There are helpful tips you can follow to prevent dryer fires to keep your home safe.
Laundry is just one of the many aspects of our weekly grind. Between rushing to load towels and school uniforms, we often neglect to maintain our dryers regularly, allowing them to stay in excellent working condition. Unfortunately, dryer fires are more prevalent than you might think. However, there are helpful tips you can follow to prevent dryer fires to keep your home safe.
Maintain a Clean Dryer Ventilation
Over time, flammable lint can build up inside your dryer’s ventilation duct (the tube connecting your dryer to the exterior dryer vent) and the vent itself. It’s critical to clean the lint out routinely to prevent dryer fires. You can generally disconnect the duct and vacuum it out. Nevertheless, make sure to practice the manufacturer’s recommendations for disconnecting and cleaning the vent and duct.
Limit Using the Dryer When There’s No Lint Screen
The lint screen is a filter that prevents lint from entering your dryer’s ventilation system. This is because a clogged lint screen poses a fire hazard and may overwork your dryer, resulting in increased energy consumption. Always double-check that the lint screen is clean before you begin a new load.
If you often use the dryer to dry fresh towels or fabrics made from wool, fleece, or other fuzzy materials, you may need to clean the lint screen partway through the drying cycle. After you clean it, place the lint screen partway back in immediately. If you lose it, please purchase a new one before using your dryer again.
Closely Monitor Clothes in Contact with Combustible Substances
Did you know that combustible substances can catch fire inside your dryer? If you must machine-dry a fabric that’s been in contact with flammable substances, machine-wash it several times (with soap) before throwing it in the dryer.
Additionally, the fuller your load of laundry, the longer it will take to dry. The longer your load takes to dry, the hotter your dryer may become. Play it safe and consider dividing a larger load into two smaller loads to prevent dryer fires.
Look Out for Warning Signs
Your home has a high risk of a dryer fire if it experiences these warning signs:
- You smell burning in your laundry room
- The exterior of your dryer gets very hot
- The laundry room is unusually humid
- Drying your clothes takes longer than normal, or they don’t dry thoroughly
- Your outdoor dryer vent doesn’t open fully when your dryer is active (this can indicate that the exhaust is not coming out quickly enough due to a clog)
Consider employing a qualified professional to perform a yearly cleaning of your clothes dryer, particularly if you notice any of the above warning signs.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, call Judd Fire Protection at 410-871-3480. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Pinterest.