Dryer Safety Tips

Not having your dryer vent cleaned often enough is not only going to cost you money, it could be putting you and your family at risk. Here are some dryer safety facts and tips to help protect your home and family.

The Facts About Dryer Fires

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. Failure to clean the dryer is the leading cause of these fires. The most common time for clothes dryer fires occurs in the fall and winter months, peaking in January.

How to Prevent a Dryer Fire

In the Beginning

To help stop dryer fires, you need to start at the beginning with how your dryer is installed. Always have your dryer installed by a professional. Make sure the correct electrical plug and outlet are used and that the dryer is connected properly. Also, make sure you understand how the dryer works. Familiarize yourself with the manufactuers’ instructions and warnings when you get a new dryer.

Things Not to Do

• Do not use a dryer without a lint filter.
• Never overload your dryer.
• Do not use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper.
• Don’t dry anything that contains foam, rubber, or plastic.
• Do not dry glass fiber materials.
• Do not dry items that have come in contact with anything that is flammable.
• Do not leave a dryer running if you have to leave home or when you go to bed.

Keep it Clean

You should clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. In addition to cleaning the lint filter, you should also clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. You should have your dryer cleaned by a professional regularly, especially if your dryer is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry. This is where we come in.

When Is It Time to Get Your Dryer Vent Cleaned?

It is recommended that you get your dryer vent serviced by a professional at least once a year. However, if you use your dryer more often than the average person, you may need to have it done more. Signs that you need to have your vents cleaned include:

1. Your dryer is taking longer than normal.
2. Your dryer is dripping water.
3. Your dryer or clothes smell like they are burning.
4. Your dryer feels hot to the touch.
5. You never see any lint on your lint screen.

All of our services include a full cleaning of the dryer, main dryer vent, and exit vent. They also include a full test of the dyer and dryer vent airflow to ensure your dryer is not only safe but is running as efficiently as possible.

Call 919-656-3794 to schedule your service today.

Schedule Service

Source: U.S. Fire Administration