[*Embedded links are to UK sites. International versions can be found at the end of this post].
There have been a number of fairly high profile stories of tumble dryers being the cause of fires. Our model is one that had been identified as a risk and the manufacturer had sent someone out to make modifications to it.
We are always careful to empty the lint trap before every load goes in and never leave the machine running when we are not in the house or after we go to bed. Every couple of months I take the lint trap filter out and use a long-ish piece of cardboard, bent into a 'V' down its length, to reach in to the gap below the trap. I use the cardboard to scoop out anything that managed to get beyond the filter. This usually includes a couple of coins, a hair clip or two, some stones (we have a child who collects stones), and a mixture of heavier lint and tissues.
With the lint filter removed, use a piece of cardboard to reach down inside the gap.
Use the cardboard to scoop out anything the filter failed to catch.
I recently had to replace a broken drive belt on our machine and, just from removing the top cover, it was clear how easily a fire could start in these machines. [see: Replacing A Tumble Dryer Drive Belt}
The back of the control panel and front of drum covered in lint.
Despite the efforts we go to, the back of the control panel was covered in lint and so was the felt seal where the drum contacts the front of the machine. A spark from any of these contacts could ignite the dust. A by product of tumble drying clothes is the production of a perfect tinder box. I vacuumed out as much as I could and also took the opportunity to clean in the base of the lint trap and the pipe that leads to the exhaust vent.
Some of the 'foam mat'.
With the machine fully open I could see under the drum. There appeared to be a foam mat in the base of the machine with the old, broken belt laying on it. When I pulled out the old belt I discovered the 'foam' was actually a thick layer of lint and dust. Again I vacuumed out everything I could. I had emptied our vacuum cleaner before starting the job but the dust was so thick and plentiful that I had to empty it again before I could get everything out of the machine.
Okay, here is when I get to the Exploding Extinguishers part.
We are in the process of buying a bigger house and it is very likely that our utility room will be further removed from us than our current setup. Seeing how much lint and dust builds up in our dryer (even after constant cleaning) has forced me to give fire safety some extra consideration. My plan for the new home is to not only ensure that a smoke alarm is fitted in the utility room but purchase an Exploding Extinguisher and mount it above the tumble dryer.
These devices are simple polystyrene spheres filled with the same powder found in an extinguisher canister. They also contain a small black-powder charge and fuses that run around the outside of the ball. The idea is that you place them close to a fire risk and should a fire start, the flames will burn through the light plastic wrapping and ignite the fuses. These in turn will cause the black-powder charge to detonate and explode the ball full of extinguishant over the surrounding area.
The two main manufacturers seem to be Elide and AFO. Here is a demonstration video from Elide:
As you can see from the video the ball can either be fixed to a wall or ceiling (using the supplied wire mount), placed on shelves or in a cupboard, or even thrown into a fire. They are even safe enough to be close by when they go off (there are plenty of other videos showing people exploding them with little to no protective clothing - not something we would recommend trying for yourself).
One of my favourite features described in the sales blurb is, "...sounding a loud audible alert (as an explosion) - drawing attention to the danger".
Another list of things we purchased. This time DIY and loft related.