Why Is My Dishwasher on Fire: How to Avoid Appliance Fires

Is your dishwasher on fire? Yikes! A dishwasher fire isn’t exactly the after-dinner “spark” you were hoping for, right?

Whether it is smoke or actual flames, an electrical fire in your appliance can be super scary.

You might catch a funky smell before your dishwasher decides to play with fire.

From recalls to repairs, let us dive into what might have made your trusty appliance decide to become a pyromaniac. 

Key Takeaways:

• Regular maintenance and proper use can prevent dishwasher fires.
• Common causes include electrical issues, overheating components, and grease buildup.
• Recalled models should be addressed immediately to avoid fire risks.
• Never leave the dishwasher running unattended.

Why Is My Dishwasher on Fire?

Want to keep your dishwasher from catching fire? Here are some super simple tips to keep in mind:

• Clean out that grease trap often! It is a must.
• Don’t put stuff like wooden spoons, acrylic, or aluminium in the dishwasher.
• And never ever turn on your dishwasher and leave the house. Don’t do it.

If your dishwasher does catch fire (let’s hope not!), here’s what to do: If it’s a small fire, you can try smothering it with a heavy blanket—just make sure the flames aren’t big enough to catch the blanket on fire.

For bigger fires, grab a Type C fire extinguisher and use that.

A structured approach to maintenance and safety is essential to prevent dishwasher fires. The following table outlines key preventive measures, derived from safety guidelines and expert recommendations:

Preventive Measure	Details
Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions	Adhere to safety notices and usage tips provided by the manufacturer.
Register Dishwasher	Register on the manufacturer’s website for recall notifications.
Regular Inspections	Check components, especially plastic detergent release, to prevent leaks.
Professional Inspection	Seek professional help if the dishwasher malfunctions.
Proper Plugging	Plug into a grounded wall socket; avoid extension cords as permanent use.
Check Electrical Load	Ensure outlets can handle the dishwasher’s electrical requirements.
Inspect Power Cord	Regularly check for wear or damage; replace frayed cords immediately.
Clean and Maintain	Clean weekly with vinegar/baking soda or store-bought cleaner; wipe leaks.
Install Smoke Alarms	Use kitchen-specific smoke alarms in the room with the dishwasher.
Keep Fire Extinguishers	Have one on every level, including the kitchen, and know how to use them.
Annual Checks	Perform thorough inspections at least once a year for internal components.
Turn Off When Unattended	Always turn off before leaving or sleeping to prevent unsupervised operation.

When consistently applied, these measures can significantly reduce the fire risk, ensuring the dishwasher remains a safe and efficient appliance.

Electrical problems

Electrical issues like faulty wiring, worn power cords, or electrical shorts can cause sparks and even start a fire in your dishwasher.

Solution:

• Check the Circuit Breaker: If your dishwasher keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it might be an overloaded circuit or a faulty breaker. It’s best to get an electrician to check the voltage levels and overall electrical system.
• Inspect the Power Cord: Take a good look at the power cord. Any fraying, damage, or wear? If so, replacing that worn-out cord can help prevent electrical shorts and fires.
• Look for Wiring Issues: Inside the dishwasher, faulty or damaged wiring can cause short circuits and sparks. You’ll want an electrician to inspect the internal wiring. They can spot and fix any problems to keep things safe.
• Test Electrical Components: Grab a multimeter and check the continuity of heating elements, thermostats, and other electrical parts. If you find any faulty components, replacing them can prevent overheating and fire hazards.
• Ensure Proper Grounding: Make sure your dishwasher is plugged into a properly grounded outlet. Avoid using extension cords or makeshift connections, as these can increase the fire risk.

Overheating components

A common cause of dishwasher fires is when parts overheat, especially the heating elements that dry your dishes. 

Solution:

Malfunctioning Thermostat: thermostat keeps the water temperature in check during the wash cycle. If it’s busted, the dishwasher can overheat. You’ll need a qualified tech to replace it.

Faulty Heating Element: This part heats the water and dries the dishes. If it malfunctions and gets too hot, it can start a fire.

Improper Water Temperature: Sometimes the water coming in is too hot, making the dishwasher overheat. Check your water heater settings and adjust the temperature to what’s right for your dishwasher.

Overloading the Dishwasher: Cramming in too many dishes can overwork the appliance and cause it to overheat. Avoid overloading it and stick to the manufacturer’s recommended capacity.

Lack of Maintenance: Not cleaning your dishwasher regularly can lead to grease and food buildup, which can catch fire when the heating elements get too hot.

Grease buildup

Do you know how grease buildup can be a fire hazard in your dishwasher? Yep, it’s a real thing. Grease and food bits can collect inside, especially on those heating elements used for drying dishes. And guess what? All that gunk can catch fire if it gets too hot.

To keep things safe and sound, here’s what you should do:

Clean your dishwasher regularly, at least once a month. This is super important to prevent that nasty buildup.

Remove the bottom dish rack and check the drain for any gunk or debris. Clear it out—don’t let it sit there!

Run a hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack. This helps eliminate grease and grime. It’s a lifesaver.

Sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short, hot water cycle. This will freshen up the interior. Trust me, it works wonders.

Use an Affresh dishwasher cleaning tablet every now and then. It helps keep that grease buildup in check.

Wipe down the bottom of the dishwasher door every so often to get rid of any grease that might accumulate there. Don’t forget this step!

Avoid overloading your dishwasher. When it’s too full, it has to work harder, which can lead to overheating. And overheating + grease = fire hazard.

Overloading

When they’re packed in tight, they can knock against each other during the wash cycle, and that can lead to chipping, cracking, or denting. Glassware and metal stuff are especially prone to getting damaged when overloaded.

Here’s some tips to help you out:

1. Load your dishes according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and make sure to leave some space between items. This way, you’ll get proper water and air circulation.
2. Don’t put too many pots, pans, and utensils in at once. It’s tempting, but try to resist!
3. Make sure the spray arms can rotate freely without any obstructions.
4. Use the right amount of dishwasher detergent, and avoid using too much.
5. Run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded, but not overloaded.

Immediate Actions in Case of a Fire

Given the severity of a dishwasher fire, immediate actions are crucial to ensure safety:

• Do Not Open the Door: Opening the dishwasher door can introduce oxygen, potentially spreading the fire.
• Turn Off Power: If safe, turn off the power at the circuit breaker or unplug the appliance to cut the electrical supply.
• Evacuate and Call Emergency Services: If the fire is significant or uncontrollable, evacuate the home immediately and call 911. Do not attempt to fight the fire if it poses a risk to personal safety.
• Use a Fire Extinguisher: For small, contained fires, a Class C fire extinguisher, suitable for electrical fires, can be used. However, this should only be attempted if you are trained and feel safe, and always call 911 afterward to ensure the fire is fully extinguished and has not spread.

Which dishwashers have a fire risk recall?

there are Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau, Kenmore, and Jenn-Air dishwashers – over 61,000 units are recalled. The problem is with the power cord, it can overheat and start a fire. 

Then we’ve got GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile, and Hotpoint dishwashers – about 1.3 million units recalled.

There’s an issue with the heating element, it can fail and cause a fire hazard. GE got 15 reports about this, including 7 fires, and 3 of those caused a lot of property damage.

According to Kiro7 report, Last but not least, Cove Appliance 24-inch built-in dishwashers (models DW2450 and DW2450WS) – 42,000 units are recalled because the heating elements can overheat and cause a fire. Cove got 5 reports of burning smells, flames, and smoking.

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