Preventing Fire in Your Clothes Dryer

6/2/2016 (Permalink)

Dryer Fires are more common than you think!

Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, causes excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.

To help prevent fires:

• Clean the lint screen/ filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires more time than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or exhaust duct is blocked.
• Cleaning the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically. Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. to remove a blockage in the exhaust path it may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer. Remember to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and the outside vent before using it again.
• Cleaning behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dry clean and free of clutter.
• Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crashing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.
• Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash the clothing and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in laundry basket.