Preventing Dryer Fires

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

Dryer Fire

Every year firefighters across the country respond to 13,820 home fires caused by dryers according to the National Fire Protection Association.

To help prevent these type of fires here are four best practices to ensure safety in the laundry room

1. Clean the lint filter

Not once a month, or once a week, but clean the lint after every load. Not only will it help prevent a fire, but your laundry will dry faster

2. Replace accordion style ducts

Generally, dryers are equipped with a 4-inch vent in the back, which homeowners or installers connect to the exterior vent with a duct. But not all ducts will do.

If you see a plastic or foil accordion-style duct connecting your appliance to the vent, it’s a good idea to replace it. These are risky because they can sag, allowing lint to build up at low points and trapping lint in their ridges.

3. Clean the dryer duct annually

If you notice your clothes are taking longer to dry, there maybe a blockage in the dryer vent system.  If you don't see exhaust from the outside, the vent maybe blocked with lint. Disconnect your dryer from the power source, disconnect the duct from the dryer and vacuum both the dryer and duct as much as you can access. While back there, it would be a good idea to clean behind and under the dryer

4. Handle chemical stains with care

Clothes stained with gas, cooking oils or other flammable agents need to be handled with caution. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends washing such clothing more than once and then hanging to dry. If a dryer must be used, use the lowest setting and a cycle that concludes with a cool-down period.

Contact SERVPRO of Christian, Todd, Logan, and Simpson counties for all your fire and smoke issues. We can be reached at 270-885-8811