Tips for Preventing Dryer Vent Fires
DRYER VENT FIRE PREVENTION TIPS
Most insurance companies require condominium associations to perform dryer vent cleaning once a year to prevent fires. Lint builds up in dryers from the first time the dryer is actually used. Even if the lint screen is cleaned with every use, the finest particles of lint still pass through into the vent itself. If the exhaust duct becomes even 50% blocked, it will cause the dryer thermostat to heat up excessively causing the lint in the vent to catch fire.
To Prevent Fires
Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes.
If clothing is still damp at the end of the typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked.
Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically.
Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If not, the exhaust duct may be blocked.
Clean up behind the dryer, where lint can build up.
Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter.
Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid duct.
Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the air flow.
Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals.
Substances like gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents and finishing oils or stains need to be cleansed thoroughly and handled carefully. If possible wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and preferably, hang the clothes to dry. If using the dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in a laundry basket.
THIS DRYER FIRE COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY HAVING ITS DRYER VENTS CLEANED
