Preventing Dryer Fires

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping Dryer Fires at Bay

A lint fire is a dangerous and preventable situation. Nearly 34 percent of the 2,900 dryer fires that occur annually are because homeowners fail to maintain and clean their dryers correctly. Therefore, it is vital to understand the areas of your dryer that should be regularly inspected and to understand when professional maintenance should be performed.

1. Lint Filter

The most apparent cause of any dryer fire is a dirty lint filter. Lint is essentially kindling for the fire, and if not removed frequently and thoroughly it can ignite in the high heat of a dryer. Therefore, you should clean the lint from the filter before and after every use. Also, biannually, you may want to use a nylon brush to clean any residual dust from the crevices of the filter.

2. Behind Dryer

Many people incorrectly assume that a fire stemming from dryer use must occur inside the dryer, but this is not true. A lint fire can begin outside of the appliance and often does, especially when there is a buildup of dust and debris behind the unit, nestled around the vent tube and pipe. Therefore, at least once a month, it is a good idea to pull the dryer out and clean.

3. Vent Pipe

While a vent pipe may be protected from massive buildups of lint because of the dryer filter, it can still develop mounds of dust and lint remnants that have the potential to start a fire, especially if these mounds block the exhaust, allowing heat to build in the pipe and dryer. Therefore, you should aim to clean the vent pipe at least once every three months.

4. Maintenance

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your dryer is not functioning as it should. If this occurs, you may want to contact an appliance repair company or a plumbing specialist in the Hendersonville area to look over your appliance and determine a cause for the issue.

A lint fire can lead to substantial loss. However, it can be prevented through due diligence and a proper cleaning schedule. Don’t fall victim to one of the leading causes of home fires, clean your lint and dryer vent routinely.