If you’re not careful to maintain the clothes dryer in your home, it can pose a serious fire hazard. Dryers fill up with flammable lint and dust with every use and heat up to around 550 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning they can turn from a useful household appliance to a devastating fire starter in the blink of an eye.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take in order to prevent dryer fires, provided you know the specific hazards they can pose.
Install Your Dryer Properly
Just like any large household appliance, your dryer will only work as it’s intended if it’s installed correctly. The difference is that when a dryer is improperly installed, it has the potential to cause a house fire. If you’re unsure of how to properly install your dryer, have a technician do it for you. They will make sure it is properly vented and not prone to dangerous clogging.
Avoid Clogs
Your dryer will inevitably accumulate dust and lint within its vents and in the lint trap. Your job is to make sure the accumulation does not reach a point where it becomes a fire hazard. Clean out your lint trap before and after every load of laundry, clean your vent pipes every 90 days and have a technician come in for annual maintenance, so they can clear out any potentially clogged areas you’re unable to reach.
Vent Properly
If your dryer is improperly vented, the chances of it overheating are significantly higher. Overheating combined with accumulated lint and dust is the recipe for a house fire. Be sure that your vent is not blocked by anything and that your ductwork is rigid and smooth rather than rigid and bendable.
If you’d like to know more about dryer vent safety, contact us today.