You Can Easily Prevent A Dryer Fire

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

You can easily avoid a dryer fire with a few simple steps and preventative maintenance.

You Can Easily Prevent A Dryer Fire

When was the last time you cleaned out your lint filter on your dryer? What about the exhaust vent or dryer duct? Hopefully, it was recently. Your dryer can effortlessly become a potential hazard, and unfortunately, dryer fires make up a large number of residential fires each year. You can easily avoid a dryer fire with a few simple steps and preventative maintenance. Below we discuss the most common causes of dryer fires and how you can easily prevent them. 

Causes of Dryer Fires 

Mechanical and Electrical Failure: 

Like anything with moving parts and electronic components, faulty wiring and damaged machinery can start a fire in your home. You should have these dryer parts regularly checked and repaired if necessary. 

Improper Use: 

If you are using your dryer outside of the manufacturer's recommended guidelines, you could be in danger of starting a dryer fire in your home. You should never place items made out of plastic, rubber, foam or any items with instructions advising against drying with heat. You should also avoid overstuffing the dryer. 

Dirty Lint Filters and Vents:

Clogged vents, ducts, and filters are the number one cause of dryer fires. Usually, this results from a buildup of lint, but a fire can start due to an accumulation of dirt, grass, or anything that remains after going through the washer. The outside filter can also be clogged, which restricts airflow and leads to hazardous conditions. 

How To Prevent Dryer Fires

Make Sure Your Dryer Is Properly Installed: 

If you install your dryer incorrectly, it can lead to several complications or start a fire in your home. Many stores offer in-home installation; always take advantage of that whenever possible. 

You need to plug your dryer into a 240-volt electrical outlet. Plugging a dryer into a 120-volt outlet could cause several problems. You need to make sure the ventilation duct is attached securely to the dryer and to the exterior exhaust vent. When placing your dryer in your home, make sure it is not too close to other appliances or shelves. 

Clean The Lint Filter After Each Use: 

 If there is not enough airflow, heat will build up in a dryer. The lint filter is the first place blockages occur. When you don't clean the lint out of the filter, lint builds up in the filter and creates a tinder bundle that can cause a fire. Always clean the lint filter out before or after every load of laundry. 

Clean The Vent and Duct: 

Over time, lint sneaks past the lint filter in your dryer and can build up in the inside duct between the dryer and exterior vent outside your home. Have you noticed your clothes are taking longer to dry, or are your clothes not drying completely? You may have an obstruction in your dryer venting system. Additionally, if you begin to smell a burning smell coming from your dryer or if you notice that your clothes and the outside of the dryer are too hot, stop the dryer immediately, unplug the dryer and check the duct and vent after they have cooled down. It is recommended you clean the dryer duct once every three months. You should check your outside vent for clogs or other obstructions. 

Use Your Dryer Correctly: 

You need to pay close attention to the product care labels on each item of your clothing. Not only could you ruin the item in the washer or dryer, but you could start a fire in your home. If your clothes have flammable compounds on them, such as gas, oil, or alcohol, do not put them in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can set them on fire. Instead, wash them multiple times and dry them outside on a clothesline or use a drying rack. Finally, never run your dryer while you are sleeping or are out of the house. 

If you have fire damage in your home - don't panic! After the first responders leave, call SERVPRO of South Greenville County (864) 292 - 3137. We will make it "Like it never even happened."