Preventing Dryer Fires

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Beyond cleaning out the lint filter before and after every use, there are several other steps that you can take to avoid a fire igniting.

It’s known that residential fires can be devastating, spreading to other areas of the home in the blink of an eye and inflicting serious damage in their wake. One cause of residential fires that may come as a surprise is your clothes dryer. Out of all residential fires that emanate from the laundry room, dryer fires count for an impressive 92%, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. We use our clothes dryers every day, so it is important to know how to prevent an unwanted fire in the laundry room. Let’s talk about what causes dryer fires so that you can use that information to keep your home safe.

Clean That Lint Filter!

The leading cause of dryer fires is not cleaning them, which is something that can easily be remedied. Every time that you use the dryer, lint accumulates in the lint trap, which in turn reduces airflow. Lint is highly flammable, so it is of the utmost importance that you clean the lint filter not once a week or even once every few days, but before and after every use. This simple action can make a huge difference in keeping your dryer working efficiently and decreasing the chances of a dryer fire.

Other Ways to Prevent Dryer Fires

Beyond cleaning out the lint filter before and after every use, there are several other steps that you can take to avoid a fire igniting.

• Move Flammable Objects Away from the Dryer

Sometimes, the laundry room can become a storage area for household cleaning supplies and other flammable liquids. Be sure to keep these items away from the dryer in order to decrease the likelihood of a fire spreading quickly, should one ignite.

• Pay Close Attention To Clothing Labels

Most fabric items, such as clothes, towels, and linens, include a tag that details specific directions for washing and drying. These drying directions can vary from “high heat” to “tumble dry low”. It is important to follow those instructions, as drying an item on “high heat” when it actually calls for “tumble dry low” could result in a fire.

• Check the Outdoor Vent Flap

Clothes dryers have an outdoor vent flap, which enables hot air and lint to escape the unit. In order to prevent a fire, it is critical that the vent flap is not blocked by debris of any sort.

If Disaster Strikes…

Accidents happen. While dryer fires and any fire damage that they bring upon your home can be upsetting, remember that SERVPRO is always just a call away. Working quickly, our team of fire damage experts will restore your home, making your dryer fire “Like it never even happened.” Learn more about our residential fire damage services here and call SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East for professional fire damage restoration today.