Tumble dryer under the stairs

[miniman]

Is there any reason why putting a tumble dryer (with proper vent to outside) in the cupboard under the stairs would be a bad thing? We have limited space but are also pissed off with clothes drying all over the place.

[Piglet]

We had our tumble dryer under the stairs before we moved. It was absolutely fine, we had a window in the understairs cupboard so just chucked the vent hose out the window!

No damp at all and much more convenient than having it in the shed where ours is kept now.

[skeeterm5]

Alternatively get a condensing dryer, the water collects inside the dryer and you simply tip it down the sink when full. No need for any external venting.

S

[Ricky_M]

Just remember tumble dryers cause quite a few house fires and your stairs may be the only route out your house!

But apart from that I can't see why not!

[Simpo Two]

skeeterm5 said:

Alternatively get a condensing dryer, the water collects inside the dryer and you simply tip it down the sink when full. No need for any external venting.

I think it would be easier to drill a hole through the wall (either for steam or condensate), than spend a liftime carting buckets of water from cupboard to sink!

[Soft Top]

Simpo Two said:

skeeterm5 said:

Alternatively get a condensing dryer, the water collects inside the dryer and you simply tip it down the sink when full. No need for any external venting.

I think it would be easier to drill a hole through the wall (either for steam or condensate), than spend a liftime carting buckets of water from cupboard to sink!

Luckily our condensing dryer is beside the sink in the garage which makes things easier but one only has to empty the water recepticle about once every 3 loads. It is possible to buy a pipe to drain the water straight into a waste pipe just as on a washing machine but it is really no hassle to drain tha machine beore using it.

[DrDeAtH]

if the dryer is in a cupboard under the stairs. consider fitting a vent to the door to allow some air circulation for the machine

[Pints]

^^^
Or a small, compact dehumidifier.

[Kermit power]

DrDeAtH said:

if the dryer is in a cupboard under the stairs. consider fitting a vent to the door to allow some air circulation for the machine

Definitely. Vapour has to get out, but air also has to get in.

[Piglet]

Kermit power said:

DrDeAtH said:

if the dryer is in a cupboard under the stairs. consider fitting a vent to the door to allow some air circulation for the machine

Definitely. Vapour has to get out, but air also has to get in.

Or just leave the door open whilst you are using it!

[kellys hero]

Ricky_M said:

Just remember tumble dryers cause quite a few house fires and your stairs may be the only route out your house!

But apart from that I can't see why not!

Yes tumble dryers are right near the top of causes for domestic fires, if it goes up in flames under your stairs you have just destroyed your only means of escape from upstairs. Personally, for what it is worth I would not even consider this as an option.

[Pints]

Ricky_M said:

Just remember tumble dryers cause quite a few house fires

I'd not heard this before. Why would they cause fires?

[miniman]

Pints said:

Ricky_M said:

Just remember tumble dryers cause quite a few house fires

I'd not heard this before. Why would they cause fires?

One presumes that they get left on too long or something along those lines. I would say that providing it is only run when someone is in the house and it is unplugged when not in use then the risk is minimal.

[furtive]

I've got a condensing dryer in the cupboard under my stairs. There is no access to an external wall so nowhere to vent it to. Works fine. I just have to make sure I keep the cupboard door open, and open a window in the kitchen or stick the extractor on to suck out the hot air it spits out

[kellys hero]

Pints said:

Ricky_M said:

Just remember tumble dryers cause quite a few house fires

I'd not heard this before. Why would they cause fires?

It's simply a good example of the fire triangle. Fuel, oxygen, ignition source.

The things get very hot, they draw in air and are invaribly full of (dry)dust, either in the filters or in the vent pipe that rarely gets cleaned. Bingo you have a fire, as it continues to run it draws in more air so increasing the fire spread, by the time it actually stops it is to late.

Believe it or not dish washers are good at starting household fires too

I really am full of Christmas Cheer.

Just edit to say that good housekeeping prevents a lot of trouble, i.e clean out the filters each time it is used, pull the whole tumble dryer out, remove and clean the vent pipe (or replace) on regular occasions and give the whole unit a good wipe over/hoover to remove accumulated dust. All of this will reduce the available combustible material.

Edited by kellys hero on Tuesday 15th December 17:22

Edited by kellys hero on Tuesday 15th December 17:27

[BRGV8S]

I guy, I visited our local Fire Brigade headquarters to get stats on house fire / causes. (long story) yes Tumble Dryers were high up there as cause of fires in domestic properties.

Apparently many owner do'nt know / care to remove the filter and clean it of 'fluff' which by its very nature is dry and easly ignited 'spontanious combustion' if the machine is over loaded / left running.

Personally i would not be happy with this under the stairs without a mains detector in there for early warning. Whilst not in the fire service i have the job of visiting the aftermath of serious fires in both domestic / commercial premises. With moderen materials used in properties (plastic baths) it concirning how quickly fire can spread.

[henrycrun]

Reg. fires, if you've ever opened up the back of a TD you will shocked at the amount of fluff around the motor and electrics. I try to remember to inspect and defluff mine every few years.