Can dust catch on fire?
By missybear
@missybear (11391)
United States
November 9, 2012 6:28pm CST
I have these 2 tall standing lamp in my living room and they both have that bowl shaped Lampshade.
They are very tall and unless I stand on something or lean them over I can't reach.....so needless so say I never dust inside the shade
.
Every time I turn 1 on it seems like I can smell the dust burn...so that's why I ask
"CAN DUST CATCH FIRE"
.
Every time I turn 1 on it seems like I can smell the dust burn...so that's why I ask
"CAN DUST CATCH FIRE"1 person likes this
5 responses
@CookingIsMyPassion (653)
• United States
10 Nov 12
Yes, dust can definitely catch on fire. Normal dust like in your lamps, or excess dust anywhere close to open flames or light fixtures, hot water heaters, furnaces too.
Laundry lint is a big cause of house fires. People don't empty the lint filter and have lost their homes because it it.
People with cats and dogs that shed can also have issues if they don't keep up with the shedding animals.
It sounds like it is time for you to tip those lamps down against a chair and clean the shades real good and the inner part if it is holding the dust in.
@missybear (11391)
• United States
10 Nov 12
Sounds like a lot of work but I guess I really should since I haven't done it in years...but the outside is nice and clean
@CookingIsMyPassion (653)
• United States
10 Nov 12
The outside of a cloth shade may look clean but if you take a slightly damp rag and wipe it you will discover that the finer dust does attach itself to that too and also can yellow the color without being noticeable. Cooking steam has a way of traveling, smoke if you are a smoker and just normal accumulation of dust itself adheres. Go over the whole thing, it might surprise you since you haven't done it in years and you are doing this for your own safety and that of everyone who lives with you. You never know when it can catch fire or who will be around to put it out.
@wonttakelong (3555)
• United States
10 Feb 13
dust and lint a HIGHLY combustible!
I do dust my lamps and clean my lint trap on my dryer frequently
there was a house fire in town not long ago that was started from an overfull dryer lint trap cumbusting
luckily it was caught and put out before too much damage could be done
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
16 Nov 12
It might get really hot and burn but I would not imagine there was enough to actually catch fire and burn for any length of time.
Maybe the insects in there will get hot but I really doubt they will catch fire..
I would gently lay the lamp stand on the floor and dust or vacuum the inside of the bowl...or not.
@missybear (11391)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I never thought about the insects or using the vacuum, that's a good idea.....I hate dusting
@missybear (11391)
• United States
11 Nov 12
It's been a few years since I dusted in there but I rarely turn the lamps on anyways
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
12 Nov 12
Oh yes, dust most definitely can catch fire, but it would be something that would be far more likely that it would catch on fire when it is exposed to an open flame than it is to catch on fire when in contact with a lightbulb that will simply get hot over the course of time.
That said, I do think that it is important to dust out the lampshade from time to time. I realize that it is an inconvenience, but it could be something that would reduce a lot of heartache over the course of time.
