Most Flammable Items Found In Homes

• Cooking oils
• Nail polish implements
• Bedding
• Lint from the tumble dryer
• Hand sanitiser
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There are many common household objects that are actually fire risks, some of which you may not necessarily know are flammable. You should exercise caution with potentially harmful items at home to prevent accidents.

In 2020, the Government research found that 34% of 25,555 accidental fires were the result of not using cooking appliances properly. Not paying attention while you're cooking can risk the lives of you and your family.

At ICE Cleaning, we're fire damage restoration specialists, dealing with everything from smoke and soot damage to waste removal. We operate nationwide, 365 days a year - available day or night to assist you.

Continue reading to learn some of the most hazardous items in homes.

Cooking oils

This is possibly the most obvious on the list, with lots of fire accidents happening in kitchens.

It is important to always monitor the stove when cooking, and to turn the hob off once you're finished. Make sure you thoroughly clean cooking equipment so that grease and dirt don't get stuck to it.

Also be careful around flour, as this is highly flammable as well. When its particles are in the air, it can react with a combusting substance. Take the time to ensure your kitchen is spotless after cooking, as this will reduce the chance of fires starting due to flour.

Another important measure to note is to keep fire safety equipment near you at all times in case cooking oils ignite. They have a low flash point, and can cause serious consequences if they combust.

Bedding

Surprisingly, bedding can be highly flammable. Materials like cotton and linen, which sheets are often made of, are highly dangerous when near an ignition source.

As a general rule of thumb, it's best not to smoke near your bed, or to have candles lit close by. Keep the bed away from heat sources too, such as fireplaces.

In the event of a fire, our fire damage cleaning technicians can be there within an hour to begin work. Our cleaning teams use the latest equipment and solutions to deal with fire damage, working effectively to restore your premises to a safe condition.

If a fire does start, do not enter the property until it has been deemed safe to do so by the emergency authorities. Additionally, it is recommended you have it checked out by a structural engineer to assess the damage done to the building.

To read more about how to clean up following a fire, with steps that you should take, check out our blog here.

Nail polish implements

Even though using nail polish is fun, it does come with its dangers. You must always be cautious when using it, as accidents can easily happen.

The vapours emitted by nail polish equipment, including remover, are highly flammable. The varnish contains acetone, which can catch on fire at room temperature.

When using nail polish, keep it at a safe distance from ignition sources such as candles and heaters. 

Thoroughly clean your hands after painting your nails, and secure the polish in a safe place. Also, keep it out of reach of small children, as it can be damaging to human health.

Lint from the tumble dryer

Particles, dust and dirt collect in the tumble dryer when it dries your clothes. This can quickly become clogged and is another one of the extremely flammable household items you can come across.

You should get into a practice of emptying the lint drawer every time you use the tumble dryer to reduce the chances of a fire. 

It might be a good idea to have the appliance looked over by a professional for issues periodically. They will identify any problems and advise you on how they can be fixed.

If your tumble dryer is old and continues to break, it could be time to invest in a new one. If you're renting, speak to your landlord about possibly replacing the dryer. Whether it is replaced may be dependent on the terms of your lease.

Hand sanitiser

Hand sanitiser, which is more frequently used since the COVID-19 pandemic, is a highly flammable liquid. Maybe you still use it, or just have some lying about the house, but you should be careful with it regardless.

While hand sanitiser is good at killing microorganisms off your hands, the ethanol in it can cause a fire when it reacts with static electricity. 

To protect your safety, keep hand sanitiser from ignition sources to prevent accidents. Also, don't let it touch your eyes, as this can cause skin irritation according to the FDA.

For more information on how to use hand sanitiser safely, take a look at this article written by Health Line. It is vital to be aware of the risks, because ingesting the substance can result in alcohol poisoning.

Contact us today

Call us today on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to book our fire damage cleaning services. Our dedicated customer service team work round the clock to help you.