Firefighters were called to a launderette earlier after a fire broke out in a tumble dryer.
The incident at Meads Launderette in Meads Lane, Seven Kings happened just after 5pm.
The blaze was noticed by an employee from next door roofing contractors N T Fursse and Son who controlled it using an extinguisher.
A crew from Ilford Fire Station then arrived to put it out.
Crew manager David Weighill said: “The fire was caused by a combustible chemical on some towels which hadn’t been washed properly.
“This is very unusual and unfortunate for the guy working here.
“He said he had been here 15 years and this had never happened.
“All the damage was confined to the tumble dryer and no one was in the premises at the time.”
Launderette owner Dave Tarbard said: “It was worrying when I had heard what happened but it’s OK now.
“We will clear up and start again tomorrow.”
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