Advisory Summary
Miele has issued a safety notice to all owners of vented tumble dryers regarding the critical importance of maintaining unobstructed exhaust ducting. A blocked or partially restricted exhaust vent forces the dryer to work harder, increases internal temperatures beyond design limits, and creates a serious fire risk from lint accumulation in the duct.
Affected Models
This safety notice applies to all Miele vented tumble dryers, including:
- T 8000 series (T 8801, T 8802, T 8812, T 8822, T 8860 WP)
- T1 vented models (TCB, TDA, TDB ranges)
- Professional vented dryers (PT 7135, PT 7186, PT 8253, PT 8333)
Warning Signs
Check your exhaust ducting immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Clothes are taking significantly longer to dry than usual
- The dryer exterior feels unusually hot during operation
- There is a musty or burning smell during drying cycles
- The exhaust vent flap outside your home does not open during dryer operation
- Visible lint buildup around the exhaust outlet or vent connections
Required Maintenance
To maintain safe operation of your vented tumble dryer:
- Clean the lint filter before or after every drying cycle without exception.
- Inspect the full length of the exhaust duct at least once per year. Disconnect the duct from the dryer and the wall outlet and remove any lint buildup using a vent cleaning brush or vacuum.
- Ensure the duct run is as short and straight as possible. Each 90-degree bend significantly reduces airflow. Do not exceed Miele’s recommended maximum duct length for your model.
- Replace foil or plastic flexible ducts with rigid or semi-rigid metal ducting. Flexible ducts sag, trap lint in ridges, and are more prone to crushing.
- Confirm the exterior vent flap opens freely and is not blocked by debris, ice, or bird nesting material.
Professional Inspection
If you are unable to inspect or clean the full duct run yourself, contact a qualified HVAC technician or Miele service. Miele recommends professional duct cleaning every 2–3 years, or annually for households that use the dryer daily.