Is my hairdryer dangerous?

[Scarlett]

I accidentally put it on speed 1 and heat 2 (1 is slower and cooler) and after about 10 seconds it cut out and the whole of the dryer was REALLY boiling hot. I tried it later on on the two lowest settings and after about 1 min the dryer was again very very hot. It is a good make (Carmen Curls?) but is old now. Any thoughts? Are they supposed to get that hot on the outside?

[The Builder]

Just a guess. Scarlett, but probably the thermostat (cut-out). For anything with a heating element, it's usually the first thing to go. Time for the bin, I guess :o(

[ChuckFickens]

Personally I'd be having it apart and giving the whole thing a good clean out, just like anything that draws air through it hair dyers also draw dust and fluff through them which eventually either restricts the air flow enough for them to overheat or coats the thermostat so it can't operate properly.

However, if you are not 100% confident about taking electrical equipment apart then don't try and do it yourself, either give it to somebody that can do it safely, or replace it as TB says.

[tommy-h]

agree with chuck.If its old toss it and replace.

[wolf63]

It is not worth chancing it - one of my driers turned into a flame thrower very quickly. Buying a new one is a complicated thing though - so much choice.

[breeze_]

Same thing happened with me.I initially thought it was a safety feature which cut the hairdryer off when it was overheating.

I cleaned the filter as well and it was fine for a while but I really wasn't confident so I bought a new one.Nothing,obviously, is worth the risk with electrical implements.There's some super deals out there.Have a look at Argos on line,i'm sure you'll be swayed.

[Scarlett]

Thanks everyone! I'll go a-shopping :)

[Quassia]

Yep! Lob it :0)