and that of your customers remain an absolute priority.

Dryer fire: a New Brunswick woman lost everything

Did you know that, according to Fire Chief Conrad Landry of Moncton, « it's almost always the same thing : we put out the fire, we check the hose and the lint filter, and they're full of lint. In 99 % of cases, that's the cause » ? According to firefighters, removing the lint from the dryer's filter after every cycle is the best way to prevent a fire in the machine.

Train and raise awareness among your staff

As a massage therapist, self-employed professional, or owner, following clear procedures and training your coworkers or staff in equipment maintenance is essential to ensure safety. A proactive approach reduces risks and protects your work environment.

For any questions or additional advice on fire prevention, please consult the user guide for your washer and dryer and other relevant resources. Your safety and that of your customers remain an absolute priority.

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

References

How can you prevent dryer fires? (2022, September 29). Retrieved from L'Unique Assurances générales: https://www.lunique.qc.ca/fr/conseils-prevention/habitation/prevenir-feux-secheuse

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 continues to plague the Nordique Spa in Stoneham, which must close its doors again, this time after a fire. Retrieved from TVA Nouvelles: https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2024/12/28/le-malheur-sacharne-sur-le-nordique-spa-de-stoneham-qui-doit-encore-fermer-ses-portes-cette-fois-apres-un-incendie

Dryer fire: a New Brunswick woman has lost everything. (2019, 12 19). Retrieved from Radio Canada: https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1442493/feu-secheuse-incendie-maison-allardville-nouveau-brunswick

Gosselin, V. (2024, 12 28). A fire forces the temporary closure of Nordique Spa Stoneham. Retrieved from Radio Canada: https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2129480/incendie-nordique-spa-stoneham-fermeture

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