A dryer is essential for getting your laundry done, especially in the winter months when hanging your clothes outside isn’t very practical. But this appliance can also be a serious fire hazard. Dryers cause more than 12,000 fires each year, leading to possible injuries, deaths and millions of dollars in property damage. Most of the time, the fires start due to improper dryer maintenance.
Here are some recommendations for preventing dryer fires:
Clean in and around the dryer
Lint is highly combustible. If a large amount accumulates in the dryer vent or air exhaust vent pipe, it can keep hot air from being released, overheating the dryer and triggering sparks which ignite lint or other items inside or around the dryer.
Clean the lint trap of your dryer before or after each use and remove lint from around the drum. Check the exhaust pipe every so often to make sure it’s not blocked and check the outdoor vent flap for any obstructions. You should also periodically clean underneath and behind the dryer, as clothes and lint can get into those areas. Vacuum your dryer’s motor area a few times each year.
Use metal dryer ducts
Smooth metal is the best material for fire-safe dryer ducts. If the ducts have ridges or are made of foil or plastic, they can get saggy, which creates low points where lint gets trapped. In addition, during a fire, foil or plastic will melt very quickly, whereas a rigid galvanized metal duct is more likely to withstand and contain the flame.
Be smart when operating the dryer
With your busy schedule, you may be tempted to leave your dryer running while you step out of the house or go to bed. But this is unwise, as the dryer could malfunction and catch fire at a time when you are least alert or able to do anything about it. Never leave your dryer unattended.
For more information about dryer maintenance, contact The Appliance Doctor. The knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and advise you on proper appliance care. For more information, call 905-574-2474.
Here are some recommendations for preventing dryer fires:
Clean in and around the dryer
Lint is highly combustible. If a large amount accumulates in the dryer vent or air exhaust vent pipe, it can keep hot air from being released, overheating the dryer and triggering sparks which ignite lint or other items inside or around the dryer.
Clean the lint trap of your dryer before or after each use and remove lint from around the drum. Check the exhaust pipe every so often to make sure it’s not blocked and check the outdoor vent flap for any obstructions. You should also periodically clean underneath and behind the dryer, as clothes and lint can get into those areas. Vacuum your dryer’s motor area a few times each year.
Use metal dryer ducts
Smooth metal is the best material for fire-safe dryer ducts. If the ducts have ridges or are made of foil or plastic, they can get saggy, which creates low points where lint gets trapped. In addition, during a fire, foil or plastic will melt very quickly, whereas a rigid galvanized metal duct is more likely to withstand and contain the flame.
Be smart when operating the dryer
With your busy schedule, you may be tempted to leave your dryer running while you step out of the house or go to bed. But this is unwise, as the dryer could malfunction and catch fire at a time when you are least alert or able to do anything about it. Never leave your dryer unattended.
For more information about dryer maintenance, contact The Appliance Doctor. The knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and advise you on proper appliance care. For more information, call 905-574-2474.