Laundry is part of our weekly routines, and while some people still hang their clothes outside to dry, most of us dry our clothes in a clothes dryer. Many people are already aware of the dangers of house fires from candles, a fireplace or cooking on a stove, but there are more than 2,900 home fires that are reported each year that cause an estimated 5 deaths and 100 injuries as a result of a fire in the clothes dryer, leading to more than $35 million annually in fire damage.
Most of the time, these house fires occur because the lint trapped in the dryer vent can become heated to the point where it ignites. By following these safety tips, however, you can prevent fire damage in Springfield Missouri from your clothes dryer.
Clothes Dryer Installation
When your clothes dryer is first installed, getting it installed by a professional is a good idea. The clothes dryer should be grounded properly and there should be rigid or flexible metal vents hooked up. This helps make sure the airflow is correct and it also reduces the drying time for your clothes. For gas dryers, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect the gas line and connection to ensure they are in good shape and that there are no leaks. Your clothes dryer should be plugged in using the correct type of plug and outlet, and the connection with the outlet should be secure.
Clothes Dryer Best Practices
Before using your clothes dryer, make sure the outdoor vent flap is not covered up and can open freely. Move anything that can burn that might be close to your dryer. This includes clothes, cleaning supplies, and boxes. If any clothes have come in contact with flammable substances, they should be rinsed first and laid outside to dry thoroughly before being washed and dried.
Most clothes dryers have a lint filter to help catch the lint before it gets into the vents. It’s important to never use the dryer without this filter installed, as it could lead to buildup, blockage, and a fire in the vents. The lint filter should be cleaned before or after every load of laundry that has dried. If any lint has collected around the drum, remove that as well. Lint is incredibly flammable, so it’s important to make sure it’s fully removed.
When using the clothes dryer, be careful to avoid overloading it. Always follow the operating instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you’re going to bed or need to leave home, turn off the clothes dryer. It’s better to have your clothes finish drying later than to have a fire start while no one is home or awake to stop it from spreading.
Clothes Dryer Maintenance
Since lint is highly flammable, it can catch on fire if it gets hot enough. At least yearly, or whenever you notice that it’s taking longer for your clothes to dry, clean the lint from the vent pipes. You may want to have a lint removal service do this to make sure it’s done right.
The right precautions can help prevent a clothes dryer fire, but if you ever need help with fire damage restoration following a clothes dryer fire, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration to do the job right.