Is it common for a dishwasher to catch fire?

Author: Wava Schamberger  |  Last update: Thursday, July 24, 2025

Dishwashers are crucial appliances used heavily for domestic use to clean, wash, and dry your dishes. Although they are less likely to catch fire, they can catch fire if not maintained properly, as their internal components might get damaged, causing the machine to malfunction and catch fire.

What would cause a dishwasher to start on fire?

Grease and high heat are always a risk, and your dishwasher is designed with a grease trap to catch all the grease that would otherwise clog up your pipes. Over the years, this grease can build up unless it is cleaned out properly. If this flammable grease gets exposed to high heat, it can catch fire.

Is it safe to leave your house with the dishwasher running?

You should never leave a dishwasher on when you aren't there - leaks and drain blockages are rare but they do happen. Above all, NEVER leave a clothes dryer on when you leave the house - they are one of the major sources of home fires.

What is the most common appliance to catch fire?

Common Kitchen Appliances That Cause Fires
  • Oven. Ovens are a frequent source of house fires, often due to food debris or grease buildup. ...
  • Hot Plate. ...
  • Grill/Toaster. ...
  • Microwave. ...
  • Tumble Dryer. ...
  • Refrigerator. ...
  • Dishwasher. ...
  • Deep Fryer.

Which dishwashers have a fire risk recall?

Thousands of Kenmore, Maytag, Kitchen Aid, Bosch, and Whirlpool dishwashers have been recalled for fire risks. But it involves only models sold from the late 1990's up through 2010.

Could your dishwasher catch fire?

How likely is a dishwasher fire?

Dishwashers

Dishwashers are crucial appliances used heavily for domestic use to clean, wash, and dry your dishes. Although they are less likely to catch fire, they can catch fire if not maintained properly, as their internal components might get damaged, causing the machine to malfunction and catch fire.

How do I know if my dishwasher is safe?

Look for a Dishwasher Safe Symbol

These usually take the form of a square box containing plates, glasses, or both. You'll also often see water drops or lines along with the dishes. Most pots and pans have an engraving on the handle, while most dishes are labeled on the bottom side.

How common are washing machine fires?

The fires can be devastating and government figures from 2019 and 2020 show there were 668 tumble dryer fires in the UK. BUT did you know that tumble dryer fires were closely followed by washing machine fires? Amazingly, in the same year, there were 624 fires caused by washing machines in the home!

What is the number 1 fire safety item you should have in your home?

Fire Extinguisher

This may be the most obvious safety item on our list. Every home needs at least one fire extinguisher, but preferably more. One should stay in the kitchen within easy reach in case of grease fires or a towel getting too close to your burner (it happens to the best of us!).

What catches fire most easily?

Besides gasoline and lighter fluid, things like rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, hand sanitizer and wart remover can easily catch fire.

Why shouldn't you run your dishwasher at night?

I say to others don't run appliances while you're sleeping or not at home because fires can happen,” Anderson told Kennedy News. “It's easy to think, 'This won't happen to me, I don't want this to happen to anyone else.

Can you put a dishwasher outside?

Cleanup is a snap because an outdoor rated dishwasher is now available. Outdoor rated means it is approved for outdoor use. It's just like an indoor dishwasher, with all the cleaning cycles and capacity, but sturdier, and protected from the outdoor environment.

Is it bad to run a dishwasher with nothing in it?

Yes, you can run an empty dishwasher to clean it, and doing so is actually recommended as a regular maintenance practice.

How to prevent a dishwasher from catching fire?

Check for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed wires, rust, or broken parts. Clean the filters regularly to prevent debris buildup that could potentially ignite. Use Appliances According to Manufacturer's Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using your dishwasher.

Why does my dishwasher smell like it's burning?

Most dishwashers have a heating element that is used to heat up water and to speed up moisture removal from your dishes and your appliance's interior. If you notice a burning plastic smell coming from your dishwasher while it is in use, it could be the case that plastic has come into contact with the heating element.

Is it safe to leave a dishwasher unattended?

Turning on your dishwasher at night is a common mistake among households worldwide, and majority likely aren't aware of the risks as the appliance can overheat and cause a fire. Simone's house fire acts as a warning to other households to only run a dishwasher during the day while you're home.

What is the most common house fire starter?

The Top 3 Reasons Fires Start in Your Home
  • Cooking. The number one cause of house fires is unattended cooking. ...
  • Heating Equipment. When the weather turns colder, heaters are essential to heat our houses. ...
  • Faulty Wiring. Your home's wiring likely isn't something that you think about often.

What is the biggest fire risk in the home?

The biggest fire risks in the home
  • deep fat frying with chip pans. Be especially careful when deep-fat frying or cooking with oil because hot oil can easily catch fire. ...
  • distractions – whether it is pets, children, or tv. ...
  • alcohol – drinking alcohol and cooking can be a fatal mix.

How do I keep my house safe from fire?

Install or replace your roof with a Class A-rated roof with noncombustible coverings. CONSTRUCT YOUR ROOF WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS Install and replace eaves with short overhangs and flat ledges. Wildfires might cause embers to fly and latch on to your roof's ledges and eaves, resulting in a fire.

Can a dishwasher be a fire risk?

Among these appliances, dishwashers stand out as a true time-saver, making dish-cleaning a breeze. However, as with any electrical device, there are potential risks associated with dishwashers, particularly the threat of fires due to wiring and control panel issues.

Is it safe to put the dishwasher on overnight?

Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on – like your fridge or freezer. Don't leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher on overnight and unattended.

Which appliance causes the most fires?

Ranges and Stoves. With cooking as the most common cause of house fires in the US, ranges and stoves are at the top of the list for fire-starting appliances. These essential appliances can become hazards mainly due to unattended use.

What is the average life of a dishwasher?

Average Lifespan of Dishwashers

According to reputed appliance repair technicians and manufacturers, the average home dishwasher lasts between 10 to 15 years with regular use and proper maintenance. Even an appliance from the best dishwasher brands will only last 15 to 20 years at most.

Why top shelf dishwasher only?

The top rack is typically the furthest from the forceful water jets and heating elements. Hence, it helps protect delicate items like stemware, drinking glasses, small bowls, cups, mugs, and plastics.

What is unsafe for dishwasher?

Cast iron, enameled cast iron, non-stick, and most aluminum pots and pans should never be put in the dishwasher. The high water pressure, heat and detergent will remove the necessary oils from cast iron, damage or remove non-stick coatings, chip enamel, and cause discoloration on aluminum.

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