Save Your Home by Preventing Dryer Fires

Save Your Home by Preventing Dryer Fires

Every year, more than 2,900 home fires are started by clothes dryers. The leading cause of these fires are from a build of up lint from lack of maintenance. The removable lint filter unfortunately doesn’t catch all of the cloth and fabric particles, so maintenance requires a little more than just emptying the filter after each load. Whether you live in your own home or plan to purchase in the near future, it’s important to have safeguards in place for the utilities that you use that could put your home at risk. You want to make sure that the lint that gets trapped in crevices and in the exhaust ducting are thoroughly cleaned.

Here are a few warning signs that may indicate your dryer is at risk:

  • Clothes are taking a lot longer to dry, and sometimes not even drying all the way.
  • Clothes may be hotter by the end of the cycle.
  • The outside of the dryer starts to get really hot.
  • The outside exhaust vent flapper isn’t opening as much.
  • The laundry room feels humid.
  • There is a burnt smell in the laundry room.

If this seems to be the case, then these are the tools you need to clean it:

  • A vacuum with a long hose attachment.
  • Dryer vent brush kit.
  • Screwdriver
  • UL listed metal foil duct tape

Here are 4 steps to cleaning your dryer:

1. Remove the lint trap filter and make sure it’s completely clean. You want to make sure you’re cleaning the filter after every load to help prevent lint build up.

2. Vacuum the space that houses the lint trap filter. The filter doesn’t capture all of the particles, so this is the next place the lint will begin to accumulate.

3. Disconnect the dryer duct and clean out the duct with a long hose from a vacuum. You can also use a duct brush to help you complete a more thorough job.

4. Make sure the ducting is connected to the dryer and the wall properly. You don’t want it cinched in any part of the duct, to prevent crevices where the lint can get stuck.

Protect the value your home by taking some simple cautionary steps to keep everything in good working order. And if you’re in need of a brand new laundry room altogether (located in a new home), don’t hesitate to give us a call.

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